Woodbury Honors Five Community Volunteers with EXCEL Awards
The city of Woodbury recognized five individuals with 2025 EXCEL Awards during a ceremony Tuesday, honoring their outstanding service to the school district and broader community.
Tony Huddle received the Heart of the Community Award for her 34 years of service in the 622 School District, where she works as an inclusion paraprofessional with kindergarten and first-grade students at Justice Allen Page School. Huddle also coordinates summer programming for Adventure Connection, the district's childcare program.
Rosie Dicki was honored for her 12 years of volunteer service with the Northern Light Show Choir, where she serves as both president and treasurer. Students refer to her as "mama Rosie" and rely on her for everything from costume repairs to emotional support. Chris Feling received recognition for nearly eight years of volunteer work with Meals on Wheels, delivering meals weekly to homebound seniors throughout the eastern portion of the 622 school district.
John Schlice was recognized for his three years coordinating Gifts for Seniors, a 31-year-old organization serving the 10-county metro area. The program distributed more than 8,000 gifts during its 2024 holiday program, with each gift including a personal note. Jeannie Lans received the BJ Hack Community Service Award for her more than 30 years with the district's community education office, where colleagues describe her as the institutional knowledge keeper who supports staff, volunteers and the community education advisory board.
The EXCEL Awards include the Heart of the Community Award, Community Partnership Award and BJ Hack Community Service Award, celebrating individuals who have made significant impacts through their dedication to education and community service.
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Areas of Interest (4)
- Local school district recognizes long-term staff and volunteers for extraordinary community service.
- Institutional knowledge: The role of long-term administrative staff in district stability.
- Gifts for Seniors program bridges social gaps for homebound elderly in the metro area.
- Volunteerism as a support system: Show choir 'Mama' provides emotional and physical care to students.
Notable Quotes (3)
I'm getting paid to do what I love so much.
Some of these seniors it might be the only time they would even get a gift from from anybody.
When I told them that I was done volunteering, a couple were in tears and actually gave me a hug.
People (5)
Tony HuddleInclusion Para34-year district veteran recognized for heart and dedication to students.
1 quote
34-year district veteran recognized for heart and dedication to students.
“I'm getting paid to do what I love so much cuz I I enjoy being with those kids and and the fun that we have.”
Reflecting on working with children in Adventure Connection.
Rosie DickiVolunteer / President / Treasurer12-year volunteer affectionately known as 'Mama Rosie' by students.
1 quote
12-year volunteer affectionately known as 'Mama Rosie' by students.
“My goal really is to remind the kids and to show the kids what it looks like to be a member of the community.”
Explaining her motivation for volunteering.
John SchliceCoordinatorOversees resource distribution for the 10-county metro area.
1 quote
Oversees resource distribution for the 10-county metro area.
“It only makes one person to make a difference and make everything a much better situation.”
On the impact of the senior gift program.
Chris FelingVolunteerLongtime volunteer with nearly 8 years of service to homebound residents.
1 quote
Longtime volunteer with nearly 8 years of service to homebound residents.
“It's more rewarding than you think and it's not that big of an investment of time.”
Encouraging others to volunteer.
Jeannie LansCommunity Education OfficeRecipient of the BJ Hack Community Service Award with 30+ years of service.
Recipient of the BJ Hack Community Service Award with 30+ years of service.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (2)
- December 2023: Initiation of Gifts for Seniors coordination
- August 2024: Receipt of gratitude note from senior
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Other Topics from This Document
Heart of the Community Award
Adventure Connection staff recognition
Northern Light Show Choir volunteer support
Gifts for Seniors program operations
Meals on Wheels delivery and community service
BJ Hack Community Service Award presentation
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