Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Four Winds High School principal Stacy Benz (center) will be formally presented with her award during a Zoom meeting on Nov. 20. She is pictured here with Lori Gallagher and Jane Horner, two Four Winds educators who retired last spring.
The North Dakota Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers has awarded New Rockford's Stacy Benz with the 2021 Public Citizen of the Year Award. A native of Leeds, N.D., Benz and her family moved to New Rockford roughly 10 years ago, and she's been providing outstanding leadership in various roles at the Four Winds Community School ever since. Benz is currently in her second year as the principal of Four Winds High School.
"I was very surprised when I was notified by email that I had won this award," said Benz about her initial reaction. "In fact, I thought the first email I received was spam email."
The Public Citizen of the Year Award honors a non-social worker who has taken exceptional risk to better the field of human services, demonstrates exceptional leadership qualities, works with at-risk or vulnerable populations, and works to improve the quality of life in their community.
Having earned a reputation for doing just that, and for creating a great environment for her students and faculty, Benz was nominated for the award by the school's social worker, Carrie Thompson-Widmer.
"The culture she promotes in this work environment is focused on student success and staff integrity," wrote Thompson-Widmer in her nomination letter. "To see the trust that students put in her as a caring adult and to watch her work is truly a gift. She provides hope and a spirit to others each day."
Over the years, Benz has amassed an impressive track record of excellence in education. She's worked as a librarian at the Devils Lake High School, an elementary teacher at Hazelton-Moffit-Braddock Public School, and a junior high English teacher at the Rugby Public School.
Since moving to New Rockford, Benz has taught junior high English, elementary special education, and alternative high school English at the Four Winds Community School, and she continues her own education to this day.
Benz graduated with elementary education, High School English, and library degrees from Mayville State University, and intends to finish her educational leadership degree from the University of Mary in 2022.
According to Thompson-Widmer, "Stacy's persona radiates the quotes 'treat others the way you would want to be treated,' and 'there is no I in TEAM,' with energy and a smile every day."
Overall, Benz has simply enjoyed teaching and providing the best possible environment for her students.
"I am honored to be recognized for this award," said Benz. "I feel I am just doing my job; helping students to achieve their highest potential. I love my job and I love working with the students and families at the Four Winds High School."
