Ferguson-Florissant School District

Milken Award Presented to Luella Atkins

The passion that Luella Atkins, an Airport Elementary School reading coach and 10-year veteran of the Ferguson-Florissant School District, has for her students earned her the National Educator Award from the Milken Family Foundation. Ms. Atkins learned of the honor, and the $25,000 check that accompanied it, during a surprise school assembly.

"Everything happens to me because of you," she told fellow teachers and 330 Airport Elementary School students who gathered for an assembly. Ms. Atkins is one of just 100 educators nationwide honored by the Milken Family Foundation this year.

"Ms. Atkins is a role model for setting and achieving personal goals and is absolutely loved by all out students," said Airport Principal Rosetta Patton. "She is known for her outstanding depth of knowledge and willingness to do what it takes to nurture children's ability to learn and grow."

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heike4 Janis Named Support Staff Member of the Year

Heike Janis, the office manager at Ferguson Middle School, has been named Ferguson Florissant Support Staff Member of the Year. Mrs. Janis has worked at the middle school for the last 11 years.

Mrs. Janis is known for her extraordinary skill of multi-tasking while keeping composed and maintaining sensitivity to the needs of other staff members, students, and parents. In addition to her responsibility as the office professional for the principal, Mrs. Janis is in charge of three other subsidiary offices. Mrs. Janis’s traits of resourcefulness, dedication, and strong work ethic have made her a role model for others to emulate.

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