Kelsie Ballmann, special education teacher at Rock Creek Elementary School, has been named the Fort Zumwalt School District Educator of the Year and Tony Perotti, facilities Maintenance II at East High School, has been named Fort Zumwalt School District Employee of the Year.

Nominated and selected by their peers, Ballmann and Perotti were each lauded as someone who goes above and beyond the call of their duties.

One of the first recipients of the Fort Zumwalt Education Foundation’s Grow Your Own Teacher award, Ballmann graduated from West High in 2008. She is in her seventh year as a teacher with the district, providing Intensive Language and Behavior Support.

“From day one, Kelsie has spent countless hours researching the general education curriculum for every grade level and then modifying each subject area for every student she teaches,” one nomination form reads. Beyond the classroom, Ballmann works with students as the sponsor for both the Sign Language and SHARE clubs.

Perotti also was recognized for the role he plays in the East High community. “The level of care and passion that Tony puts into our outdoor facilities rivals only that of the passion a teacher would have for his/her classroom and students,” one nomination form for Perotti reads.

Among the many nominations, a few things about Perotti continued to rise to the surface: his work ethic, his great attitude and the way students recognize and appreciate all he does for them. Congratulations to both of these outstanding Fort Zumwalt employees!