The Ladue Schools community recently gathered for a truly special occasion: the annual Employee Recognition Night. It was an evening dedicated to celebrating the passion, commitment, and lifelong impact of the educators and staff who serve as the heartbeat of our district.

From the teachers who inspire curiosity in the classroom to the support staff and maintenance teams who ensure our schools are safe and welcoming, the event honored those who help every student reach their highest potential.

A Legacy of Science and Spirit

One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the Legacy Award to Reva Davis. For five decades, Davis has dedicated herself to Ladue Schools, most notably serving for more than 50 consecutive years as a teacher and then as a volunteer coach for the Ladue Middle School Science Olympiad team.

Joining the Science Olympiad program just one year after it was founded by Martin Long in 1990, Davis helped build a powerhouse. Under her tenure, the team qualified for national finals 29 times—more than any other school in Missouri—and captured 19 state titles. Though she technically retired in 2007, her "legacy" continues through her tireless volunteer coaching, proving that her commitment to Ladue students is truly lifelong.

Celebrating Our Teachers of the Year

The room was filled with inspiration as 2025 District Teacher of the Year Sarah Kirksey delivered a moving speech, reflecting on the profound influence educators have on their students’ lives. 

The district then honored the 2025-26 Teachers of the Year from each building:

• Leah Alrutz – Ladue Middle School
• Claire Belz – Ladue Early Childhood Center
• Deepa Jaswal – Ladue Horton Watkins High School
• Kelly Knoll – Reed Elementary
• Tammy MacLean – Old Bonhomme Elementary
• Matt Prange – Ladue Fifth Grade Center
• Allison Roberts – Spoede Elementary
• Laura Ruch – Conway Elementary

Special congratulations go to Tammy MacLean of Old Bonhomme Elementary, who was named the 2025-26 District Teacher of the Year! Thanks to the generosity of the Ladue Education Foundation & Alumni Association, she was awarded a $1,500 check in recognition of this outstanding achievement. 

Distinguished Service Awards

We also paused to recognize four individuals who have gone above and beyond in their daily roles, providing exceptional service to our students and families:

• Sandy Garrett – Conway Elementary
• Adis Hodzic – Maintenance
• Mark McCarthy – Ladue Horton Watkins High School
• Annie Moeller – Spoede Elementary

Celebrating a Lifetime of Dedication

The evening concluded with a heartfelt farewell to our retirees. Together, this group represents hundreds of years of combined service to the Ladue Schools community. Their absence will be felt, but their influence remains in the thousands of lives they have touched.

Ladue Horton Watkins High School

• Randy Aldrich – Supervisory Assistant (10 years)*
• Rick Dent – Day Lead Custodian (17 years)
• Kelly Lacy – Teacher Assistant, SSD (4 years)*
• Bill Siefert – Custodian (3.5 years)
• Ted Waterson – Physics Teacher (24 years)

Ladue Middle School

• Melody Frese – Librarian (18 years)
• Sara Goldson – Teacher, SSD (4 years)*
• Joan Shacklette – 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher (22 years)
• Sarah Solverud – 6th Grade Math Teacher (7 years)

Ladue Fifth Grade Center

• Kerri Rendelman – ELA Teacher (25 years)

Spoede Elementary

• Becky Jones – Reading Specialist (27 years)*
• Michelle Ross – Speech-Language Pathologist, SSD (22 years)
• Lisa Schreiner – Gifted Specialist (12 years)

Old Bonhomme Elementary

• Hayley Arnold – Counselor (15 years)
• Stacy Butz – Reading Specialist (30 years)
• Connie Jander Tétreault – Physical Education Teacher (29 years)

Reed Elementary

• Sharon Mosey – Administrative Assistant (18 years)

Conway Elementary

• Maria Garner – 4th Grade Teacher (23 years)

Administrative Center & Maintenance

• BJ Wooten – Maintenance (38.5 years)*
• Dr. Tiffany Taylor-Johnson – Director of Student Services (26 years)
• Dr. Jim Wipke – Superintendent (7 years)

To all of our honorees: thank you for making Ladue Schools a place where excellence thrives, and every student belongs.

Check out the special video below honoring each of our retirees who attended the event.

* denotes retirees who were unable to attend the event