Lake Chelan School District honors retirees, names Employees of the Year

CHELAN – The Lake Chelan School District recognized five retirees and named three Employees of the Year during its annual all-staff breakfast.

The event celebrated the contributions of retiring staff members and highlighted the efforts of employees selected by their peers for exceptional service to students, families and the school community.

This year’s retirees include Chelan Middle School (CMS) teacher Joanie Bankson, who is retiring after 32.5 years with the district; CMS and Chelan High School (CHS) Head Cook Jen Lervold, with 14 years of service; Chelan School of Innovation (CSI) teacher Bill Sibbers, with 3 years in the district; Morgen Owings Elementary Head Cook Julie Webster, with 30 years of service; and CMS teacher Roseann Young, who retires after 27 years.

Each retiree was honored by their supervising administrator for their dedication to student learning and well-being.

The 2025 Employees of the Year are CMS and CHS teacher Jessica Dumont, Migrant Program Family Advocate Juan Mendez, and substitute paraprofessional Jody Petersen. The honorees were selected based on nominations submitted by fellow staff members, who cited their leadership, impact on student success and families, and their commitment to going above and beyond in their roles.

The district received a record 82 nominations for this year’s Employee of the Year awards.

Founded in 1892, Lake Chelan School District serves nearly 1,300 students, with 95 percent graduating in four years and more than half enrolled in no-cost, college-level coursework, according to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

The district is headquartered at 309 E. Johnson Ave., Chelan, WA 98816. For more information, call (509) 682-3515 or visit chelanschools.org.