On April 3, Ladue Schools staff, families, and friends filled the Hilton St. Louis Frontenac with pride and celebration, honoring the educators and staff who make our district thrive. The annual Employee Recognition Night was packed with heartfelt moments, big applause, and powerful reminders of what makes education so impactful.

This year’s celebration paid tribute to seven dedicated retirees, our school’s Teachers of the Year, District Teacher of the Year, three outstanding support staff members, and two extraordinary figures whose lifetime contributions earned them the inaugural Ladue Legacy Award.

As they prepare to retire, these remarkable educators and staff members are wrapping up decades of service, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the classrooms and halls of Ladue Schools:

Ladue Horton Watkins High School

• Janice Pauken, Spanish Teacher – 17 years
• Charles “Hank” Harrison, Practical Arts Teacher – 25 years
• Alyson “Aly” Levine, Science Teacher – 22 years

Ladue Middle School

• Ann Mohrmann, Library Media Assistant – 17 years
• Mark Biernbaum, Industrial Technology Teacher – 28 years

Old Bonhomme Elementary

• Rebecca “Becky” Bennick-Butts, Reading Specialist – 31 years

Districtwide

• Dr. Kevin McColgan, STEM Coordinator – 11 years

Our building Teachers of the Year, these educators represent the best of Ladue’s commitment to excellence in teaching, innovation, and student care:

• Mary Bentrup, Pre-K Teacher – Ladue Early Childhood Center
• Stacy Butz, Reading Specialist – Old Bonhomme Elementary
• Sarah Schwartz, Music Teacher – Reed Elementary
• Linda Armbruster, 3rd Grade Teacher – Conway Elementary
• Michelle Ross, Speech/Language Pathologist – Spoede Elementary
• Tonee Simmons, Math/Social Studies Teacher – Ladue Fifth Grade Center
• Tori Palumbo, 7th Grade ELA Teacher – Ladue Middle School
• Sarah Kirksey, Practical Arts Teacher – Ladue Horton Watkins High School

Congratulations to our District Teacher of the Year, Sarah Kirksey! Thanks to the generosity of the Ladue Education Foundation & Alumni Association, she was awarded a $1,500 check in recognition of this outstanding achievement. 

The following individuals were recognized for going above and beyond in supporting students, staff, and schools:

• Connie Dunkle – Old Bonhomme Elementary
• Patricia “Megan” Dolan – Ladue Horton Watkins High School
• Emily Engelmeyer – Reed Elementary

Ladue Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Wipke presented the inaugural Ladue Legacy Award to two exceptional individuals whose careers and community contributions span decades:

• Dr. Charles McKenna, Superintendent of Ladue Schools from 1971–2000
• Jeff Kopolow, an educator from 1966–2005 and current Board of Education member (2010–2025)

Their dedication has helped shape the values, culture, and excellence that define Ladue Schools today.

Check out the full photo gallery from the event on the Ladue Schools Facebook page.