Mitch Hegland (pictured center), the associate principal of Eagle Heights Spanish Immersion, won the Staff of the Year award in 2024. Photo contributed by Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond to create positive experiences for students or staff in the Eden Prairie School District? Consider nominating them for a Legacy Award, the annual honors program sponsored by the Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools (FEPS).
FEPS established the Legacy Awards in 2008 to honor outstanding teachers, staff, students, volunteers, alumni, and community members who contribute to the success and excellent reputation of Eden Prairie Schools.
Five recipients will be honored for their contributions, one in each of the following categories:
Teacher of the Year (birth to grade 5).
Teacher of the Year (grade 6 through TASSEL).
Staff of the Year.
Volunteer of the Year.
Alumnus or Community Leader of the Year.
Nominations for the 2025 awards must be submitted online via the FEPS website by March 7. Legacy Award winners and nominees will be recognized during ceremonies at individual school sites throughout April.
Students are encouraged to think of nominating their teachers and others who have positively affected them, and staff are encouraged to nominate students, colleagues and volunteers. However, it is not necessary to be a student or staff member to nominate someone, said Lisa Sisinni, FEPS executive director.
“Anyone can submit one or more nomination form(s) for an individual who meets the criteria for one of the five Legacy Award categories, and we encourage people to think of those within the school district and community who make a positive difference in the lives and educational experiences for our students,” she said.
Sisinni noted that last year, a group of five “exceptional” high school students who were involved in creating the Science Olympiad program at Central Middle School won the 2024 Alumnus/Community Leader of the Year Legacy Award.
The winners of the 2024 Alumnus/Community Leader of the Year Legacy award were (L-R) Simone Kirkeby, Marissa Williams, Lucinda Jacobs, Aditya Srinivasula, and Devh Kowshhick Thenepalli (not pictured). Photo contributed by Foundation for Eden Prairie Schools
Sisinni said FEPS was thrilled to be able to recognize leaders contributing to the success of Eden Prairie Schools and “to shine a spotlight on individuals who are passionate about and dedicated to advocating for Eden Prairie students.”
Learn more about the work FEPS does to support Eden Prairie Schools on its website.