2009
SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER OF THE YEAR
SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER OF THE YEAR
AWESOME JOB Sarah we are proud to have you as a member of MSSWA and grateful for your calling as a school social worker! Congratulations!
MSSWA selects one of our members each year as School Social Worker of the Year.
Nominations are received from principals and special education directors.
Nominations are received from principals and special education directors.
The Minnesota School Social Workers Association proudly announces the selection of Sarah Welk as the School Social Worker of the Year for 2009. Sarah has been a school social worker at Monticello Middle School for the last 8 years. Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Saint Cloud State University. She is currently enrolled at St. Mary’s University, working toward a Masters of Education Degree.
Sarah has been recognized not only by her colleagues at Monticello Middle School, but also by professionals in the Monticello community, for her contributions to the students, families, and staff at Monticello Middle School. Sarah provides school-wide leadership in many capacities.
As her school’s attendance advocate, Sarah has taken the program to new heights of accountability. Sarah has single-handedly doubled the number of students involved in the Teens Against Chemicals (TAC) Program. She also organized groups to serve food for Feed Our
Starving Children. Sarah leads her school’s food drive challenge every spring. Her Wellness Day Program is recognized County-wide as a model for other area middle schools. She is on the Safe Schools Community Team, Student Assistance Team, Staff Climate Committee, and the Wright County Truancy Team. Now if that isn’t enough, Sarah also coaches her Middle School track and volleyball teams.
Along with the impressive resume of activities and accomplishments, it is the connection with her students, parents and staff, on a daily basis, that stands out the most. Jeff Scherber, the Principal, shared “Her commitment to every individual student she works with is unparalled. I have had parents come to tears as they have expressed their gratitude and high regard for Sarah.” Annette Bieniek, School Social Worker, adds “While Sarah is very busy with fulfilling student needs, she is the one person on staff that can do it with genuine lightheartedness. She is my barometer for enjoying my job. Everyone………is uplifted by her jovial sense of humor and playful laugh.”
Neal Huemoeller, Wright County Court Services, commented “I have worked with a variety of schools for 8 years and it is hard to find someone that goes so beyond the requirements of their job to better other people. There definitely is a great example of this in Sarah…….”
Amy Streit, 8th grade teacher, described how “Sarah is a great communicator and is creative……It is also because of Sarah’s hard work and dedication that a struggling 8th grader will pass 8th grade ……She took this student under her wing and worked with him one-on-one during study hall and after school.”
Lacey Henry, Wright County Human Services social worker, comments that “I have always seen Sarah give positive reinforcement to the students that she works with. Sarah makes students feel good about themselves on a daily basis.” Furthermore, “Sarah is the bridge that allows professionals in the community to work better with the parents of students, the students themselves, and also the school staff.”
Eric Olson, Pinewood Elementary Principal, emphasized how Sarah has “the ability to pull together large tasks which have a great impact on our school, and the skills to make positive connections with people. Ms Welk is an individual who does not seek the lime light, but she truly …….. goes above and beyond to make a positive difference in the life of kids and adults who cross her path.” Mark Pederson, Licensed Psychologist, described how Sarah established the Community Health Fair at Monticello Middle School. “During this event, multiple community members, including mental health, law enforcement, probation, ethnic diversity specialists, physicians, and chiropractors, meet with the students on a rotating schedule……this has become a great community involvement……”
As a way to summarize, one of her former students says it best. “I can honestly say that I look up to Sarah in all that she does. I have known her for 6 years out of 17 of my life and to this day I can say that she has been the most influential person. She has definitely left her mark and it will always be there.” In addition, Therese Olson, School Counselor, comments how “Sarah still makes each day I come to work worthwhile. She has an incredible sense of humor, which is bound to make me laugh out loud just when I really need the break………..”
