Kind Lesli Ann Ambassadors Honors Millennium Board Member, Anne Knezevic
On Saturday, September 30th, at the second Millennium session of our fall season, Anne Knezevic, a Millennium Board Member, site manager at Huegel Elementary, and educator at Memorial High School, was honored with the Kindness in Teaching Award from the Kind Lesli Ann Ambassadors. Please read the article below from the Kind Leslie Ann Ambassadors and click the button above to learn more about their extraordinary program. To see Anne presented with this award at a Millennium session where she brings so much love, care, and compassion, makes us so proud to celebrate her as a leader in our community. (Above photo credit: Kind Lesli Ann Ambassadors)
What a beautiful day for a tour stop! Congratulations Ms. Anne Knezevic!
"My name is Gia Euler Plath, and I am a proud board member of the Kind Lesli Ann Ambassadors. Along with fellow board members, and Lesli Ann’s family and friends, I am here to recognize the importance, and the difference kindness makes in the teaching community.
Jian and Taylor Wang saw kindness, and nominated a member of the Madison community to receive the Lesli Ann Jordán-Vázquez Teaching with Kindness Award. This recognition is awarded to an educator who has displayed great kindness, in addition to leading with inclusive, and equitable practices. They recognize the importance of building trusting relationships with students and families, and embrace the value of education. Saying Lesli Ann’s name, and bringing her to this space, is very special. This was a place where she spent a lot of time helping students and families throughout her young life. She left a little sparkle everywhere she went. Kindness, compassion, and acceptance of others, was at the core of everything she did. We miss her, and will find ways to keep her legacy alive through this work. We continue to purposely seek out and recognize kindness in her name."
"My name is Jian Wang. I am a senior at Memorial High School, a volunteer with Millennium Soccer, and a former Huegel Eagle. Today, I am honored to speak of Ms. Anne’s kindness, on behalf of my brother too.
One of the most notable ways in which Ms. Anne demonstrates her kindness and compassion is through her support of her student’s activities, like Chemistry Club and Latinos Unidos. She is committed to creating a sense of belonging for her students outside of the classroom.
Ms. Anne's involvement with Millennium Soccer exemplifies her dedication to the well-being of all students, ensuring a great time for the elementary schoolers every Saturday morning. My brother and I have participated and then volunteered since we were students at Huegel. When my brother and I were going to his college orientation in New York City, she offered to help us pay for housing accommodations.
Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of Ms. Anne's teaching style is her unwavering support for her students, their aspirations, and their diverse backgrounds. She takes the time to understand each student's goals and dreams and provides guidance and mentorship to help us achieve them. Her commitment to inclusivity ensures that all students feel respected and valued, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Her willingness to support extracurricular activities, provide for her students' needs during volunteering events, foster creativity and innovation, and wholeheartedly support her students' aspirations, make her an exceptional educator. Ms. Anne's impact on her students extends far beyond the classroom, creating a nurturing and inclusive learning environment that will leave a lasting impression on all those fortunate enough to be her students.
This Teaching with Kindness Award is presented to Anne Knezevic, in memory of Lesli Ann Jordan- Vázquez, for her commitment to Teaching with Kindness. You recognize the importance of kindness, compassion, inclusion, and caring in working with families, students, and the community. Ms. Anne, kindness matters and we see you!”