Each month, Crumbl Cookies recognizes outstanding students and staff at Independence Middle School, honoring those who demonstrate excellence inside and outside of the classroom.
The following students and staff members were selected as the Crumbl Cookies Students and Staff of the Month for the most recent recognition period:
Students of the Month:
- Rose Doman – Unified Arts Department
- Claire Dzanaj – Foreign Language Department
- Braedan Conway – Physical Education & Health Department
- Ava Deckard – Music Department
- Ruby Vignoli – Team Unity
- Ayisha Chapagai – Team Valor
- Lillian Misencik – Team Freedom
- Francesca Messinger – Team Integrity
- Connor Graf – Team Liberty
- Lizzie Fisher – Central Office & Counseling Department
Staff of the Month:
- Lori Modico – English Teacher
- Jeremy Linz – History Teacher
Only staff members may nominate students for recognition. Each team or department submits its monthly selection to teachers Mr. Jason Turka and Ms. Kristen Fonda, who oversee the monthly recognition program. They, in turn, work with the school’s principal, Mr. Jim Fodse, and the assistant principal, Mr. Tyler Dillinger, to finalize the list.
Staff members of the month are nominated by their colleagues and students and are chosen for the value they bring to improving IMS students’ experiences—the IMS leadership team selects winners.
Each honoree receives a certificate, a Student of the Month magnet for their locker, and a $15 gift card and cookie from Crumbl Cookies. The students also receive a notecard with specific feedback as to why they were selected.
Crumbl Cookies has sponsored a similar recognition program at Bethel Park High School since 2023 and has graciously agreed to extend it to IMS for this school year.