The Fort Dodge Community School District has announced its students and employees of the month for March. This program recognizes one elementary, one middle school and one high school student, as well as one staff member monthly for exceeding expectations.

Finley Farrell is the elementary student of the month. Rachel Loots nominated Farrell. She said Farrell always works her hardest, even when the material is challenging. She is always on task and serves as a leader by example in the classroom. Farrell shows integrity by doing what is right, even when no adult is watching. When others are making poor choices, she can be found making good choices and leading others to do what is right. She is always willing to help others when asked and includes her peers when they are feeling left out. She demonstrates the four Bs, be kind, respectful, responsible and safe, on a daily basis.

Loots concluded, “Finley is an example of a true Dodger. I am proud to be her teacher and am happy to see her recognized for her work ethic, positive peer relationship skills and positive attitude.”

She is the daughter of Ryan and Amy Farrell.

Keymora Douglas is the middle school student of the month. Tom McClimon nominated Douglas. He said Douglas is a great student to have in class. Not only does she do all of her work to the best of her ability, she helps to bring other students up to her level. She is a leader in the classroom. She is always well behaved and respectful. She displays great character in the classroom and hallways. On several occasions, she has gone out of her way to stop other students from making poor choices. She is the type of person to step up to assist in arguments or get her friends to class on time.

McClimon concluded, “Keymora is a great student but an even better person. She exemplifies what a Dodger is: hard-working, dedicated, compassionate and caring.”

She is the daughter of Tamala Douglas.

Cayci Bidleman is the high school student of the month. Ashley Canto nominated Bidleman. She shared how Bidleman started the Key Club at the high school after hearing about Kiwanis. Through this club, she created the “Are You Smarter than a K-kid” game show to raise funds for Dodger Academy. She spent hours each week for the past three months working with the Dodger Academy K-kids to ensure a successful fundraiser. The event raised $1500 for Dodger Academy scholarships. Bidleman was diligent in involving students in the planning when possible, even inviting them to come along to help promote the event on the radio. She also spoke to service groups sharing the importance of Dodger Academy.

Canto concluded, “Cayci is a true leader. She enlisted other high school students in her journey, so they could share the experiences and growth with her. She is the epitome of what a Dodger looks like.”

She is the daughter of Brian and Julaine Bidleman.

Sara O’Leary is the employee of the month. Lisa Reisner and Angie Copper both nominated her.

They said O’Leary has served the district as a para educator in special education, kindergarten, a combined classroom and literacy, embracing each position while supporting students and teachers to help maximize learning in each environment. They stated she is an uplifting person who walks in with a smile every day and genuinely cares about the students and staff she works with. They shared that her loving nature and magnetic personality encourage and guide kids through the school day while instilling a belief in them they can accomplish anything. O’Leary’s ability to connect with students whether it be through reading with them, doing their hair, or simply listening to them is second-to-none.

They concluded, “The kids adore her. Sara’s service to the district will be missed. Her passion and caring has greatly inspired countless staff and students over the last 23 years.”