The Nemaha Central Elementary and Middle School students and staff anxiously waited in the gym for an assembly on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. Principal Dr. Amy Beck informed everyone that Mrs. Jessica Koch had earned an amazing award. The staff and students gathered in the gym while Koch attended an "important meeting" at the high school with the superintendent, Tavis Desormiers.
When everyone was settled in the gym, Dr. Beck texted Desormiers to bring Koch to the assembly. When the superintendent walked in with Koch, the students and staff cheered. Eric Sacco, from the Kansas Principals Association, walked to the front of the gym and announced that Koch had won the Kansas Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year Award. Koch shook hands with Sacco and then said a few words to everyone. After her speech, Koch thanked everyone and took pictures with her family.
Afterward, Koch commented, “I was completely surprised when I walked into the gym. It actually took my breath away, I’m not sure exactly what I said when I talked to everyone but since then, I think that there are a lot more people who deserve recognition in our school besides me. From custodians, food service, secretaries, bus drivers, paras, teachers, students, and principals. I am only one small piece of this puzzle. But I am grateful every day, that I work at NCEMS.”
NCEMS was excited for Koch and her accomplishments!
Article By: Anna Jost