Colli Lawyer, a dedicated first-grade teacher at Prairie Ridge Elementary, has been honored with the Making a Difference Award for March 2025. This accolade, sponsored by the USD 232 Education Foundation in partnership with Great American Bank, celebrates outstanding educators and staff within the district who demonstrate unwavering commitment to positively impacting the lives of their students.

Colli’s easygoing and understanding nature in the classroom has provided comfort to both her students and families alike. As shared in her nomination, Colli's experience as an educator offers thoughtful guidance to each student to help them excel in the classroom. First and foremost, she knows that every student learns differently. Her continued efforts, characterized by her time, patience, and creative thinking, play a significant role in facilitating her students’ overall success.

Colli joined USD 232 in October 2005 as a teacher’s aide at Prairie Ridge for kindergarten. Her role grew the next school year when she became a paraprofessional at PRE – which was a position she held for 5-years. She left her position in 2011 to finish her Master’s in Education from Rockhurst University. Colli then returned to Prairie Ridge as a first-grade teacher in time for the 2012-13 school year.

Colli Lawyer truly exemplifies the spirit of the Making a Difference Award. Her compassionate approach has made an impact that will last throughout her students’ educational careers. In recognition of her exceptional dedication, Colli received a $250 check from the USD 232 Education Foundation’s partnership with Great American Bank and a beautifully crafted award, designed by students at the CTEC CAPS program.

Congratulations Colli!

The USD232EF is currently accepting nominations for the next Making a Difference Award. Nominations will be received through the end of April with the next award being presented in May 2025. Monthly entries are encouraged as new nominations are reviewed monthly.

Making a Difference Nomination Form