During our in-service event on Friday January 10th, the District had the privilege of celebrating the outstanding achievements of our dedicated staff at the Harrisburg School District Staff Recognition ceremony.
From fostering student growth to supporting their colleagues and community, these individuals exemplify what it means to make a difference in education. Join us in honoring the following recipients for their exceptional contributions to our schools and students:
SPECIAL SERVICES STAFF MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Nicole Husske | Instructional Coach
Freedom Elementary | 5 Years, 17 Total Years in Profession
Nicole Husske has spent five years as an instructional coach at Freedom Elementary, leveraging 17 years of educational experience. She empowers teachers by providing tailored coaching, modeling best practices, and guiding data-driven instruction. Nicole’s leadership extends beyond academics, fostering a supportive school culture through team-building events, personalized mentoring, and staff recognition initiatives. Her efforts have directly contributed to measurable improvements in student achievement and teacher effectiveness.
SUPPORT STAFF MEMBER OF THE YEAR
Kristy Miller | Educational Assistant
Freedom Elementary | 5 Years
Kristy Miller is a dedicated educational assistant at Freedom Elementary, where she works closely with special needs students in the Early Learning Classroom (ELC). Known for her patience, creativity, and compassion, Kristy tailors individualized strategies that help students develop essential life and academic skills. Her thoughtful approach to behavior management and her willingness to try innovative methods—such as learning the ukulele to engage students—highlight her exceptional commitment. Colleagues describe Kristy as a key figure in the success of Freedom’s ELC program, recognizing her as an unwavering advocate for her students’ growth and well-being.
HSD TEACHER OF THE YEAR (ELEMENTARY TEACHER OF THE YEAR)
Stephanie Brooks | Elementary Teacher
Journey Elementary | 17 Years
Stephanie Brooks’ dedication to fostering student success shines through her engaging, personalized approach to teaching. As a mentor to aspiring educators, she shares her passion for learning while continuously seeking innovative strategies. Her supportive classroom environment nurtures students’ growth academically, socially, and emotionally.
SECONDARY TEACHER OF THE YEAR
Amy Hollingsworth | Special Education Teacher
Harrisburg High School | 26 Years Teaching Experience, 13 Years in Current Position
Amy Hollingsworth’s career has been defined by her dedication to helping students overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential. At Harrisburg High School, she advocates fiercely for her students, providing personalized support while encouraging independence. Her compassionate and determined approach has earned the respect of students, parents, and colleagues alike.
The Harrisburg School District extends heartfelt gratitude to Architecture Incorporated for their remarkable generosity as the proud sponsor of our staff recognition awards. Their support enables us to award $1,000 to exceptional staff members across four categories, including Support Staff, Special Services, Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Secondary Teacher of the Year. Architecture Inc.'s contribution plays a crucial role in honoring and celebrating the unwavering dedication and hard work of our staff, who consistently make a significant impact in our school community.