We proudly announce that McKenna Malkiewicz is our 2023-2024 Classified Employee of the Year at Vaca Peña Middle School.
As our Secondary Library Tech, McKenna has the opportunity to interact with every student on campus and has made one of the most significant and positive impacts on the culture of our school.
For several years, our school went without a library. Not only did McKenna bring that back, but she did so with a flair that has captured the minds of our students. They flock to her library, which welcomes them with comfort and books- oh, so many books that McKenna made possible by ensuring that our library was a school priority.
She has seen the students, heard what they wanted, and brought it to them in a comfortable and welcoming environment. But this is not the only impact she has made. More often than not, you see her hosting events, volunteering for Flex Adventures, and creating connections with students.
McKenna interacts with all students and tries to keep them involved and learn their areas of interest. Through her upbeat and compassionate attitude, she takes on many roles in our school library that may go unnoticed daily by staff and students. McKenna has worked incredibly hard to create a safe, nurturing, and engaging place for our students.
Students love going to the library, working with the Maker's Space, checking out books, and chatting with Ms. McKenna. Students have only positive things to say about her as she is kind and understanding while encouraging our students to challenge themselves with new activities and new books.
Members of the Vaca Peña staff said this about McKenna and her impact on the students.
"WOW, McKenna is a gem of a human! She constantly helps wherever she can. She knows the names of all our students and builds relationships with everyone who crosses her path.
"McKenna makes a space for students!"
"It is evident that McKenna loves what she does, and the students do, too!"
"She is a team player and definitely an asset to the Panther family.
She is an example of what we want to see in all staff members at a school."
"Our school would not be the same without Ms. McKenna's positive attitude and love for our students!"
-- Colleen Moe, Principal, Vaca Peña Middle School