Governor Mike DeWine Visits Clark-Shawnee Local Schools for Opening Day Celebration and Staff Recognition

Governor Mike DeWine visited Clark-Shawnee Local School District to help kick off the 2025–2026 academic year and honor outstanding staff during a special Opening Day celebration. Opening Day is an annual tradition, held by Clark-Shawnee Local School District to welcome staff back to the buildings and prepare for the return of students. 

“This year’s Opening Day Celebration was exciting,” shared Clark-Shawnee Superintendent Brian Kuhn. “It was a time to come together as one district, begin sharing elements of the strategic plan recently approved by the Board of Education, and declare this year’s theme of ‘All In’ where we are reminded we are ‘All In’ for our students, each other, and our community.”

All district staff began the day in the Shawnee High School gym to celebrate the new year and recognize outstanding staff members from the previous year. This year, four staff members were honored for their commitment to students, leadership among colleagues, and for going above and beyond for the Clark-Shawnee community. 

• Teacher of the Year Award - Stephanie Caraway, High School Spanish Teacher
• Support Staff of the Year Award - Kim Castle, Middle and High School Cafeteria Manager
• Above and Beyond Award - Darren Kaiser, High School Intervention Specialist
• Above and Beyond Award - Jake Mattern, Transportation Supervisor

District administrators honored the award recipients with a plaque, and Governor DeWine presented each with a proclamation honoring the significance of being recognized by the district for their respective award. The proclamations were signed by Governor Mike DeWine and Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel, citing the positive difference each individual has made in our school district, community, and the State of Ohio.

During the celebration, Superintendent Brian Kuhn expressed gratitude for the Governor’s visit, calling it "an honor and a moment of pride for the entire Clark-Shawnee community." He thanked Governor DeWine for his recent support of public education in the state budget bill and for valuing the essential work districts do each day to serve their students and community.

“Welcoming Governor DeWine to Clark-Shawnee for our Opening Day celebration was very special,” Kuhn stated. “The Governor’s presence served as an acknowledgement to the hard work and dedication of teachers, support staff, and administrators at Clark-Shawne Local and school districts across Ohio.”

Following the Opening Day celebrations, teachers, staff, and administrators returned to their buildings and departments to prepare for the first day of school. Students returned to classrooms on August 21, 2025, marking the official start of the 2025–2026 school year.

Teacher of the Year Award

The Clark-Shawnee Teacher of the Year Award is presented to an educator who exemplifies excellence in teaching, inspires students to achieve their fullest potential, and consistently creates a positive and engaging classroom environment. This teacher demonstrates innovation in instruction, leadership among peers, and a deep commitment to student success and lifelong learning.

Mrs. Michelle Heims, Shawnee Middle and High School Campus Principal, introduced Stephanie Carway, High School Spanish Teacher, as the Teacher of the Year. “It’s not necessarily the what; it’s the how — Stephanie brings pure joy and energy to everyone around her. Despite facing her own challenges, she’s always the first to be there for others. There is no one who demonstrates resilience, grace, and dedication to students more than Stephanie Caraway. Each morning, she enters the building with nothing but a fresh perspective and the pure motive to do what’s best for kids. Year after year, kids want to be in her classroom, and former students come back to share their successes. Stephanie fosters a family within our school. She knows that food, fun, and fellowship build belonging. If you want to know how to be a BRAVE, we will point you to Stephanie Caraway. Stephanie, you are not just a great teacher — you are one of the best people any of us could know.”

Support Staff of the Year Award

The Support Staff of the Year Award recognizes a staff member whose contributions significantly enhance the day-to-day operations of the school and the student and staff experience. This individual shows exceptional dedication, professionalism, and a positive attitude that uplifts the entire school community.

Mrs. Michelle Heims honored Kim Castle, Shawne Middle and High School Cafeteria Manager, as the Support Staff of the Year. “It is with great pride and absolute joy that I introduce someone who has been a cornerstone of our district for 30 years. She is the calm in every storm — power outage, crisis, chaos — she simply says, ‘It’s good; it’s fine; we’ll make it work.’ Her positivity is contagious, her energy is unmatched, and her ability to take down a whole pizza is legendary! Kim Castle isn’t just a valued colleague — she’s a friend, a role model, and the heartbeat of our building. Known far and wide for her steady, positive leadership, Kim is the one we turn to when things get tough. Whether on the front lines of a crisis or in the quiet calm of a regular day, she shows up with a smile and gets the job done.”

Above and Beyond Award

The Above and Beyond Award honors a Clark-Shawnee employee who exceeds expectations to support students, colleagues, and the school environment. Their actions reflect a deep commitment to the district’s mission and a passion for making a meaningful impact.

Shawnee High School Campus Principal, John Stekli, recognized Darren Kaiser, Shawnee High School Intervention Specialist, as one of the 2025-2026 Above and Beyond Award recipients. “This year’s nominee has shown a willingness throughout their time at Shawnee to go the extra mile to help others. He not only educates the students in his class — he steps in wherever needed to make Shawnee a better place for students, staff, and parents. When the elementary school needed help, Darren volunteered after his regular day — benchmarking, writing IEPs, and attending parent meetings to ensure student needs were met. When custodial coverage was short, he filled in for multiple shifts — often leaving handwritten notes of encouragement on teachers’ desks. After the band lost their instrument truck driver, Darren stepped in — not just to drive, but to take on other responsibilities to keep things running smoothly. His actions show that supporting students goes far beyond the classroom — it’s about showing up, stepping in, and making a difference wherever it’s needed.”

Above and Beyond Award

Superintendent Brian Kuhn honored Jake Mattern, Transportation Supervisor, with the second Above and Beyond award. “I always enjoy talking to this individual… just maybe not at 7 PM on a Sunday — because that usually means a challenge is coming. Jake handles the unforeseen challenges that come about and the knowledge that the show must go on. There were countless times when he pulled out every stop to make sure school could happen! Jake has demonstrated, time and time again, what it means to be 'All In' for our Clark-Shawnee community. Last year, Jake and his team transported an average of 1,074 students per day, driving a total of 1,675 miles daily. Please join me in showing appreciation for Jacob Mattern and all he does to keep Clark-Shawnee moving — literally and figuratively.”