“Exceptional” profiles

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[ June 24, 2026 ] AAPS Summer Music Program brings young musicians together Features
[ June 23, 2026 ] AAPS Board of Education tours new Mitchell Elementary construction Board of Education
[ June 16, 2026 ] ‘Grandma Rubye’ Ogburn Named 2026 Volunteer of the Year Elementary News
[ June 15, 2026 ] Student-led campaign aims to cut idling, help improve air quality on and around school campuses High School News
[ June 12, 2026 ] AAPS thanks 2026 retirees at red carpet reception Latest news

Katie Ryan, Angell Elementary Music Teacher

April 7, 2022 AAPS News Editor

Katie Ryan grew up in Grand Forks, North Dakota—the eighth of nine children, with seven brothers and a sister. Her father, originally a Yooper, was the first of his family to attend college and later […]

Anna Gonzalez, Scarlett Middle School Spanish teacher

March 14, 2022 AAPS News Editor

Anna Gonzalez grew up outside of Chicago in a town called Inverness with her parents and three older sisters. Her parents met in medical school in the Philippines, and after they married and had their […]

Shevaughn Watson, Carpenter Elementary third grade teacher

March 8, 2022 AAPS News Editor

Shevaughn Watson was born and raised in Grand Rapids. The youngest of four children whose mother often emphasized the importance of education and community involvement, she attended elementary, middle, and high school within the Grand […]

Amanda Wood, Logan Elementary Young 5-2nd grade, CI classroom teacher

February 25, 2022 AAPS News Editor

Amanda Wood is a Young 5’s through second grade teacher at Logan Elementary. This is her ninth year teaching and eighth year at Logan. Wood grew up in Livonia with her parents Dave and Darlene […]

Kris Rendall, Slauson Middle School Kitchen Manager

February 17, 2022 AAPS News Editor

When asked to recommend an exceptional food service staffer for this feature, Director of Food Service Victoria Davis quickly suggested Slauson Middle School Kitchen Manager Kris Rendall, who has worked for AAPS for 36 years. […]

Sean Kiebler, King Elementary second grade teacher

February 10, 2022 AAPS News Editor

King Elementary Principal Koren Clinkscale says that in Sean Kiebler’s short time at the school, he has created a sense of community and belonging within his classroom. “At any time, you can enter his classroom and […]

JD Benison, Burns Park third grade teacher

January 27, 2022 AAPS News Editor

By Jo Mathis/AAPS District News Editor JD Benison is from Grand Rapids, where he attended sixth grade at Zoo School on the campus of John Ball Zoo, a program through Grand Rapids Public Schools. While […]

Wendy Blackman, Westerman Preschool & Family Center teacher

January 19, 2022 AAPS News Editor

By Jo Mathis/AAPS District News Editor Wendy Blackman grew up in Lincoln Park, the only daughter of Rodney and Nancy McKay. Her father worked for American Airlines in the heavy freight area before passing away […]

Laura Hannaford, Office Professional, Clague Middle School

December 21, 2021 AAPS News Editor

By Jo Mathis/AAPS District News Clague Middle School’s main office is the weekday domain of Laura Hannaford, who is described by Principal Jason Skiba as “a go-to on everything.” “If there is something that happens […]

Silvia Hurtado, Child Care Supervisor, Abbot Elementary

November 29, 2021 AAPS News Editor

By Jo Mathis/AAPS District News Editor Silvia Hurtado was born and raised in Mexico where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in law. She began her career as a teacher as a lecturer in Spanish at […]