WBCSD honors duo
Launa Lewis and Kim Columbini have been recognized by the West Bonner County School District as its October employees of the month.
The monthly award is part of a program to support and recognize outstanding employees. Employees — both certified and classified — who exemplify its district vision – “strive for greatness” — are nominated for the award. Each month, one certified employee and one classified employee are selected to be recognized by the public and are presented with awards donated by area businesses.
Lewis, who works at Idaho Hill Elementary, was recognized as the district’s Classified Employee of the Month for October. Lewis has been with the West Bonner County School District for 30 years.
The longtime WBCSD employee was nominated by a colleague for her hard work getting district students interested in STEaM (science, techonology, engineering, arts and math).
“She spends her free time writing grants to purchase laptops, robotics, 3-D pens, coding and more,” Connie A. Kimble, Priest River Elementary principal, said in a press releaseon behalf of district officials, adding that Lewis event spent the summer transforming the computer lab at Idaho Hill into a “maker space.”
“If you get the chance go visit Idaho Hill and check out all the neat projects they are working on,” Kimble added. “Thank you for all your hard work, Launa.”
A gift certificate from Sheri’s Home Interiors was donated to Lewis in recognition of her outstanding service to the district and its students.
Kim Columbini, a teacher at Priest River Lamanna High School, was recognized as the WBCSD as its Certified Employee of the Month for October.
Since becoming a teacher at the high school, Columbini has worked her way into more and more activities — making it no surprise that she was nominated for the award by several students. In their nominations, the students noted Columbini’s positive attitude, smiles and kindness.
“She is appreciated for all of her hard work on creating memories with homecoming and Battle of the Buck,” Kimble said. “Kim donates a lot of her time to make events successful. Thank you for all your hard work and your school spirit, Kim.”
A gift certificate from Floral Traditions was donated to Columbini in honor of her commitment to the students, her school, and the district.