Levo Recognizes 8 Amazing Area Teachers

Levo Credit Union® is awarding $500 each to 8 area teachers nominated by parents, students or community members as having made a huge impact on our kids. Levo started the Adopt-A-Classroom Program in 2014. Since then, Levo has awarded more than $46,000 in classroom awards to area teachers. 

“We believe in giving back to our community because our community has made us what we are today,” says Jen McKeown with the Levo Cares Foundation. “What better way to do that than to recognize the teachers who lay the foundation of our future by shaping the young minds of our kids?” 

Nominees were able to recognize a teacher by answering two questions: 

• What impact has this teacher made on your life? 
• How have they demonstrated a unique and creative teaching style? 

These winners (in alphabetical order by last name) will each be presented with a $500 check to use on whatever they wish:  

• Katie Blunck, 5^th Grade Orchestra, Discovery Elementary, Sioux Falls, SD. Her nominator, a parent, says, “Miss. Blunck is my daughter's Orchestra teacher. She does a wonderful job of introducing Orchestra to 4th and 5th graders. Because of Miss Blunck's wonderful way of teaching and connecting with her students, Orchestra quickly became one of my daughter's favorite classes. Miss Blunck writes songs specifically for her classes. She makes learning fun and makes the students feel like they're part of shaping what and how they learn to play in the Orchestra. She has a wonderful energy and is such a kind and caring teacher. My daughter will continue playing the Viola, and I attribute that all to the joy that Miss Blunck has instilled in her students.”
  
  
• Justin Bochman, 4^th Grade, Lincoln Elementary School, Yankton, SD. His nominator, a parent, says, “This teacher has made an incredible impact on my son's life. This teacher was the first to truly see him for who he is- intelligent, capable, and full of potential. Instead of focusing on the difficulties, Mr. Bochman embraced my son's differences, praised his strengths, and helped him develop a genuine love for school. The positive relationship they built was refreshing and transformative. For the first time, he felt accepted and valued, which boosted his confidence and motivation. Thanks to Mr. Bochman’s patient understanding and encouragement, my son was able to enjoy learning and feel proud of himself. Mr. Bochman doesn't just teach fourth grade; he changed my son's school experience and made a lasting difference in his life.”
  
  
• Nicole Fette, JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates) instructor, Roosevelt High School, Sioux Falls, SD. Mrs. Fette was nominated by a student: “Mrs. Fette is one of the biggest reasons I am the person I am today. From the very beginning, she believed in me when I didn’t always believe in myself. She guided me through that first year, taught me lessons that went far beyond the classroom, and ultimately inspired me to want to become a teacher someday too. We’ve had so many conversations that have helped me get through some really difficult times in my life. She has always been someone I could go to for advice, encouragement, or just a listening ear, and that’s something I’ll never forget. Now, as a senior, I know that saying goodbye to her will be one of the hardest parts of leaving high school. She has been such a constant in my life for all four years, and it’s hard to imagine not seeing her every day. But more than anything, I just feel grateful that I’ve had the privilege of being her student, grateful for the impact she’s had on me, and grateful for the kind of person she has shown me I want to become.”
  
  
• Ryan Kruse, Axtell Park Middle School, Sioux Falls, SD. His nominator is a co-worker, who says: “Ryan and I have worked together for about 20 years. He has impacted my life countless times by being a hard-working, selfless, creative, flexible, supportive problem solver and teammate. He is always willing to come up with plans to help staff and students in our school setting. He leads our staff meetings with honest reflection, encouragement, and is the best coach for all of us. He leads by example and helps every team member to feel valued and part of the team. Mr. Kruse is the glue that holds our team together. He praises and encourages all of us daily, through great days and really tough days. I could NOT do my job without him.”
  
  
• MaryGail Monahan, JAG (Jobs for America Graduates), Jefferson High School, Sioux Falls, SD. Her nominator is a student, who says: “Mrs. Monahan showed me real world skills and helped me work through navigating my life and big choices regarding my career path. She is always ready to be there for people and is supportive. She provides snacks with out of pocket money for students to help keep them motivated and engaged. With her class I was able to visit South Dakota’s capitol building, and watch laws be made in real time. MaryGail incorporates games for team building and fun break days when students need them.” 
  
  
• Rachel Oleson, Kindergarten, Perry Creek Elementary School, Sioux City, IA. Her nominator, a parent, says, “My kindergarten child is in her class, and she is always kind and loving to her students. She makes school fun by using engaging activities. If you talk to any student or the students' parents in her class, they will tell you how much they love her. She helps students find their strengths, uses learning strategies that best fit their strengths, and uses differentiated instruction to support students with their challenges. She cares deeply about her students and wants the best for them. Ms. Oleson uses engaging instruction where students work in small groups, cooperative groups, and uses Kagan structures to help students get up and move while learning.”
  
  
• Jayna Silvernail, 2^nd Grade Teacher, Robert Bennis Elementary, Brandon Valley, SD. “Some people are simply born to be teachers, and Mrs. Silvernail is one of those rare individuals. She is calm, creative, and fully present in every moment of her students’ learning. Her classroom radiates energy and encouragement — she’s constantly cheering her students on, sharing pictures and videos with parents throughout the day, and leaving uplifting notes on her students’ work. Because of Mrs. Silvernail, my daughter truly loves school. When I asked her why she loves school so much, she said, ‘She makes me feel safe and like I’m at home.’ That simple but powerful statement speaks volumes about the safe, joyful, and inspiring environment Mrs. Silvernail creates.” – Rachel Sturm, Jefferson H.S. Teacher, 2025 Adopt A Classroom Winner. 
  
  
• Erika Thiel, 4^th Grade, Dorothy Dodds Elementary School, Moorhead, MN. Her nominator, a community member, says, “Mrs. Thiel goes above and beyond with her classroom. She not only has impacted my life but also the life of my residents at Lilac Homes Memory Care. She brings her class to my work and her class visits, sings, make crafts, and most of all show my residents love and attention. We look forward to their visits and my residents truly love her students. She brings her class to Lilac Homes Memory Care and the kids learn about my residents and my residents learn about the kids. They always have questions prepared, crafts to help each other with or just the joy a child brings to the residents. Our families love it and admire how much Mrs. Thiel puts in to make these outings happen.” 

“We received nominations from across our service area, including Sioux Falls, Sioux City, Fargo, Moorhead, Harrisburg, Brandon, Yankton, and Watertown,” says McKeown. “It’s a testament to the high-quality educators we have in this area. Our teachers are amazing!” 

Levo does not restrict how the $500 can be used, but most teachers use it on things like supplies for kids in need, classroom enhancements, and equipment.