West Fargo, ND – (April 12th, 2023) – Surrounded by colleagues, friends, and family at a surprise ceremony this morning, a West Fargo Public Schools’ teacher was honored with the district’s prestigious staff award. Deb Pieper, a teacher at West Fargo High School, was awarded the 2023 – 2024 Professional/Licensed Staff of the Year Award.

Ms. Pieper has worked for WFPS since 2006 first as a paraprofessional at Horace Elementary and has been a teacher at West Fargo High School since 2019. Pieper holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in agriculture from North Dakota State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree with a dual major in elementary and special education from Western Governors University. As this year’s award winner, in her nomination it was said of Pieper that “Deb teaches her students more than just academic curriculum. She teaches them how to serve others and how to be better individuals. Her students love her, and she truly loves them in return.”

As the Professional/Licensed Staff of the Year honoree, Ms. Pieper receives a crystal apple, flowers, a gift from the district and the School Board, and a $500 check from the West Fargo Educational Foundation. Additionally, she will be an honoree at the district’s recognition party on Monday, May 22 at Horace High School.

ABOUT STAFF OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Every year, West Fargo Public Schools recognizes three district employees with a Staff of the Year Award. Nominees for the award are nominated by colleagues, students, parents, and/or community members through a letter of support highlighting the nominee’s commitment to education, professional development, and dedication to the West Fargo community. Each nominee’s supervisor is then asked to provide a letter indicating their support, and wishes, for the nominee to be selected as the award’s recipient. The program’s selection committee, comprised of community leaders, School Board members, past award recipients, retired and current administrators, selects one nominee to receive the Professional/Licensed Staff of the Year Award, one nominee to receive the Classified Staff of the Year Award, and one nominee to receive the Administrative Staff of the Year Award.
Award winners are announced each spring at a surprise announcement ceremony and are recognized at the district’s annual recognition party.
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