Hellertown, PA — The auditorium was filled with Saucon Valley School District employees representing every part of the school community when the district gathered for its 2026-27 convocation.

Teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, transportation staff, custodians, cafeteria employees, office staff and others filled the room. Then came a moment some did not expect.

As Superintendent Jaime Vlasaty began sharing stories about employees who exemplify Saucon Valley's core values, staff members listened along — many without realizing that the story being told was about them.

One by one, the names were revealed.

The surprise recognition marked the introduction of the district's new Panther Awards, a series of awards designed to celebrate employees whose dedication, leadership, care and everyday actions make a difference for students, colleagues and the broader Saucon Valley community.

Built around the district's five core values — student-centered focus, cultivation of a growth mindset, data-driven decision-making, fostering citizenship and community building — the awards were based on nominations submitted by colleagues. A team of teachers -- the Values Team -- helped name the awards and define the characteristics that a given recipient should have. Special thanks to this dedicated team for helping the district highlight its brightest and boldest leaders.

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The 2026 Panther Award recipients are:

Panther Student Advocate Award: Kaela Bitting

As the nomination was read, the audience heard about an employee who consistently puts students first, listens to student voice and recognizes the individual needs of those she serves. Bitting was recognized for creating an environment where students across a wide range of abilities and experiences feel welcomed, valued and empowered.

Panther “Yet” Award: Stephanie Hand

The next recognition celebrated the power of perseverance. Hand was honored for representing the district's commitment to a growth mindset and for creating a learning environment where mistakes and challenges are part of the process. Her nomination highlighted the way she encourages students to step outside their comfort zones, learn from challenges and keep moving forward.

Panther Precision Award: Kellie King

King was recognized for intentional, evidence-based decision-making and for using data to guide instruction, differentiate learning and help students recognize their own growth.

Panther Integrity Award: Stacy Daly

Daly was honored for helping students develop empathy, responsibility, integrity, inclusion and perseverance. Her nomination described an environment where setbacks become opportunities to analyze, learn and try again — and where students feel safe taking risks and growing.

Panther Unity Award: Jessica Johnston

Johnston was recognized as a bridge-builder who strengthens relationships and creates a sense of belonging. Her nomination highlighted her advocacy for students, communication with families and collaboration with colleagues to support student progress and build a positive school environment.

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The recognition continued with three awards honoring support staff members whose work often happens behind the scenes but has an impact throughout the district.

Everyday Hero Award: Sue Coyle

Coyle was recognized for her dependable support of students and staff and her willingness to step in wherever she is needed. Her nomination highlighted everything from supporting students and managing the high school food bank to assisting colleagues and building meaningful relationships with students.

Support Star Award: Stacy Polak

Polak was honored for contributions that make the work of others easier. She was recognized for going above and beyond to support employees across multiple departments while sharing her knowledge, offering assistance and helping others succeed.

Heart of the School Award: Lynn Beller

Beller received recognition for the warmth, connection and sense of belonging she brings to the school community. Her nomination described the welcoming environment she creates for students and the kindness and enthusiasm that positively influence the culture of the building.

For the recipients, the moment came as a surprise. For the colleagues who nominated them, it was an opportunity to publicly recognize work that can often go unnoticed.

The Panther Awards mark the beginning of a broader effort to build a culture of recognition throughout Saucon Valley. The district hopes to expand the program in the future to recognize students, families and community partners who also help make Saucon Valley stronger.

“Our values are not something limited to one person, school or group,” the ceremony concluded. “They belong to all of us.”

As the applause continued through the auditorium, the message behind the new awards was clear: Saucon Valley's values are visible not only in its mission but in the people who bring them to life every day.

Congratulations to all of this year's Panther Award recipients, and thank you to the colleagues who took the time to recognize the people who make Saucon Valley special.