Five awards. One school. A culture that stands out.
Out of 19 districtwide Educator Awards, Scott Middle School earned five, reflecting a staff that consistently goes above and beyond for students and for each other. At Scott, excellence is not accidental. It is built through intention, collaboration, and a shared commitment to growth.
Principal Jesse Tvrdy attributes that success to the way her staff approaches teaching. “Our educators have shifted from being sources of information to facilitators of inquiry. They don't just teach subjects; they teach grit and the art of inquiry.”
That mindset is evident across all five award recipients. While they serve in different roles, they share what Tvrdy describes as the “Scott DNA,” a commitment to servant leadership, flexibility, and a refusal to settle for the status quo.
Florence J. Clark Award for Excellence in Middle School Teaching
Recipient: Elizabeth Tenney - English Teacher
From her nomination:
She possesses the rare ability to balance rigorous academic standards with the social-emotional agility required to lead seventh graders. Her classroom is a place where high expectations meet high support, ensuring that every student feels seen, challenged, and capable. Elizabeth’s influence extends to her peers as she mentors new English teachers and shares her expertise. She was the inspiration behind our professional learning student panel, ensuring that student voices were at the forefront of our staff development.
“Her legendary strength in building relationships ensures that her students have a foundation of support that carries them through high school and beyond,” said Principal Tvrdy.
For Tenney, this recognition is deeply meaningful.
“Teaching has always been my dream. I spent my entire childhood playing school, and now, thirteen years into my career, I still feel incredibly grateful to be doing what I love,” said Tenney. “Receiving this award is incredibly meaningful because it affirms that I am seen and valued as an educator. It also reinforces that the relationships I build with students truly matter and make a difference.”
And that belief shapes her approach each day. “More than anything, I believe that students need connection. Students need to feel seen, valued, and respected by their teachers. Along with that connection, they need consistency, encouragement, and a classroom environment where they feel safe to be themselves and to grow.”
Music Educator Award
Recipient: Lori Payne-Falcone - Band Instructor
From her nomination:
Lori is a pillar of the school community, radiating a student-centered positivity that defines the campus culture. Her infectious enthusiasm transforms the band room into a space for fun and interaction, making her an indispensable team player who embodies the spirit of the entire school. Her teaching style is characterized by a "students-first" mentality; she is "truly in it for the kids," blending rigorous instruction in the band room with an adaptable, encouraging presence that inspires her students to excel.
One student said, “By far, out of all my teachers that I have, she is one of the most enthusiastic and fun to be around. She genuinely cares. If we ever doubt ourselves, she immediately jumps in to help us and boosts our confidence. If I didn’t join the band in 7th grade, I wouldn’t be as confident in myself, and a lot of that is because of Ms. Falcone.”
Principal Tvrdy noted Payne-Falcone models professional resilience. “She represents Scott in the music world far beyond our building at the college and community levels, all while welcoming the challenge of any student who wants to pursue music opportunities.”
Myrtle Clark Outstanding Math Educator Award
Recipient: Alicia Davis - Math Teacher
From her nomination:
Mrs. Davis bridges the gap between classroom practice and systemic improvement. She shapes future educators as a guest lecturer at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, specializing in effective instruction for lower-level mathematics. Within LPS, she serves as a Math Liaison and Department Chair, influencing the secondary mathematics curriculum selection, and regularly facilitates district-wide professional development on fostering student ownership of learning.
Principal Tvrdy noted, “Mrs. Davis is a prime example of how teacher excellence drives school-wide change. By piloting a new math curriculum and partnering with her co-teacher, Mrs. Noser, on strategic goal setting, they achieved a 100% growth rate among their students. This success became the blueprint for our School Improvement Plan (SIP) goal to raise MAP growth across the entire building—a goal we well exceeded.”
Nancy Muehlhausen Counseling Award
Recipient: Stephen Duffy - Student Support Technician for Life Skills Students
From his nomination:
Mr. Duffy demonstrates natural leadership in the classroom. While many support roles are reactive, Stephen takes a proactive stance, leading "skill lessons" that empower students to manage their own behaviors. Stephen moves beyond simple behavior management to true counseling work, helping students understand the root causes of their actions and repair relationships with peers, teachers, and Scott School administrators.
“Mr. Duffy exemplifies the 'coachable' spirit we value. In only his second year, he has shown incredible flexibility, stepping into a vital role in our Student Support Center while simultaneously supporting our Life Skills program. He is actively applying these diverse experiences as he pursues his school counseling degree, turning every challenge into a professional learning opportunity,” said Principal Tvrdy.
Union Bank & Trust Award for Excellence in Financial Literacy Education
Recipient: Tiffany Wiley - Special Education/Life Skills Teacher
From her nomination:
Tiffany Wiley incorporates financial literacy through an immersive, project-based learning initiative called "Wish Upon A Snack," a student-run snack cart business. Rather than relying solely on theoretical instruction, Tiffany guides students through the entire life cycle of business ownership and employment. The daily operations help build critical "soft skills" alongside financial literacy, specifically fostering social skills through customer interaction and money skills through transaction management. Doing the snack cart once a week teaches students crucial skills like managing inventory, making change, calculating totals, and improving social communication.
Principal Tvrdy says Wiley has redefined inclusivity at Scott. “In just two years, she has expanded our Unified Club and courses, even launching a school store where students apply financial literacy in a real-world setting.”
These five educators represent different roles and experiences, but are united by a shared commitment to Scott and their students. Their work reflects a culture where collaboration is celebrated, growth is continuous, and every student is supported.
That culture is strengthened through community investment.
Through Educator Awards, Fund a Need, and more, the Foundation for LPS helps recognize excellence and expand what is possible in classrooms. “Beyond the tangible items, these partnerships provide news features and awards that carry deep meaning. They turn individual excellence into community-wide celebrations, reminding our staff that their tireless work is valued by the entire city,” said Principal Tvrdy.
At Scott Middle School, that recognition doesn’t just celebrate excellence, it sustains it.
