Sedalia Firefighters Local 103 recognized a Smith-Cotton High School teacher with one of its highest honors on Tuesday, January 22.
According to a news release, Stacey Steinkuhler, a freshman English Language Arts teacher and sponsor of both the Freshmen Academy and the Link Crew freshmen support program, was awarded a challenge coin by Local 103 President Josh Nelson, Vice President Jeremy Pepin and member Jamie Volk. Each year, the S-C Freshmen Academy raises funds for the Firefighter Memorial in Liberty Park.
In their recommendation letter for Steinkuhler, Local 103 members wrote: “Found on the reverse side of our challenge coin are the words honor, respect, integrity and professionalism. Through her efforts, Stacey has not only demonstrated these values herself, but also instilled them in her students.”
Steinkuhler, who was surprised and honored by the recognition, said “Every year during our Firefighter Memorial event, we set out to raise more money and awareness than the last. We do it because it is the right thing to do to honor those who put their lives at risk for us on a daily basis. With the help of Smith-Cotton and our Sedalia community, we plan to continue teaching those values etched on the challenge coin: honor, integrity, respect, and professionalism.”