June 26, 2023 Board of Education Recognition: Lila Dietz and Jamale Williams
Lansing USD469 would like to congratulate Lansing High School graduate Jamale Williams for being our June Board of Education Student of the Month and Lila Dietz for being our Staff Member of the Month!
Jamale was nominated for his academic accomplishments and being a stand-out athlete at Lansing High School.
"Jamale Williams had a very inspiring Senior year of high school. Jamale is a hard-working young man who exemplifies what students should strive to get from their high school experience. Jamale is a successful student earning all the necessary credits that allowed him to graduate and be accepted into college. Jamale is truly a shining star at Lansing High School.
Jamale began his senior year by playing football, where he recorded 70 tackles, 30 of which were tackles for loss. This led to him being selected All United Kansas Conference and being selected as the Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Jamale would also receive All-State and All-KC Metro honors. Jamale was also selected to play in the Kansas Shrine Bowl.
Then in the winter, Jamale competed in Powerlifting, where again he excelled—finishing 4th at state with max lifts of 325 on bench, 515 on squat, and 320 on hang clean. Some of which are current school records.
When the spring came, Jamale competed in his true love, Track and Field. Jamale placed first in all but one Track meet, and that was the KU relays, which are the best of the entire mid-west. At the KU relays, he had person bests and finished second in both the shot put and discus, but what the highest-ranked Kansas athlete in those events. Jamale would go on to win both the shot put and the discus at the Kansas State meet. Not only did he win 5A, he was also the All-Class champion in both by throwing farther than any at the State Track meet. Jamale leaves Lansing High School with both the shot put record at 61'1 and the discus record at 191'10.
Jamale is a great example of what extra-curricular sports can do for a student and how to juggle academics with athletics. It is a true honor to have had the opportunity to coach Jamale. I know he will go on to do great things a Missouri Southern University, where he will compete in Track and Field."
Ms. Dietz was nominated by several peers for her outstanding work as a paraprofessional.
"Lila is a para for students with ASD. I have the privilege to work alongside her every day in my classroom. Although her job can be extremely challenging, her ability to stay calm and maintain a positive attitude provides a wonderful model for students and adults. She builds strong relationships with her students and understands their learning style, strengths, and needs, and effectively uses strategies to ensure student success. From implementing teacher-planned instruction to behavior and communication support, Lila works diligently to create trust with her students and help them meet their goals. I appreciate her knowledge and compassion through which she is effecting positive changes in the lives of her students."
"It is my pleasure to nominate Lila Deitz as the BOE's Staff Member of the Month. Lila has been a paraprofessional in the Autism Classroom for the last two years. During this time, she has spent half of her day in my classroom supporting students on the autism spectrum. She is dedicated and has a genuine love for the kids she services. Even on her most challenging days, Lila takes it all in stride and brightens up the room with her smile. Her passion and energy inspire others around her. I greatly appreciate her willingness to help all students. It's been wonderful to watch the relationships she has formed within my classroom. As a parent, I have tried to instill in my own children to always be humble and kind. Lila is both. I have been fortunate to have Lila in my classroom over the last two years. Her youthfulness, fun personality, and dedication inspires me daily. This is why I am nominating Lila Deitz as the BOE's Staff Member of the Month."