By Brenna Eller
McPHERSON, Kan. — Ad Astra Radio is proud to announce the most recent recipient of the Classroom Hero Award presented by Peoples Bank and Trust.
2nd Grade Teacher Kari Pattison has been teaching at Washington Elementary School since 2019.
Mrs. Pattison has taught 5th Grade, Pre-K and 2nd Grade in her five years with WES.
Mrs. Pattison grew up in many places with her dad being in the United States Air Force, but she eventually landed in Illinois, where she finished her schooling and began her teaching career with 4th Grade before coming to Kansas.
Each month, Ad Astra Radio randomly selects a different educator, from community nominations, to receive the Classroom Hero Award, along with a “Thank You” gift basket. Gift items are courtesy of community partners, including Peoples Bank and Trust, Midway Motors, Stutzman’s Greenhouse, Heartbeat Coffee, and The Foto Cowboy.
In a nomination, a community member commented that Mrs. Pattison is an esteemed teacher at the local elementary school and renowned for her natural talent to connect with students.
They added that one of Mrs. Pattison’s greatest strengths is her ability to cater to each student’s needs, and that she is able to recognize that every child learns differently.
“She works tirelessly to ensure that every student receives the support and guidance required to succeed,” They said.
Second graders are full of energy, which is one reason Mrs. Pattison loves teaching that grade level.
“They are excited. They love coming to school. Learning is still fun,” Pattison said. “I love their independence. They’re just a little more independent than the previous years here.”
Mrs. Pattison said her favorite part about being a teacher is when she sees the moment her students understand.
“I love the lightbulbs you see going off when you see somebody just absolutely gets it,” Pattison said. “When something you’ve been working on and working on just finally clicks.”
She added that her students had one of those moments right before she was surprised with her Classroom Hero Award on Feb. 20.
The Classroom Hero Award seeks to highlight the hard work and dedication of those on the front lines in our local schools. Nominations are continually being accepted at https://www.adastraradio.com/classroom-hero.
Ad Astra Radio has been locally owned and operated since 1986 and is proud to be your hometown radio station.
