May 21, 2019
A tradition of excellence and recognition of academic achievement will be celebrated in St. Paul on Tuesday, May 21 at Noon at the Intercontinental St. Paul Riverfront Hotel. Rotary Club 10 has long-recognized the importance of academics and is proud to announce its “2019 Educator of the Year” – Andrea Ylonen from The Heights Community School, a part of the St. Paul Public School System. Andrea Ylonen has 34 years as a teacher and her collaborative and innovative teaching methods set her apart from other nominees, her skills in engaging students in the classroom being a deciding factor. Andrea’s involvement as a school board member in another school (other than The Heights Community School) and as a Sunday school teacher speaks volumes to her dedication to the teaching profession. Having 25 years in SPPS supports Andrea’s lifelong commitment to her profession. In Andrea’s position as a kindergarten teacher, she acts as a teacher, counselor, mother, nurse, and motivator of children.
In addition to awarding Ms. Ylonen Educator of the Year, the St. Paul Rotary Club is also recognizing the academic achievement of 100 St. Paul Public School students. These “Rotation Forward” students demonstrate a commitment to learning and academic success. The following schools have students being recognized this year: American Indian Magnet School, Battle Creek Middle School, Capitol Hill Gifted & Talented Magnet, Creative Arts, Farnsworth Aerospace, Hazel Park Preparatory Academy, Highland Park Middle School, Humboldt Secondary School, Linwood Monroe Arts Plus, Murray Middle School, Open World Learning School, Parkway Middle School-Montessori, Ramsey Middle School, Washington Technology Middle School. Each student was nominated by their school’s educators. These students receive a small monetary award, a recognition plaque, and are recognized in the Pioneer Press (each student also receives a copy of the paper).
In celebration its 100th Anniversary 2010, St. Paul Rotary members created a permanent endowment fund to support a St. Paul high school student at college with a $20,000 scholarship. 2019 St. Paul Rotary Second Century Scholarship will be awarded to Antero Sivula, who currently attends Como Park High School
Speaking at the event will be Cedrick Baker, Chief of Staff to Superintendent Joe Gothard as well as Craig Morris, VP for Equity, Inclusion and Affirmative Action at Metropolitan State University.
Rotary Club 10 acknowledges the generous support of the Pioneer Press of this award and program, their sponsorship is essential to recognizing these students and educator.
