The Visionary
News from Fort Wayne Community Schools
2024 FWCS Employee of the Year
Kela Guy, licensed therapist at Study Elementary School, is the 2024 FWCS Employee of the Year. Guy has worked at Fort Wayne Community Schools for 10 years and has been in her current position for three-and-a-half years. She serves as an ambassador for FWCS by providing high quality therapeutic services to students and families, as well as being an active community partner. Guy is known in the community for being a genuine mental health advocate. “I am called to advocate for student's mental health,” Guy said. “I truly see this as an opportunity to serve and on the most difficult days I can honestly say that I love coming to work and working with the students and families of FWCS.”
Study Elementary Principal Elizabeth Kleber described Guy as a person who is committed to promoting growth and success for each student and collaborates with a wide variety of people to put supports in place when needed. “She sees each child as special and worthy of love, and she makes sure they know that they are important,” said Kleber. That starts at the beginning of the school day when Guy greets students with a high five, fist bump or hug.
2024 FWCS Elementary Teacher of the Year
Franke Park Elementary School fourth-grade teacher Ricky Weber is the 2024 FWCS Elementary Teacher of the Year. Weber has worked for Fort Wayne Community Schools for five years and has been in his current position for two years. Weber’s teaching philosophy is heavily influenced by his more than 30 years of military service; he believes all students are entitled to an excellent education. “I believe that for students to reach their full potential they must grow mentally, socially and emotionally,” Weber said. “My goal is to provide a risk tolerant environment where all students feel welcome, valued and appreciated.”
Franke Park Principal Dee Dee Larkey said Weber is committed to advocating for each student in his classroom. “His passion for teaching is evident in the extra time and effort he invests to ensure that every student reaches their full potential,” she said. Weber believes for many students, elementary school is where they learn a sense of belonging, are introduced to the diversity of our community and make their first friendships outside their family.
2024 FWCS Secondary Teacher of the Year
Karyn Brumbaugh is the 2024 FWCS Secondary Teacher of the Year. She has worked at Fort Wayne Community Schools and taught interior design at Northrop High School for seven years. Brumbaugh strives to create an inclusive classroom that caters to all students by connecting learning to real-world, authentic experiences, such as the development of the Bear Essentials closet. “Students identified a need for clothing, hygiene products and food among their peers and created a club to establish and manage a resource closet,” Brumbaugh said. “This project exemplifies the power of these initiatives in addressing community needs within their school and promoting social responsibility.”
Northrop Principal Adam Swinford emphasized that what sets her apart from others is her commitment to working with students outside of regular school hours. Beyond her role as an educator, Brumbaugh is a passionate advocate for teachers and the teaching profession. She is also a team lead and well-respected member of the Northrop staff who coworkers look to for guidance.
Several Northrop High School art students have been recognized for their talents and awarded scholarships in the Bowen Health Clinic Empowerment Art Competition, co-sponsored by CareSource.
“It’s long been recognized that art provides a creative outlet for complex emotions,” said Dr. Rob Ryan, President and CEO at Bowen Center. “It’s a powerful form of expression and viewing art can reduce stress and increase our overall sense of well-being."
The students received scholarships from CareSource to be used as they wish to help further their artistic endeavors.
2nd Place
Sophomore Zoey (Kalob) Steigerwald received a $1,000 scholarship for an acrylic painting titled Let the Light In.
I am Heather Kiesel. I had a rough childhood. My mother was a single mom of three children, living off odd jobs. I was abused both physically and mentally. By the time I was 16-years-old, I was pregnant and we moving to another city. As a result, I never graduated from high school.
I worked odd jobs for years, barely making ends meet. I ended up having three more children. I moved from house to house and found myself in two abusive relationships. One of those relationships lasted 12 years. I got to the point that I had enough with the way my life was going and finally got the courage to leave.
I moved back to Fort Wayne with a clear head to change our life for good. I got jobs working at two hotels not even a week after getting home to Fort Wayne. I went back to get my high school diploma and finished in less than a month. Then, I enrolled at Ultimate Medical Academy to get my Associate Degree in Health and Human Resources.
My children and I were homeless living in our car and at my kids’ dad’s house until we finally got our home. I could not be prouder of myself and what I have accomplished. I will not stop no matter how hard it gets. I also found someone who I’ve known for years and got reunited. He is amazing and has been a huge positive support. Maybe one day there will be a wedding.
After everything I have gone through, what I did in returning to school was the best decision I have made, not only for myself but also for my children. Having an education is very important and it’s the best feeling in the world to have that accomplishment. You just have to want it. When you put your mind to it, anything is possible. If I can get two jobs, get a diploma, sign up for college and find a home, anyone can.
My experience during the HSE program was nothing but wonderful! Although learning has always come easy to me, I struggled a lot in school. My friends pushed me to get my HSE through this program. When I arrived I was nervous about orientation, but after a while my nerves calmed and it was great. The people were friendly. I had doubted my intelligence, but by being in the program I realized that getting my HSE was not only possible, but I was going to achieve it way faster than I had ever imagined!
Finn, 2024 HSE Graduate
The High School Equivalency diploma is an alternative for earning a high school diploma. An HSE Diploma can be earned after completing a test based on five subject areas (math, reading, writing, science and social studies).
Want to join the FWCS team? We're hiring Lifeguards!
Want to get paid to sit by a pool? The Helen P. Brown Natatorium is hiring Lifeguards! These year-round employment opportunities allow us to safely host swim classes, competitions, and more. Morning, afternoon, evening, and weekend hours available. We will even provide the required training and certification! Visit www.fwcsjobs.org to learn more and apply!
Fort Wayne Community Schools
Email: publicaffairs@fwcs.k12.in.us
Website: fortwayneschools.org
Location: 1200 South Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, IN, 46802, USA
Phone: (260) 467-1000
Facebook: facebook.com/FWCommSchools
Twitter: @FWCommSchools