Over $1,000,000 in grants. More than $175,000 in scholarships. The Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools (FEPS) has made quite the impact on our city’s youth since its foundation in 1998.
But if you vacuumed every dollar out of Eden Prairie Schools’ coffers, and shut down all its buildings, and mashed all its books into pulp, our town’s children would still receive a world-class education. Teachers, staff, volunteers, alumni, and other community members simply couldn’t have it any other way.
“Part of our mission is honoring those selfless, exceptional people who make our schools great,” said Liz Lindner, secretary for FEPS. “That is the essence of our annual Legacy Awards. Any member of our community can nominate anyone else to receive one. If we also find that the nominee makes a positive difference in students' lives, then they have an excellent chance of winning.
“Have you witnessed someone making a meaningful contribution to our school system? Then we encourage you to nominate them for one of next year’s Legacy Awards. I’m certain they would continue doing wonderful things without any thanks, but let’s shower them in thanks all the same!” FoundationForEPSchools.org
Officer Ryan Kuffel, Community Leader of the Year
Officer Ryan Kuffel joined the Eden Prairie Police Department 25 years ago. She spent most of that time on patrol, dealing with all sorts of hair-raising matters which, if left unabated, could have interfered with the exchanges of goods and services requisite for magazine publication. For that, Officer Kuffel has Eden Prairie Lifestyle’s sincerest gratitude.
“I got a nice change of pace in 2007, when I was selected to teach CounterAct – a drug, alcohol and violence prevention program – to Oak Point fifth graders,” recounted Officer Kuffel. “I instantly fell in love with being a school cop, and treasure those three years I spent helping kids learn, grow, become good citizens, and appreciate that cops are ordinary people just like anyone else.
“I was delighted to accept a permanent position as juvenile liaison officer in 2016. I was assigned to Central Middle School, Cedar Ridge, Forest Hills, and Little Eagles, and soon resumed teaching CounterAct as well.
“Defending our precious children is only one of my duties. I also perform child protection work, investigate crimes against minors, and manage reports that come through schools’ staff, children, and parents. Part of the goal is making police services more accessible to the most vulnerable members of our community. Another is to correct deviant behaviors – really, the kinds of mistakes anyone can regret making when they’re young – without involving the legal system.
“The longer I serve, the greater the reward. I’m now getting to watch high school students and young adults using the same skills I taught them back in fifth grade. Just the other day, a senior told me he still writes down something positive and sticks it in his pocket every once in a while; that it helps him stay focused on what matters in the long run. I know it’s just a small thing, but don’t all big things start out small?”
Samantha Curtiss, Teacher of the Year (Early Childhood – 5th Grade)
Samantha Curtiss has always had a passion for working with kids. From babysitting to working in her church’s nursery, she has brought patience, care, and a genuine love for being around little ones.
“I don’t think I could have been anything except for a teacher,” said Samantha. “I take too much joy from working with children. Making an impact in their lives. Seeing how far they can grow. Also, I could never sit behind a computer all day."
Samantha’s road to Oak Point Elementary wasn’t a straight one. “I started off teaching fourth grade in Carver County,” continued Samantha. “It was one day determined that Carver County had too many teachers, and that I was one of the too many ones. It was hard to leave a school and families I enjoyed, but it feels as if I was always meant to be in the Eden Prairie School District. I am so thankful to be here.”
“I’ve been at Oak Point Elementary for six years now, and I couldn’t be happier. Transitioning from fourth grade to second has been a fascinating experience. While the curriculum looks different for younger students, so too do their levels of independence, conflict resolution skills, and emotional regulation. I enjoy helping them build these essential skills that contribute to their success inside and outside the classroom.
“When you spend your days surrounded by 7- and 8-year-olds, forming meaningful relationships with them isn’t just inevitable. It’s one of the most rewarding parts of the job. What I love most is showing each child that they matter, that I genuinely care about who they are, and that they’re worth knowing. And when they respond with a drawing, a note, or even a simple smile, it reminds me that I matter to them too, and that I’m someone worth knowing in their eyes.”
Katy Anderson, Staff Member of the Year
Katy Anderson, a teacher of 36 years, is on special assignment at Prairie View, Cedar Ridge, Oak Point, and EP Online. She’s supporting her fellow Eden Prairie teachers and staff in their quest to continuously improve – a tall order, because Eden Prairie teachers are already amazing. Just look at how many of them won and were nominated for Legacy Awards this year.
“I’m a Q Comp coach,” said Katy. “I have the great honor of supporting teachers and specialists by reflecting with them on their practices, shining a light on all the great things they’re doing, and connecting them with other educators and resources that will help them achieve their goals.
“I’ve coached for three years now, and I’ll never tire of watching my peers pour their hearts and souls into their classrooms and workspaces. I’m in awe of how much intentionality lies behind each decision our teachers and staff make. Nothing happens by chance. It’s all a labor of love.
“I’m also amazed by how much of themselves teachers and staff give. In addition to all the time they pour into students, they’re also sharing their time with me. Ultimately, everything they do is for the wonderful students and families of our community. It really testifies to how devoted they are to improving the Eden Prairie Schools experience.
“Giving is the status quo in this school district, which has benefitted so much from its caring staff over the years, who in turn have benefited from so many generous grants awarded by FEPS. All that selflessness has created virtually endless opportunities to learn and to continuously evolve in our roles. We are incredibly fortunate.
“Like every other Legacy Award winner, I’m honored and humbled that anyone would take time out of their busy day to nominate me. I am filled with profound gratitude. It is yet another testament to the beauty and dedication of the people that make up Eden Prairie Schools.”
So many great people. Not enough magazine pages. Here’s to this year's Legacy Award winners whom we sadly couldn’t feature.
- Laurie Hennen, Teacher of the Year (6th Grade – TASSEL)
- Mary Krebs, Volunteer of the Year
- Laura Mahoney, Staff Member of the Year
- Pamela Orellana, Staff Member of the Year