Five exceptional Goshen staff members and one very red school bus won the recognition of the Goshen Township Chamber of Commerce at their annual awards dinner on Wednesday, May 14.
Mike Winteberger, Shannon McNally, Melissa Daniels and Megan Walsh won Educators of the Year and Crystal McIntosh won Support Staff Member of the Year. Goshen Local Schools was honored with the Business of the Year award for its innovative Grub Bus initiative. This mobile food service — delivered in a red renovated school bus — revolutionized access to nutritious meals for students and families during the summer months.
Winteberger has served as physical education teacher at Goshen Local Schools and Marr/Cook Elementary for the past 37 years. This year marks Mike's retirement. His nomination highlighted his tireless dedication not only in the gymnasium but also through his years coaching football, working at the Goshen Learning Academy Summer Camp, and the before and after school programs.
McNally has worked for eight years in the district and her nomination underscored her unwavering dedication to her 5th grade students, her leadership as the grade level leader, and her active participation in building and district leadership committees. Beyond her classroom responsibilities, her involvement in the Spaulding Events Committee, the yearbook, the Aspiring Leaders Academy, and past roles in coaching and tutoring demonstrate her comprehensive commitment to the Goshen community.
Daniels was recognized for her work with Goshen High School's Ascend Academy. Her nomination described her extraordinary ability to connect with and support students facing significant challenges. Working in a program designed for students with unique needs, Melissa's unwavering care, compassion, and support have made an immeasurable difference in their lives.
Walsh’s work as a supportive school counselor was highlighted in her nomination. She works as a tireless advocate for students, families, and staff, whose comprehensive school counseling program provides critical support in numerous areas, from grief and divorce to mental health and academic planning. Her integral role in the MTSS team, her meticulous coordination of testing, and her dedication to accurate student records further underscore her invaluable contributions.
Support Staff Member of the Year McIntosh works in the Goshen Local Schools food service department. With over 28 years of dedicated service, Crystal's impact on the school community extends far beyond providing nutritious meals. Her nomination celebrated her innovative approach to creating appealing and healthy menus, her commitment to ensuring all students have access to good food, and her instrumental role in the Summer Food Program and the groundbreaking Grub Bus initiative.
The Grub Bus initiative served over 9,100 meals in the summer of 2024. The team behind this work also received recognition. They are: Brooke Huhn, Crystal McIntosh, Debbie Hundley, Amanda Schaub, Alisa Hill, Teresa Newman, Carrie Wilson, Cassie Hardiman, Christa Wyrick, and Tony Whitt, whose collective efforts have made the Grub Bus a resounding success.
