The Woodbury City Council recognized Jeannie Lanz as the 2025 EXCEL BJ Haak Community Service Award recipient during Monday's meeting, honoring her more than 30 years of service in the community education office of School District 622.

The Community Advisory Board nominated Lanz for the award, which recognizes exceptional community service. Colleagues described her as the institutional backbone of the community education department, where she has supported at least three different directors through transitions and daily operations.

Testimonials from coworkers highlighted Lanz's role as a resource for staff, volunteers and community members. One colleague described her as someone who "knows everything" about coordinator positions and can help with any questions, while another called her "the glue that holds Community Ed together."

Colleagues praised Lanz's professionalism, dedication and willingness to help others. They noted her ability to provide institutional history, answer questions and guide staff through complex situations. One speaker said Lanz has "educated countless community education advisory members and made allies throughout our district."

The BJ Haak Community Service Award is named for a former community education advocate. Presenters said the award's namesake "would be cheering on this honor for the woman who may love community education as much if not more than BJ herself."