Hands-down, Mila’s favorite part of the school week is art class with Mr. Stolt. Early in the school year, when students were asked to choose clubs for the first round, Mila didn’t hesitate for a moment—she immediately chose the club led by Mr. Stolt. This surprised us, as it was still so early in the year, and it was clear that he had already made a meaningful impression on her. From the very first weeks of school, Mila came home excitedly talking about art class and “Mini Stolt,” the puppet who joins Mr. Stolt in bringing lessons to life with humor and creativity. Mila has always been an arts-and-crafts person, and having an art teacher who truly cares about engaging students and making learning fun and enriching has been incredibly impactful for her. Mr. Stolt creates an environment where creativity is celebrated, students feel encouraged, and learning feels joyful. Beyond the classroom, Mr. Stolt’s dedication to the school community is evident every morning as he stands outside directing traffic during drop-off—no matter the weather. He’s always present at extracurricular event nights at school and engages families and younger siblings in the activities. As a special-area teacher, he consistently goes above and beyond, demonstrating a genuine passion for teaching, a love for his students, and a commitment to making school a positive experience. His creativity, humor, and dedication make him an exceptional educator and deeply deserving of this recognition.