Schools

Lindbergh Names Teacher and Support Staffer of the Year

Brian Wyss and Debbie Hanak honored for their work in the district with teachers and students.

Brian Wyss and Debbie Hanak have been chosen by a Lindbergh School District committee of past Teacher of the Year and Staff Person of the Year honorees to receive those awards this year.

Brian Wyss – Director of Bands, Sperreng and Truman Middle Schools

Wyss has watched Lindbergh’s middle school band program grow from 198 students in 2000 to more than 500 students in 2012, according to a news release from the district. During his time with the district, he has guided young musicians in the 6th-8th grade bands, jazz band, jazz ensemble, Lindbergh High School marching band, brass choir and summer band.

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In addition, Wyss helped grow the jazz program from 31 students in 2000 to 80 students today.  The Sperreng Jazz Ensemble was the first and only middle school jazz band selected to perform at the Missouri Music Educator’s Convention in 2005. His bands have led St. Louis in the number of students who have been selected for All-Suburban Band and Solo/Small Ensemble Festival for 11 years. He was named a Lindbergh Leader in 2004.

“Mr. Wyss practices what he teaches and is an expert in brass bands and jazz ensembles,” said Rick Francis, assistant superintendent of personnel. “Some people view him as a modern day ‘Pied Piper,’ because his students, parents and colleagues all love being in his presence. He is passionate, enthusiastic and a tremendous teacher.”

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Wyss earned his Bachelor of Science in music education from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and his Master’s in Education at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO.

Debbie Hanak – Building Assistant, Lindbergh High School

Debbie Hanak, a 27-year employee of Lindbergh Schools, runs an efficient, staff-friendly copy/production center at Lindbergh High School. Instructors count on her to help keep them supplied with the materials and resources they need for students, and Hanak goes above and beyond to help them meet their last-minute classroom copying needs, said Principal Ron Helms.

“Debbie is one of those faithful, behind-the-scenes employees who directly contributes to the success of Lindbergh students,” Helms said. “She does all of this with a smile on her face and a kind word for everyone.”

Outside of work, Hanak is a member of the congregation of St. Simon the Apostle Parish, where she volunteers with her husband and has taught Parish School of Religion courses.


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