September & October Board of Education Recognitions: Students Zola Jacobson and Mia James and Staff MembersTraci Chmidling and Candace Scillieri
Lansing USD469 would like to congratulate Zola Jacobson and Mia James for being named our students of the month and Traci Chmidling and Candace Scillieri for being named our Staff Members of the Month!
Superintendent Kobza recognized our September and October nominations during our October 9th Board of Education meeting.
Our September student nomination and selection was Miss Zola Jacobson. Miss Jacobson was nominated for her kindness and willing to help others:
“Zola is a ray of sunshine. This school year she noticed kindergarteners alone and scared on the bus. She assigned herself the job to make them feel welcome and at home on the ride to and from school. She gives them pep talks and encourages them. Her bus driver Mr. C has noticed her efforts and sees her as a friend to all in need.”
Our September staff nomination and selection was Ms. Traci Chmidling. Ms. Chmidling was nominated by a student for her ability to go above and beyond to help her students:
“Ms. Chmidling is a very considerate teacher. She hasn’t been at the school long and she’s already made her way to plenty of people’s hearts. She is kind hearted and is always striving to help her students do the best they could possibly do. She always goes out of her way to help her students. I’ve never met a teacher quite like Ms. Chmidling and I hope that she can be recognized for all the great work she’s done in the small amount of time she’s been here.”
Our October student nomination and selection was Mia James. Mia James was nominated for her work not only as a high school student, but as a volunteer in our community:
“I chose Mia because I've been following her community service journey since 2021 when she was just 12 years old. She has competed in the 2022 and 2023 Miss Kansas pageants with the Miss America Organization. Coming up on October 8th, she will be participating in the 2023 Miss Kansas Teen Volunteer pageant with the Miss Volunteer America organization.
Mia is also a member of the "Children's Place Teen Board," an organization dedicated to helping children with mental health challenges. Additionally, she has partnered with Sporting KC and Children's Mercy for the Red Card Campaign Bullying initiative, which is her social impact. She not only raises funds but also volunteers for school assemblies and events at Children's Mercy Park.
Mia has earned over $1,200 in scholarships and currently holds the title of Miss Kansas City Teen Volunteer. On top of all this, she's a varsity cheerleader, a skilled aerialist, and a dancer. Mia truly excels in so many areas! 🌟”
Our October staff nomination was Mrs. Candace Scillieri. Mrs. Scillieri was nominated for her work at Lansing High School as well as the JROTC program:
“Candace Scillieri works hard and enjoys her job on a special level. She has managed more classes than other teachers and put the work into every single one. She helps all those in her department and is often appointed to represent them. They put their trust in her as much as her students trust her teaching. Anything that needs done, she steps up, this included taking on more classes in her department, Student Council, and helping the JROTC program. The JROTC program is one that no one else from Lansing helps with. She truly is the outreach for the students putting in their time to becoming better people as a part of the program. She makes the important connections everyday, making her the amazing and always kind person she is.”