MOUNDRIDGE, Kan. — Kindergarten teacher Anita Beasley has brought warmth, positivity and a steady commitment to the students, families and colleagues of Moundridge Elementary School for nearly 30 years.
Ad Astra Radio is proud to announce Mrs. Beasley as this month’s recipient of the Classroom Hero Award, presented by Peoples Bank and Trust.
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 and Hutch Putt.
During the Classroom Hero Award presentation Friday morning, MES Principal Travis Schafer and USD 423 Superintendent Cody Rierson shared the positive impact that Mrs. Beasley has on the students and faculty at Moundridge Elementary.
Mrs. Beasley is currently in her 27th year teaching kindergarten and 28th year overall teaching in Moundridge.
After graduating from McPherson College, Mrs. Beasley was first a substitute teacher and then taught for a year at Eisenhower Elementary School in McPherson. She has been in Moundridge ever since and is currently teaching her kindergarteners in her old first grade classroom.
What Mrs. Beasley loves most about teaching is seeing “the spark” in her students as they understand what they’re learning and seeing how much they grow from the beginning to the end of the year.
“They’re kind of like a sponge,” Beasley said. “And they love you unconditionally.”
A community member who nominated Mrs. Beasley for the Classroom Hero Award shared that Beasley’s spirit is evident from the moment she walks through the doors of Moundridge Elementary.
“She [Mrs. Beasley] has a remarkable ability to make every child, parent, and staff member feel valued and at home,” the nominator said. “In her classroom, students don’t just learn their letters and numbers, they learn that they are loved, appreciated, seen, and heard. She creates a safe and joyful environment where every child feels confident to grow.”
Mrs. Beasley is often known to go above and beyond her expectations whether it’s through offering extra help before school, staying late, or giving her time on weekends to ensure students and families are supported.
Mrs. Beasley’s impact is not only demonstrated through the academic growth of her students, but also through the pride she has in her school, district, and community.
“Her passion for education and love for Moundridge are evident in everything she does,” said the nominator.
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/classroomhero.
Ad Astra Radio has been locally owned and operated since 1986 and is proud to be your hometown radio station.
