LYNN MIELKE distinguished educator Award
Lynn Mielke was a speech clinician and Special Education Coordinator in the White Bear Lake Area School District.
Lynn's compassion and love for children was at the forefront of all she did. She was known as a warm and loving person who worked to create a positive environment for everyone around her.
This award was established to recognize an individual who has exemplified Lynn’s dedication and care for the students and staff in our district.
Educators are nominated by the colleagues, supervisors, students, parents or community members. Each year many wonderful, deserving people are nominated for the Lynn Mielke Award.
NOMINATIONS MAY BE SUBMITTED YEAR ROUND. THE 2026 DEADLINE TO NOMINATE WILL BE APRIL, 2026.
Pictured are Leigh Anderson and her family after Leigh was surprised with being presented the Lynn Mielke Distinguished Educator Award at what she was told was a staff meeting. From left to right: Jake, Leigh, Mark & Josh Anderson.
2025 Lynn Mielke Distinguished Educator recipient Leigh ANderson
Leigh was nominated by the group of Reading Buddies that work with students for 30 minutes each week: Brian and Linda Adams, Lael and Bryan Belisle, Gene and Shirley Ruehle, Pat and Wayne Wise and Sue and Gary Eddy. As stated in the nomination letter: “Leigh is the coordinator of the Reading Buddies program that matches students with a caring adult for reading and relationship each week. During orientation with Reading Buddies, Leigh emphasizes focusing on relationships over reading. This focus is so successful in connecting with the students! Leigh is an innovator, great communicator, relationship builder and high-level leader! She's not just focused on academic success; she genuinely cares about helping each student grow as a person. Her compassion shines through in everything she does.” Read the full press release HERE.
2024 Lynn Mielke Distinguished Educator recipient Karolyn Erickson
The White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation presented its 2024 Lynn Mielke Distinguished Educator Award on May 7 to Karolyn Erickson, Speech Language Pathologist at Otter Lake elementary. Karolyn was nominated by one of her colleagues. As stated in the nomination letter, “Karolyn truly believes in the potential for each and every one of our students. She can see beyond the surface of what is, and envision the potential of what could be. Not only can she envision it, she is incredibly masterful at creating supports, interventions, and tools to make communication a reality for our students in all environments…. She takes the time to teach and model them for students and staff. Karolyn is collaborative, both with families as well as staff, always making sure that student voices are being heard beyond speech sessions."
2023 Lynn Mielke Distinguished Educator recipient MELISSA ANDERSON
The White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation presented its 2023 Lynn Mielke Distinguished Educator Award on May 8 to Melissa Anderson, Pupil Support Services at Oneka Elementary.
As stated in the nomination letter, “Melissa is one of the hardest working and compassionate members of our team. Melissa works with children with special needs who are between the ages of 3-5. She comes to school each day, with a smile on her face. She is a ray of sunshine that lights up a room when she enters. She brings a positive attitude and energy to the classroom. Melissa also has a degree as an Occupational Therapist. She uses her degree, knowledge, and skills to support staff and students. Melissa is also a team player as she teams with the general education teacher, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech clinician, special education teacher, and other paraprofessionals. She knows the accommodations that are needed for each student and has it ready for them so they can have a successful day. Melissa is soft spoken, encouraging, and the kids biggest cheerleader. She celebrates them when they have success and encourages them when an activity is challenging. She is not only a cheerleader for the kids, but also for the staff within our program. If a staff member is having a hard day, she will look at you from across the room, smile, and say, “You’ve got this!” or “I love your face!” with a smile of encouragement. Melissa is our “steady eddy”. She remains calm in stressful and challenging situations or when children are upset. Her calm presence helps the kids to regulate their emotions and know they are in a safe place and that they are loved. “
Jackie Hook, Tom Mielke
2022 Lynn Mielke Distinguished Educator recipient JACKIE HOOK
The White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation presented its 2022 Lynn Mielke Distinguished Educator Award on April 26 to Jackie Hook, paraeducator at Otter Lake Elementary.
Hook was nominated by one of her colleagues. As stated in the nomination letter, “Jackie believes in the potential of EVERY student that enters our room. Jackie truly believes that each of our students has the ability to learn and grow. Jackie has a natural way of connecting with students. Jackie is caring and nurturing, while holding students to a high level of expectations. Jackie is patient and kind.”
Dr. Wayne Kazmierczak, Cheryl Bertelsen, Beth Nevala, Christina Pierre
2021 Lynn Mielke Distinguished Educator recipient Beth Nevala
The White Bear Lake Area Educational Foundation presented its 2021 Lynn Mielke Distinguished Educator Award on April 23 to Beth Nevala, paraeducator at Sunrise Park Middle School.
Nevala was nominated by fifteen of her colleagues. As stated in the nomination letters, “Beth is a dynamic teammate and an asset to any class. She treats her students as if they were her own child. She always makes everyone feel welcomed and loved. After our conversations, I always feel better about my day.”
“Beth advocates constantly for her students’ needs and regularly comes up with new paths to success. Students are drawn to her and she makes them feel like what they are saying is the most important thing in the world.”
“Her care for some of our neediest students, her patience in difficult situations, and her compassion for students with disabilities is a rare combination.”