You Make a Difference

Staff members are nominated by colleagues to receive a You Make a Difference Award for their support of students and the mission of Salina Public Schools. Board of Education members surprise recipients during their workday with a lapel pin and a handwritten note.

January 2026

Gene Bennett, Building Operator
CKCIE & Opportunity Now
Gene makes a difference every day at CKCIE/Opportunity Now. He goes the extra mile to ensure the building looks great and staff have everything they need, from having copy machines ready and supporting landscaping projects to addressing thermostat concerns, tripped breakers and emergency water line breaks. Gene’s care shows in the little things too, like warming and de-icing a vehicle on an icy day and making coffee each morning so staff can start the day off right. Consistent, thoughtful, friendly and always ready to help, he truly makes a difference—thank you, Gene!

Kirsten Crosson, Social Worker
Cottonwood Elementary School
Kirsten’s support has been instrumental at Cottonwood, especially during times of change. She shows up for students with the right balance of care and high expectations, helping them build skills and reach their full potential. Kirsten also strengthens the bridge between school and home by connecting families with resources within Cottonwood and throughout the community. Cottonwood is better because of her work—thank you, Kirsten!

Megan Weaver, Paraeducator
Cottonwood Elementary School
Megan’s dedication and positive presence make her an essential part of the Cottonwood community. She recently stepped into an expanded role without hesitation, filling a long-term sub position while another staff member is on maternity leave. Her preparation and strong relationships helped students navigate the transition smoothly and successfully. She supports students and staff each day with patience, professionalism and a genuine smile. Megan oversees schedules, preps materials and responds to various needs as they come up, including supporting staffing coverage and welcoming the addition of a new Cottonwood student. She also serves as the parent representative on Cottonwood’s Ci3T team. SPS is grateful for all Megan does for students and staff—thank you, Megan!

Erica Moyer, Social Worker
Heusner Elementary School 
Erica is an invaluable part of the Heusner community, making an impact each day for students, parents and staff. Known for her support and positivity, she is always ready to listen, problem-solve and step in wherever she is needed to help teams move forward. Erica is highly respected for her work, and her lessons, groups and individual sessions with students are a highlight because of the meaningful and empathetic connections she builds. She brings strong resources, creative ideas and practical strategies that strengthen classroom practices and student support systems—thank you, Erica!

Jim Allen, Counselor 
South High School
Jim makes a difference at South High through the care and energy he brings to students, families and staff each day. He supports families by creating and leading parent presentations on graduation assets and pathways to student success. Jim also serves as the voice of the Cougars at extracurricular events, volunteers on building committees and brings a student-centered perspective to every team. He is known for a creative approach to scheduling that helps students access programs and electives that fit their goals and interests. Jim also partners with outside agencies and creates opportunities that spotlight postsecondary pathways, including presentations like Scholarship Bootcamp. By taking time to know students and connect them to the right supports early, he helps strengthen the systems that serve learners across South High—thank you, Jim!

Lynn Boxman, Instructional Assistant
Sunset Elementary School
Lynn brings a caring presence and a welcoming smile to Sunset each day. In the library, she happily helps students check out books and makes sure everyone feels at home, and as the newsletter editor she keeps families connected and informed. She also supports the school in important behind-the-scenes ways, including organizing the lost and found by size and moving items for parent events to help more belongings make it home. When needs come up, Lynn steps in by vacuuming when it is time and covering lunch breaks when the office is shorthanded. With her steady support and positive attitude, Lynn makes a difference every day at Sunset—thank you, Lynn!

Rosie Sickler, Bilingual Assistant 
Sunset Elementary School
Rosie brings a caring heart and steady support to Sunset each day. As a bilingual assistant and translator, she helps students and families feel understood, welcomed and supported while giving 100% effort in everything she does. Rosie builds strong relationships with students, and they truly love working with her because she makes them feel seen and valued. Her kindness reaches beyond the classroom too, like when she ensured that a student’s brother had a birthday cake to celebrate his special day. Rosie’s compassion shines through in all she does—thank you, Rosie!

Steve Brown, SEL
Sunset Elementary School
Steve supports Sunset students with patience, encouragement and a steady belief in their ability to grow. He excels at helping students build the skills they need to meet school expectations and has a talent for showing how a shift in thinking or behavior can help them feel more successful and connected at school. Whether it is a first conversation or the tenth, Steve stays calm and consistent, celebrating the small steps he notices the next day, a week later or even a month later. He never holds past behavior against a student, and it shows in the way he encourages students in the hallway, classroom and at lunch—thank you for making a difference, Steve!