Mr. Botten is a math teacher and math department lead at the Hayward High School and varsity boys golf coach.

He was nominated by Principal Doug Stark, who states that Orrin "possesses a very positive attitude and has the ability to interact effectively with coworkers, parents, and most importantly students." He has "the ability to present (curriculum) in a way that fully engages his students." And, is the "kind of person willing to do whatever is asked of him, enthusiastically and thoroughly."

Mr. Botten received $1,000 towards his classroom budget, a golden apple award, and name recognition on a plaque.

Other nominees for the TOY Award included Primary School K-2 Music Teacher Destiny Schultz, Intermediate School 5th Grade Teacher Shannon Duffy-Hofer, and Middle School 7th Grade Science Teacher Jarred Phillips.

L-R: 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year Mr. Orrin Botten, HFEE Board Member Michelle Graham-Forrester, HFEE Board Member Kris Thompson, and HFEE board Member Matt Lobitz.

HFEE is proud to announce that the 2022-23 TOY is Kathryn Von Arb, the High School Physical Education and Health Teacher and Character Education Club Advisor.

She was nominated by Principal Dan VanderVelden, who states that Kathryn "is always willing to look for new technology and equipment to support the needs of our special education students." She spends many evenings after school working with concessions for athletic events and is "determined, flexible, and willing to give up personal time for the benefit of our school district."

Five other teachers were nominated for this award, including Primary School Music Teacher Destiny Schultz, Intermediate School English Language Arts Leader Kristine Woelber, Sixth Grade Math Teacher and Team Leader Dan Bergschneider, Northern Waters Environmental School Director Kate Witkowski and HACIL Social Studies Teacher Jeremy Mavis. Each of these hard-working and devoted individuals will receive gift certificates from the Hayward Area Chamber of Commerce as a thank-you for their dedication to Hayward area students.

Pictured L-R HFEE Board Member Kris Thompson, Principal Mr. VanderVelden, High School Phy Ed and Health Teacher Kathryn Von Arb, HFEE Board Member Salle Beckwith.

Congratulations to the 2022 Teacher of the Year Jennifer Schmidt. Jennifer Schmidt has been teaching in the Hayward School District since 2003 and is the 7th Grade Team Leader.

Pictured L-R: HFEE Board Member Brian Achtor, Jennifer Schmidt, and Board Member Amy Dieckman.

Also nominated for the 2021-22 Teacher of the Year award were Kindergarten Teacher Olivia Wolfe, 3rd Grade Teacher Meghan Droessler, and High School Special Education Teacher Julie Zawistowski.

Middle School Principal Hugh Duffy nominated Jared Ursin because of "his remarkable work ethic and ability to reach out to a diverse population of students without losing effectiveness. He is continually searching for new ideas to expand the realm of the art world for our Middle School." Mr. Ursin has been teaching at Hayward since 2012.

Pictured L-R: Middle School Principal Hugh Duffy, Jared Ursin, HFEE Board Members Heather Sheehan, Salle Beckwith and Chris Hofer.

Also nominated for the 2020-21 Teacher of the Year award were 2nd Grade Teacher Danita Wolf, 3rd Grade Teacher Stacy Wilson, High School Math Department Lead Teacher Orrin Botton and Judith Albrecht, who fills many roles at the HACIL Charter School.

In his nomination letter, Hayward High School Principal Dan VanderVelden applauded Jake for his genuine “Win the Day” attitude. Ritchie had kidney transplant surgery this past year, VanderVelden said, but through this life-changing event, he “stayed focused on his teaching responsibilities. Jake spent many hours at school on weekends and weeknights to develop lesson plans and curriculum to ensure his students’ learning would continue without a hitch.”

Pictured L-R: HFEE Board Members Salle Beckwith and Chris Hofer, Jacob Ritchie, High School Principal Dan VanderVelden.

Also nominated for the 2019-20 Teacher of the Year award were K-5 Art Teacher Katie Housel, 4th Grade Teacher Joy Bakken and 6th Grade Math Teacher Michelle McKay.

"Amelia knows what it takes to teach the youth of today and how to take charge as a leader among the staff," said Elementary Assistant Principal Wade Reier in his nomination letter for Mrs. Cummings, 1st Grade Teacher and Math Coach. She has been teaching in Hayward since 2012.

Pictured L-R: HFEE Board Member Jill Bonicatto, Elementary Campus Assistant Principal Wade Reier, Amelia Cummings, HFEE Board Members Amy Beilke and Salle Beckwith.

Also nominated for the 2018-19 Teacher of the Year award were 3rd Grade Teacher Kate Mayberry, 8th Grade Math Teacher Laura Lawrence and High School Math Teacher and Boys Golf Coach Orrin Botten.

Pictured L-R: Elementary Campus Principal Ronda Lee, HFEE President Michelle Forrester, Ken Vesel, HFEE Board Member Jill Bonicatto.

Pictured L-R: Erin Yuknis, HFEE President Michelle Forrester.

Pictured L-R: HFEE President Michelle Forrester, Mike Nechuta.

Pictured L-R: Sarah Gunn, HFEE President Michelle Forrester.