CASPER, Wyo. — Newcastle Middle School intervention specialist Keeley Anderson has been selected as the nation’s 2022 “Recognizing Inspiring School Employees” (RISE) winner, an honor given to one education support professional across the country annually.
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced Anderson’s selection for the 2022 RISE award on Wednesday via Zoom during an all-school assembly held at Newcastle Middle School, according to a press release from the U.S. Department of Education.
“I’m pleased to recognize Ms. Keeley Anderson as the 2022 Recognizing Inspiring School Employees Awardee for her work to enhance the lives and learning of students in her community,” Cardona said. “Education support professionals deserve appreciation today and every day. Especially amid the pandemic, their contributions to school communities have been extraordinary and have helped schools remain open for in-person learning. It’s an honor for me to present Kelley with this well-deserved award.”
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon and Wyoming Superintendent Brian Schroeder participated in the Newcastle Middle School ceremony in honor of Anderson.
“It is an honor to be able to recognize someone who is so dedicated to her school community,” Gordon said. “Keeley’s tireless commitment to encourage students and her willingness to take on additional duties reflects the excellence of Wyoming’s school employees, whose actions have lasting positive impacts on students’ lives.”
Schroeder congratulated Anderson for her commitment to students in Newcastle.
“That she is able to connect with students in such a distinct and supportive way just goes to show why she has been nominated — and been awarded — this honor,” Schroeder said. “She allows her students to succeed, and that in itself is a true testament of her character.”
Newcastle Middle School Principal Tyler Barlett nominated Anderson for the award.
“Keeley has a unique ability to connect with students and get them to see that she is on ‘their side,’” Barlett said. “She helps instill qualities like integrity and character while empowering students to advocate for themselves and learn how to solve their own problems. Ironically, it is when her students no longer need her that we know she has succeeded.”
Anderson’s work as an intervention specialist involves prioritizing students who need additional support to be successful.
“She leads Newcastle Middle School’s in-school suspension program and the school’s late academic start Wednesday programming,” the U.S. Department of Education said in the press release. “She pitches in as part of the district’s summer maintenance department and served as the head volleyball coach at Newcastle High School.”
“Anderson became more indispensable to her community during the pandemic. During this time, in addition to all her usual duties, she became the key communicator and liaison for students who were placed in quarantine by public health orders, helping them to manage their work remotely and then to transition back to school.”
There were 25 nominations from 15 states for the 2022 RISE award. States are able to select up to two nominees. The RISE award was created after the U.S. Congress passed the “Recognizing Achievement in Classified School Employees Act” in 2019.
More information can be found here, including how to submit nominations for the 2022-2023 cycle, according to the governor’s office.
