Every year the Academic Booster Club awards two Above and Beyond Awards to recognize teachers, counselors or administrators who have gone the extra mile for students and families at Wheeler. The prize is a $200 check for them personally, as well as a donation to their department.

Mr. Dezern is in his third year as Wheeler’s Agricultural Science teacher and sponsor of the Horticulture Club. He also oversees The Wheeler Fresh Collaborative project with another Wheeler teacher, Kelly Fedderson, and they have been recognized locally for their great work.

It began with an idea of using STEAM curriculum to meet real needs in the school by starting a food pantry to send home backpacks of food to students who need it. In the first year, the horticulture club partnered with the culinary department, marketing classes, and the drama club to put on a dinner theater that raised money and awareness for the program.

Since then, they continue to expand their outreach with the goal of raising awareness and funds for Wheeler Fresh Collaborative with Mr. Dezern going above and beyond every day to ensure the food pantry stays stocked so that no Wheeler student or family goes hungry. We are delighted to make a $500 donation to this project in honor of him and a $200 personal check. Thank you for all you do for Wheeler Mr. Dezern!