This fall Sarah will be recognized for her exceptional skills and inspiring leadership at the Midwest School Social Work Conference in Dearborn, MI on October 8th and again at the Minnesota School Social Workers Association Conference on October 26th. Please join us as we celebrate the contributions of School Social Workers throughout Minnesota as exemplified by the outstanding service of Sarah Welk.
Congratulations can be sent to Sarah at:
Sarah has been recognized not only by her colleagues at Monticello Middle School, but also by professionals in the Monticello community, for her contributions to the students, families, and staff at Monticello Middle School. Sarah provides school-wide leadership in many capacities.
As her school’s attendance advocate, Sarah has taken the program to new heights of accountability. Sarah has single-handedly doubled the number of students involved in the Teens Against Chemicals (TAC) Program. She also organized groups to serve food for Feed Our
Starving Children. Sarah leads her school’s food drive challenge every spring. Her Wellness Day Program is recognized County-wide as a model for other area middle schools. She is on the Safe Schools Community Team, Student Assistance Team, Staff Climate Committee, and the Wright County Truancy Team. Now if that isn’t enough, Sarah also coaches her Middle School track and volleyball teams.
Along with the impressive resume of activities and accomplishments, it is the connection with her students, parents and staff, on a daily basis, that stands out the most. Jeff Scherber, the Principal, shared “Her commitment to every individual student she works with is unparalled. I have had parents come to tears as they have expressed their gratitude and high regard for Sarah.” Annette Bieniek, School Social Worker, adds “While Sarah is very busy with fulfilling student needs, she is the one person on staff that can do it with genuine lightheartedness. She is my barometer for enjoying my job. Everyone………is uplifted by her jovial sense of humor and playful laugh.”
Neal Huemoeller, Wright County Court Services, commented “I have worked with a variety of schools for 8 years and it is hard to find someone that goes so beyond the requirements of their job to better other people. There definitely is a great example of this in Sarah…….”
Amy Streit, 8th grade teacher, described how “Sarah is a great communicator and is creative……It is also because of Sarah’s hard work and dedication that a struggling 8th grader will pass 8th grade ……She took this student under her wing and worked with him one-on-one during study hall and after school.”
Lacey Henry, Wright County Human Services social worker, comments that “I have always seen Sarah give positive reinforcement to the students that she works with. Sarah makes students feel good about themselves on a daily basis.” Furthermore, “Sarah is the bridge that allows professionals in the community to work better with the parents of students, the students themselves, and also the school staff.”
Eric Olson, Pinewood Elementary Principal, emphasized how Sarah has “the ability to pull together large tasks which have a great impact on our school, and the skills to make positive connections with people. Ms Welk is an individual who does not seek the lime light, but she truly …….. goes above and beyond to make a positive difference in the life of kids and adults who cross her path.” Mark Pederson, Licensed Psychologist, described how Sarah established the Community Health Fair at Monticello Middle School. “During this event, multiple community members, including mental health, law enforcement, probation, ethnic diversity specialists, physicians, and chiropractors, meet with the students on a rotating schedule……this has become a great community involvement……”
As a way to summarize, one of her former students says it best. “I can honestly say that I look up to Sarah in all that she does. I have known her for 6 years out of 17 of my life and to this day I can say that she has been the most influential person. She has definitely left her mark and it will always be there.” In addition, Therese Olson, School Counselor, comments how “Sarah still makes each day I come to work worthwhile. She has an incredible sense of humor, which is bound to make me laugh out loud just when I really need the break………..”
This fall Sarah will be recognized for her exceptional skills and inspiring leadership at the Midwest School Social Work Conference in Dearborn, MI on October 8th and again at the Minnesota School Social Workers Association Conference on October 26th. Please join us as we celebrate the contributions of School Social Workers throughout Minnesota as exemplified by the outstanding service of Sarah Welk.
Congratulations can be sent to Sarah at:
Sarah Welk
Sarah Welk
10691 57th St. NE
Albertville, MN 55301
Sarah.Welk@monticello.k12.mn.us