Three Lafayette staff members and three Lafayette community members were nominated for the annual Rockwood Outstanding Service in Education (ROSE) Award.

Karen Calcaterra, Carren Rogan, Janet Schaper, Tom Schaper, Christy Shaffer and Katie Shea were announced as the nominees on Feb. 6. They join an elite batch of over 200 candidates who were picked across the Rockwood School District (RSD).

“I was overwhelmed, and I was appreciative, and shocked, honestly. Shocked,” Shaffer said.

“It’s an honor to be nominated,” Rogan said.

Of those chosen, 15 nominees will be selected by a 17-member committee for the award, according to RSD spokesman Andrew Shin. ROSE Award recipients will be chosen in late February and notified by a “prize patrol” in early March, Shin said.

“The 17-member selection committee provides special recognition to people in the Rockwood School District who demonstrate excellence of character, performance, leadership and service,” Shin said. “They look for individuals who contribute more than is expected and stand out among their peers.”

Nominations were open throughout January. RSD staff and community members could nominate up to two candidates, Shin said.

“Any individual providing volunteer service to Rockwood or working at a Rockwood location is eligible to nominate or be nominated for the ROSE Award,” Shin said.

Last year, Lafayette Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) instructor Msgt. Dave Cugier received a ROSE Award. Additionally, RSD Coordinator of Education Equity and Diversity Brittany Hogan was given a ROSE Award while at Lafayette.

Shaffer said she was surprised by administrators and staff with the nomination during 7th Hour.

“Several administrators and Traci Bolton and Brad Balog all came into the room with balloons, a nomination card and a pin,” Shaffer said. “They congratulated me and said I was a ROSE Award nominee.”