2025 Heart of Learning Awards

The Ralston Schools Foundation was proud to host the 2025 Heart of Learning Awards Banquet, a special evening dedicated to celebrating the amazing staff who make a difference in our Ralston Public Schools community. This year, we honored four outstanding individuals: Gina Yowell, Elementary Teacher at Meadows Elementary; Jim Frederick, Classified Staff; Christine Redemski, Secondary Staff; and Sarah Wentzler from the Foundation. They were chosen from a record number of nominations, showing just how much our staff go above and beyond every day.

Along with recognizing these incredible award winners, we also celebrated staff milestone anniversaries and retirees who have given years of dedicated service to our district. It was truly a wonderful night to honor the passion and commitment that help make Ralston a great place to learn and grow.

Congratulations to our heart of learning award recipients

Jim Frederick
Classified Staff Heart of Learning Award Recipient

In his fifth year at RPS, Mr. Jim Frederick, Director of External Relations & Engagement, brings creativity and energy to everything he does. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Bellevue University and has played a key role in shaping district initiatives and celebrations.

Jim is proud of his involvement in efforts like the Future Ready Ralston Bond Issue, organizing the RHS graduation car parade, and helping with events such as Vehicle Day and the RHS Auto Show. He also contributed to rebranding the schools, planning staff recognition activities, and partnering with the City of Ralston on a fall festival.

What he loves most about Ralston is the people. He feels fortunate to work with such dedicated, talented colleagues and takes pride in highlighting the many achievements of our students.

Gina Yowell
elementary Heart of Learning Award Recipient

As a proud Ralston alum, Mrs. Gina Yowell is excited to live and teach in the community where she grew up and now raises her family. She has spent all 12 years of her teaching career in Ralston and currently serves as a fifth and sixth grade math teacher at Meadows Elementary. Over the years, she has held a variety of roles, including classroom teacher, behavior interventionist, and instructional coach. She holds a Bachelor’s in Education from the College of Saint Mary and two Master’s degrees from the University of Nebraska at Omaha—one in Special Education and one in Educational Leadership.

Gina enjoys building strong relationships with students, families, and staff. She views teaching as being a part of something bigger and wants to use her talents to make an impact on her students’ lives. She strives to empower her students to feel more hopeful for their future, no matter what they are up against.

Christine Redemske
Secondary Heart of Learning Award Recipient

Mrs. Christine Redemske has spent 21 of her 23 years in education in Ralston, where she currently serves as a HAL Educator / Coordinator. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education from the University of Northern Iowa, as well as a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and a Graduate Certificate in High-Ability Learning from Doane University.

What Christine loves most about Ralston is the strong sense of connection throughout the community. She’s passionate about helping students grow academically, creatively, and personally, and finds great reward in seeing them build confidence and pride in their abilities. Inspired by the teachers who challenged and supported her, she strives to have a similar impact, building meaningful relationships with students, families, and colleagues that continue to fuel her passion for teaching.

Sarah Wentzler
Foundation Heart of Learning Award Recipient

Ms. Sarah Wentzler serves as the Lead Teacher at Tiny Rams, where she plays a key role in creating a supportive environment for young children. Before joining Tiny Rams, she worked as a photographer for schools and the YMCA and spent six years as a nanny.
Sarah loves coming to work every day because Tiny Rams is a huge support system. She knows she can count on her coworkers for both real-life and work questions and often tells families the staff is like a fountain of knowledge.

Her favorite part of the job is watching kids grow and learn. Many children start at Tiny Rams when they are just babies and stay until they are ready for kindergarten. She enjoys helping them build confidence through small, everyday lessons. If you visit her classroom, you might hear her students shout “GO BIG RED!” when they talk about the color red—one of many fun moments that make her proud to be their teacher.