At Bethany, our mission extends beyond academic excellence; it is rooted in the belief that education is a calling—to nurture students in both intellect and spirit as they are prepared to participate in God’s work in the world. As a Christian learning community, we believe this calling belongs to all of us. Whether in the classroom, the front office, the cafeteria, or behind the scenes, every member of our staff plays a vital role in setting the conditions for students to be known, loved, and challenged. We honor two individuals whose contributions embody this shared mission.
The Community Service Award recognizes someone whose faithful presence and steady support create the foundation on which teaching and learning flourish. The Teacher of the Year Award celebrates an educator who exemplifies a “Faith that Lives,” fosters academic excellence, and builds compassionate relationships within our community. These awards affirm that at Bethany, living out our values—discipleship, peaceable living, and service—is a shared endeavor, made possible by the commitment and heart of individuals like the ones we recognize today.
The 2025 outstanding service awards go to Danielle Svonavec for Outstanding Teacher and to Kevin Miller for Community Contribution.
Outstanding Teacher
To select the teacher recipients, students, parents, and employees were invited to nominate a teacher, giving reasons for the choice. Some of the criteria include
- Caring for and engaging with individual students, encouraging them to live with integrity, value diversity, demonstrate cultural sensitivity, and practice stewardship as valued in the Anabaprist-Mennonite Tradition.
- Reflects on instruction and adapts instructional approaches to maximize students’ engagement in learning.
- Teaching with enthusiasm and passion,
- Contributing to extracurricular activities or otherwise contributing to the life of the school community.
- Positively representing Bethany to others and actively engaging in church and community life
Danielle has just completed her 3rd year at Bethany. In a very short time Danielle has made a significant impact within the BCS community and has helped us establish an excellent choral music program. Danielle’s has a warm caring spirit that attracts all manner of students to the choir program. Before her arrival, the choral program was on the rocks with 13 students in the advanced choir. Next year over 50 kids have signed up!
Danielle brings the gift of music to students at all levels with joy, energy, and excitement. She challenges and motivates students to understand that music is for everyone, not just a few, and she honors students’ diverse backgrounds by incorporating songs in different languages. Her energy and passion for choral music and adolescents have revitalized our vocal music program—it has been exciting to see the Concert Choir grow in number and produce a top-notch sound.
Danielle relates well to adolescents as a mentor, building meaningful connections, setting high standards, and fostering a strong link between music and faith. Students describe her as having the best balance of fun and work among all their teachers, creating a welcoming space in choir, even for those who may feel hesitant about singing. She sets clear expectations that challenge students to reach their full potential and finds thoughtful ways to share and live out her faith.
She’s also instrumental in solving Middle School schedule challenges—even designing a music class for students initially uninterested in music—and has found ways to motivate and teach those who might not otherwise engage. Danielle is everything a teacher should be and more. She also knows how to tell a good story when the moment calls for it. Above all, she is kind, caring, and intentional in building relationships with every student who enters her classroom.
Compassionate and generous, Danielle consistently goes above and beyond as a teacher, musician, and colleague. Congratulations, Danielle!
Outstanding Community Contribution
The administrative team considers employee nominations in light of the criteria set forth below:
- Embrace Bethany’s mission of preparing students to participate in God’s work in the world.
- Promote a safe respectful school atmosphere by respecting differences, building meaningful compassionate relationships, and practicing reconciliation.
- Engage in ongoing learning, seeking ways to perform duties more efficiently or creatively in the interest of the school’s long-term viability.
- Participate actively in the life of the school community by attending student and all school events.
- Positively represent Bethany to others and actively engage in church and community life.
This year, we are honored to present the Community Contribution Award to someone who's quiet faithfulness and steadfast commitment have shaped the very fabric of Bethany: Kevin Miller.
His role may not always be front and center, but the impact of his work is unmistakable. Quietly, effectively and positively going about his business, from managing student records and state reporting, to organizing data for our associations, maintaining the daily announcements, and pitching in wherever needed—including driving the big bus. Several people noted that Kevin is a scheduling guru! His understanding and ability to problem solve scheduling issues is a significant gift to the Bethany community. Kevin’s service touches every corner of campus. He’s even a former sectional champion softball coach and has led student interterms.
Kevin himself has faithfully served since 1994 a period of 31 years. And his family connections also run deep. His grandfather served as the first superintendent, his father taught math and his mother worked in food services.
A Mennonite history buff, Kevin is our unofficial archivist and a keeper of the stories that have made Bethany what it is today. I think he knows just about every alumnus going back 5-6 decades. As one colleague noted, Kevin is a “quiet, under-the-radar member of the Bethany community,” whose flexibility, reliability, and humility make him irreplaceable.
Thank you, Kevin, for your incredible legacy of service and friendship to the community.