Tipp Schools and Abbey CU Launch “Students First” Program

Honors First Quarterly Nominees and Winners

Tipp City Schools is proud to announce the official launch of the Abbey Credit Union Students First Recognition Program, a new quarterly staff recognition initiative created to celebrate employees who deliver measurable, above-standard impact for students.

Superintendent Aaron Moran said, “The program reflects a clear district commitment. Students come first — in decisions, in effort, and in standards.”

Each quarter, building administrators, Professional Development Leaders, and district administrators may submit up to two nominations recognizing staff members who exemplify the Students First standard. To qualify, each nomination must include a 150–250 word impact statement describing specific actions and measurable or observable results in the areas of student impact, collaboration and leadership, professional initiative, and culture and climate.

All nominees who meet the established performance standard receive an official Tipp City Schools/Abbey Credit Union Students First Certificate, public acknowledgment from the Superintendent and Abbey Credit Union, and recognition in district communications. The three highest-scoring nominees advance to the Quarterly Prize Round, where a live prize wheel determines whether they receive a $250, $150, or $100 Tipp City Chamber of Commerce electronic gift card.

“This program exists to do one thing: show and celebrate what excellence looks like in Tipp City Schools,” said Moran. “When we spotlight real impact, we strengthen our culture. When we recognize

above-standard performance, we raise expectations for everyone.”

Nominees Recognized

Tipp City Schools proudly recognizes the inaugural nominees for their outstanding service, highlighting their contributions to student success and community pride:

Grant Brown, Broadway Elementary School 1st-grade teacher, was recognized for creating a classroom environment where students feel valued, supported, and challenged to succeed each day. His strong instructional practice and relationship-building were reflected in exceptional student growth data, including above-expected achievement and progress in both literacy and math.

Matt Burbacher, Tippecanoe High School Intervention Specialist/Math Teacher, was honored for stepping forward during an unexpected staffing change to lead Algebra I courses while continuing to teach Honors Geometry. His willingness to take on additional responsibility ensured students received consistent, high-quality instruction in a foundational math course.

Nick Culver, Tippecanoe High School Intervention Specialist, was acknowledged for stepping in during a staffing shortage to take on an Algebra I section. His flexibility and commitment provided stability, structure, and continuity of instruction for students during an unexpected transition.

Maggie Gall-Maynard, Tippecanoe Middle School Library Media Specialist, was acknowledged for going above and beyond in both her mentorship work and student literacy support. While working toward her school librarian certification, she co-taught in seventh-grade honors classes, developed engaging lessons

to fill curriculum gaps, and embraced her work as a Reading Improvement and Monitoring Plan teacher by helping students grow as readers through the REWARDS program.

Kristen Hollis, Tippecanoe High School educational aide, was honored for quickly becoming a key source of support for students in Algebra I. By assisting in instruction, helping students stay engaged, and building positive relationships, she helped create a classroom environment where students could receive additional support and remain focused during a challenging transition.

Kim Niekamp, Tippecanoe Middle School English Language Arts teacher, was recognized for her dedicated work with a sixth-grade student who entered school after being homeschooled for most of their life and was significantly behind academically and behaviorally. Through patience, collaboration, and individualized support, she helped the student make meaningful gains in both confidence and progress.

Molly Sanders, L.T. Ball Intermediate School Music teacher, was recognized through multiple nominations for her extraordinary impact on students through music education. She rebuilt grade-level performance opportunities, created inclusive concerts where every child had a role, personalized performances to deepen student and family connection, reintroduced dance, and secured additional resources through grant funding, including instruments that expanded student access and participation in music-making.

Melissa Stucke, Tippecanoe Middle School, English Language Arts Teacher, was recognized for launching Tippecanoe Middle School’s first-ever Literacy Night, creating a meaningful opportunity for students to showcase their reading and writing for families and the school community. Her efforts celebrated authentic student work while strengthening school-home connections.

From this outstanding group of nominees, the first Abbey Credit Union Students First Recognition Program winners are Grant Brown, Molly Sanders, and Melissa Stucke. Their recognition highlights the exceptional dedication and positive impact of our staff, inspiring continued excellence.

Abbey Credit Union’s sponsorship of the Students First Recognition Program demonstrates its ongoing commitment to supporting the Tipp City community and schools.

“This really felt like a natural fit for us,” said Dean Pielemeier, President/CEO of Abbey Credit Union. “As a member-owned credit union, we’re focused on supporting the communities we serve, and our schools are such an important part of that. Educators and staff inside those buildings are doing more than most of us ever see, so being able to support a program that recognizes that work was something we were excited to be part of.”

Pielemeier said the partnership is about making sure exceptional work does not go unnoticed. “A lot of good work happens quietly, without much attention. This is a chance to recognize the individuals who are making a real difference for students. It’s important to take a moment and acknowledge that kind of impact.”

He added that recognition programs like this strengthen more than individuals. “Programs like this matter because people matter,” Pielemeier said. “And sometimes we move too quickly to say that out loud. This program highlights the people behind the work.” He added, recognizing that such effort not only supports those individuals but also strengthens the culture around them. It benefits the entire community.

Abbey Credit Union is proud to partner with Tipp City Schools on this initiative and to support those who make a difference in students’ lives every day.

Tipp City Schools extends its gratitude to Abbey Credit Union for its partnership and to every nominated staff member for the work they do each day to put students first.