On Friday, May 30th, the staff and students of McConnellsville Elementary School filed into the gymnasium for the school’s monthly character assembly - a school-wide gathering to celebrate student and staff accomplishments. This day was no exception, but there was also a surprise addition to the program. In front of students and colleagues alike, the Camden Central School District had the privilege of presenting its 2025 Seed of Selflessness award to interventionist Michele Zimmermann.
Interim Superintendent of Schools Jason Evangelist and Board of Education President Katie Stone were on hand to present the honor.
The Seed of Selflessness Award is one of the highest honors a Camden staff member can receive. Its purpose, as established by the Camden Board of Education, is to recognize the individual who best represents one or more of the following criteria:
Has chaired or participated in community and/or school committees that help to improve our school district.
Has significantly changed the lives of youngsters while motivating them to realize their full character potential.
Has volunteered or performed these additional assignments inside and outside of normal working hours.
Zimmermann was nominated by Julie Blaich and 2024 recipient Carol Stauring. She was selected for her work in making a significant difference in the lives of children at McConnellsville, for embodying the principles of character that define a tremendous educator, and for going above and beyond her responsibilities daily.
For Zimmermann, the honor from her peers was unexpected, but welcomed.
“I’m very surprised, and I'm really honored and lucky to work with the people that I work with,” she said. “They help me do a lot of hard things every day.”
Interim Superintendent of Schools Jason Evangelist expanded on what made Zimmermann a worthy candidate for this year’s award.
“Mrs. Zimmermann has shown all of us what it means to care deeply, lift others up, and make a difference not just in schoolwork, but in students’ lives,” Evangelist told the gathering of staff, students, and families. “She has planted seeds of kindness, love, and hope that will keep growing in the hearts of students for years to come.”
Congratulations to Mrs. Zimmermann from all of us at the Camden Central School District!