35 Years Of Teaching Proves Rewarding
by Leah Braunschweiler
11.14.07
What is created when one combines unsurpassed
dedication, extensive knowledge and years of
experience? Simply, the head of Papillion-La Vista
South’s language arts department Dr. Mellanee
Kvasnicka, who, in light of these qualities, received a
mark of excellence and a nomination for the Nebraska Department of Education’s Teacher of the Year award. Kvasnicka, one of five finalists in the teacher of the year competition, attended an honorary luncheon at the governor’s
mansion on Nov. 7 in the company of principal Dr.
Enid Schonewise, who also commended Kvasnicka’s
resolve to enhance the lives of students.
“I would say her passion and commitment to the
language arts department really stand out,” Schonewise said.
Kvasnicka’s educational journey began at Omaha
South, where she taught for 35 years and then filed for retirement, with the simple intention of retiring.
Soon after completing the forms, Kvasnicka realized her time would be better spent doing what she loved to do, interacting with students, just as she had done before, for countless hours.
“I signed the papers, and thought, now what do I do?” Kvasnicka said.
Kvasnicka had read many positive things about PL South, and pondered possible contributions she could make.
“Not only is she on every committee we have, but she is knowledgeable about the curriculum and how to teach it,” Schonewise said.
Kvasnicka never seemed to miss a beat in her transition from Omaha to Papillion.
“To come over and start something completely new, and be as effective as she is, is really
something,” Schonewise said.
Having been nominated by the administration at PL South, Kvasnicka demonstrated no one particular quality that captured the votes of her administrative peers. She has also won the favor of her bond between herself and her pupils, molding the intellects
of the future.
“I love the interaction you get with students who
are committed, not just to Kvasnicka: Teacher of the year nominee their education, but how their education connects to the world,” Kvasnicka
said. “They live beyond themselves. They make
connections to things larger than themselves.”
Given the obvious concrete achievements Kvasnicka
has under her literary belt such as Willa Cather
scholar, doctorate degree and committee leader, she
has cemented her reputation as a humanitarian, investing blood, sweat and tears in her work.
“I feel very lucky to be able to have taught at two wonderful schools,” Kvasnicka said. |
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