FROM USD 428
On Wednesday, April 30, USD 428 hosted its annual Employee Recognition Banquet at the District Education Center, honoring the dedication and service of staff members throughout the district. The event celebrated career milestones, including 25-year service awards and retirements.
“This group of dedicated teachers and staff has made a tremendous impact on education through their years of service,” said Khris Thexton, superintendent of USD 428. “This evening is always a meaningful chance to pause and celebrate the incredible accomplishments—and the countless lives they've touched—across our schools and community.”
The Class of 2025 retirees included teachers, coaches, and support staff who have shaped classrooms, inspired students, and strengthened the USD 428 community.
This year’s retiring teachers included: Randy Beck and Dan Heath from GBHS; Lynn Stos and Belinda Jones from GBMS; Barb Thoren and Jeff Jones from Eisenhower Elementary; and Donna Bates, Patti Blackwell, and Judy Sneath from Barton County Special Services.
GBHS Teachers:
Randy Beck, Great Bend High School physical education teacher, has taught in USD 428 for a total of 30 years. Throughout his career, Beck coached football and baseball at GBHS, becoming the head baseball coach in 2009-2010 school year. “I’m grateful for all the great people I had a chance to work with over the years,” said Beck. Also mentioning that coaching provided his best memories.
Over the course of 23 years at Great Bend High School, Dan Heath’s career has traversed several departments, always with a focus on the “live” experience. From teaching English and Speech, to Theatre, and most recently 21st Century Journalism and Video Production, Heath and his students created the Panther Media YouTube Channel, which boasts a large audience for live-streamed GBHS events. Reflecting on his time at GBHS and cultural changes of 23 years, Heath shared, “I truly believe that Great Bend High School is a model for how very different cultures can blend together without removing the flavor and joy that our differences provide. We are all different, but we are all GBHS Panthers.”
GBMS Teachers:
For 41 Years, 27 of which were spent as an 8th-grade English teacher at GBMS, Lynn Stos has equipped and encouraged hundreds of students to succeed in their futures. Working primarily in an elementary setting before coming to Great Bend, Stos expressed appreciation for her fellow educators and colleagues: " They guided me and helped me find my voice.”
Belinda Jones, a social studies teacher at Great Bend Middle School, is retiring after nine years of service in USD 428. Before joining the 7th-grade team, she spent several years teaching 6th grade at Jefferson Elementary, leaving a lasting impact on students and colleagues alike.
Eisenhower Elementary:
As PE Teacher at Eisenhower Elementary, Jeff Jones inspired students to be active, develop teamwork and collaboration skills, and try new things. Jones celebrates 9 years with USD 428.
Over 21 years in USD 428, Barb Thoren has served Great Bend Middle School, Park Elementary, and Eisenhower Elementary. She’s enjoyed adding laughter and silly antics to the buildings in which she’s worked and building relationships with staff and students as she’s watched them grow.
Jefferson Elementary:
Becky Demel retires after 29 years teaching in Great Bend, many of them teaching third-grade. She has undoubtedly nurtured several generations of young learners and is a beloved member of the Jets team.
Barton County Special Services (BCSS):
Patti Blackwell has spent 20 years providing physical therapy services to students in Great Bend, Ellinwood, and Hoisington as part of the BCSS team. When asked about a fond memory, Blackwell shared that she “loves seeing the change in self-confidence when kids can accomplish their goals and improve their skills.”
Celebrating 15 years of service, Judy Sneath retires as the assistant director for BCSS. Throughout her career, Sneath played a vital role in recruiting and training paraprofessionals, ensuring students received the classroom support they needed. For the 2024-2025 school year, Sneath also supported the RISE Program at Washington Education Center as its on-site administrator.
Support Services:
USD 428 also celebrated an outstanding group of support service staff whose dedication has kept things running smoothly behind the scenes. Whether supporting students in the library, keeping systems in check, or managing the details that make a school day possible, these retirees leave big shoes to fill.
This year’s staff retirees include Kay Burns, software support & former GBHS registrar (34 years); Kathy Roberts, payroll clerk (10 years); Pam Jenkinson, GBHS secretary (30 years); Al Ledesma, maintenance (23 years); Tammy Ensley, GBMS secretary; Tammy Bell, Jefferson teacher assistant (30 years);
Connie Hatten, Park library aide (15 years); Marlene Beck, Jefferson library aide (10 years); and Donna Bates, Barton County Special Services (18 years).
The evening also spotlighted the 25-year educator milestone. Five incredible educators were honored for reaching this benchmark, a testament to their passion, perseverance, and impact on generations of students.
John Popp (District Education Center), Misty Straub (Lincoln Elementary), and Barb Thoren (Eisenhower Elementary) received certificates of recognition. Michelle Daniel (Riley Elementary) and Bill Maddy (Great Bend High School) were also recognized, though they could not attend the celebration in person.
For more information about recognition programs or careers in USD 428, please visit GreatBendSchools.net or contact the District Education Center at 620-793-1500.