Lakes principal, two teachers honored with district awards

COEUR d'ALENE — It's been said that good things come in threes.

For Lakes Middle School, that idiom proved to be true Thursday as teachers Citali Sanchez Zuniga and Michelle Biediger and Principal Jeff Bengtson were honored by the Coeur d'Alene School District for their outstanding work as educators and leaders.

The announcements were made during a lively assembly in the gym, where colorful confetti and the excited hollers and the applause of students filled the air.

In her first year at Lakes, music teacher Zuniga was announced as the district's Rookie Educator of the Year.

“From the moment she joined the Coeur d’Alene School District, she demonstrated a passion for teaching that is contagious,” Superintendent Shon Hocker said, praising Zuniga for the way she inspires and encourages her students to reach their full potential.

"We cannot wait to see the continued impact you’ll have,” Hocker said. "We’re grateful for your commitment."

Zuniga said she feels supported by everyone at Lakes.

"I could not have done this without the support of everyone around me," she said. "It just pushes me on and motivates me to be better for my kids."

Vice Principal Aaron Drake kept the hype going as the assembly emcee.

“It’s fun to celebrate people, right?” he asked as students cheered louder. “Well then guess what? We should celebrate somebody else!”

He called Michelle Biediger to the center of the gym, where she was honored as the district's Educator of the Year.

Wearing a hoodie that reads, "You're only as cool as you treat people," Biediger accepted the award beneath a burst of confetti.

Hocker said Biediger cultivates an environment where students feel safe, challenged and encouraged.

"Mrs. Biediger, thank you for the difference you make every day," he said to her. "Your passion and dedication make you more than deserving of this award.”

Biediger, a therapeutic support classroom teacher, is also in her first year at Lakes and her first year teaching middle school. She previously worked at Winton Elementary for three years and Skyway Elementary for 10 years.

"I feel really honored that they see the benefit of having specialized programs in the school and the teachers that run them," she said. "It is harder to fill those positions, and the kids are wonderful but they just need a little bit of extra care and love. I feel honored."

Drake, keeping up the momentum, asked the students, “Isn’t it fun to celebrate people?”

“Well guess what? I think we should celebrate one more person!" he announced in the mic as the crowd went wild. "Mr. Bengtson, come on up! Mr. Bengtson is your Coeur d’Alene School District Administrator of the Year!”

Hocker said Bengtson leads by example — he believes in the potential of his students and the success they will have in their futures.

"He challenges all of us to be better, to work together and create a school where everybody can thrive," Hocker said.

Bengtson, in his 15th year with Lakes and 28th year with the Coeur d'Alene School District, was especially surprised by his award because he helped plan the assembly but had no clue he would be recognized alongside his staff members.

"I had no idea, zero," he said with a smile.

Bengtson thanked Lakes students and staff members for their support.

"It's just a testament to all the work people are doing in this building," he said.

Sixth grader Lillie Ward, in a pink axolotl suit, said she felt pretty happy about two Lakes teachers and her principal being honored.

"I'm very proud of them for doing how much work they are doing and definitely improving what kids are doing," she said. "It's really improving and I'm proud of it."

This was the first time the district's Rookie Educator, Educator and Administrator of the Year came from the same level. The next closest was in 2023 when the rookie and educator both came from Borah Elementary School, the district's Executive Director of Community Relations Stefany Bales said. This was only the third time the district honored an Administrator of the Year.

    Lakes Middle School piano, choir and drama teacher Citlali Sanchez Zuniga is showered with confetti during a school assembly Thursday as it's announced that she is the Coeur d'Alene School District's Rookie Educator of the Year. Also pictured: Superintendent Shon Hocker, left, and Vice Principal Aaron Drake.
  

    Therapeutic support classroom teacher Michelle Biediger is surprised Thursday morning as Lakes Middle School Vice Principal Aaron Drake announces she is the Coeur d'Alene School District's Educator of the Year.