Cascade School District honors exceptional employees in annual Excellence in Education Awards

Shelley Vandel, Certificated Employee of the Year

Jenni Bunkelman, Classified Employee of the Year

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LEAVENWORTH - Cascade School District announced its Certificated and Classified Employees of the Year, part of the Excellence in Education Awards. Initiated in 1985 by the North Central Educational Service District, the program honors remarkable individuals contributing unselfishly to student growth in schools.

Shelley Vandel, a 34-year teaching veteran, primarily in fourth grade within the district for 31 years, is this year's certificated recipient. Holding a master's in educational administration and a bachelor's in elementary education, Vandel's teaching philosophy is influenced by Theodore Roosevelt: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” A Leavenworth native, Vandel emphasizes the importance of students feeling loved and believes in the holistic development of a child. She has an extensive involvement in local performing arts, significantly contributing to students' confidence through directing numerous school productions.

Jenni Bunkelman, awarded the Classified Employee of the Year, has served as a PE paraeducator at Icicle River Middle School since 2021. With a bachelor’s in PE and athletic training, Bunkelman has notably enhanced school spirit through organizing pep assemblies and field day activities, along with reviving the ASB student government. Her initiatives include the creation of a "glam room" for dance events and securing over $2,100 in grants for sports equipment, benefiting life skills special needs students. Bunkelman's community involvement extends to coordinating a major holiday food drive and supporting the PTSA's events. Residing in Plain with her husband, she enjoys various outdoor activities and community engagement.