Rodriguez and Dyll honored as Santa Cruz student and teacher of year

Santa Cruz Elementary School recently named its student and teacher of the year.

Second grader Melissa Rodriguez is the student of the year for the school. She was chosen by her peers and teachers for a combination of good deeds and work she accomplished this year.

As a testament to her achievement, Rodriguez’s name will be engraved on a plaque for all to see.

“Hopefully in 20 years her children will attend Santa Cruz and see her name,” said Santa Cruz principal Lynnette Michalski.

While Rodriguez was named student of the year, the winner of the teacher of the year award was Tracy Dyll.

Dyll is the physical education teacher at the elementary school and has played a vital part in launching a cup stacking program, turkey trot and holiday hop.

“She is excellent at motivating the kids to get active,” Michalski said.

Colleagues and parents submit their nominations to the school for the teacher of the year, and then in May a committee is formed to make the selection.

“She has made such an incredible impact on this school,” Michalski added.

Also getting special recognition as a valuable asset to the school was Preschool Director Wendy Buchberger, who launched a preschool program at Santa Cruz and initiated a new recycling program in the community.

“She has made some great efforts,” Michalski said.

Photo by Michael K. Rich