The Rockwood Outstanding Service in Education (ROSE) Award is awarded to individuals who show excellence of character, performance, leadership and service to the Rockwood School District and is presented to a maximum of 15 individuals each year. This includes parent volunteers and any employee of Rockwood.   ​

The ROSE Award Ceremony will take place on Sunday, May 3 at the DoubleTree Hotel St. Louis at Westport.

“It’s important to recognize people for their commitment and all they do to support kids and families in the Rockwood School District,” Associate Principal Karen Calcaterra said.

Similar awards for students include Glory of Missouri and monthly character education awards.

“They just recognize people who do great things,” Associate Principal Mandy Lewis said.

Nominations for ROSE Awards occur through Google Documents and kids, parents, teachers and staff members can nominate these individuals, according to Lewis.

“It’s about what they do that’s above and beyond everything else,” Lewis said.

For business teacher Betsy Rivas, the ROSE award nomination came as a pleasant surprise.

“I was surprised and delighted when I found out, to be nominated by someone unknown to take the time to fill out a nomination form. I sincerely enjoy the honor of being nominated,” Rivas said.

Nominees from Lafayette:

Thomas Beckmeyer

Roger Fischer

Joseph Gutowski

Anita Higginbotham

Kelli Loeffler

Kirti Mehrotra

Caroline Podgomik

Betsy Rivas

Robin Sanguinet