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:
- Brenna Nagel – Unified Arts Department
- Bayla Dahle – Foreign Language Department
- Mya Knopp – Physical Education & Health Department
- Aria Day – Music Department
- Nicholas Harrison – Team Unity
- Abigail Mahr – Team Valor
- Ember Coleman – Team Freedom
- Jeremy Nix – Team Integrity
- Layton Jones – Team Liberty
- Bailey Iaquinta – Central Office & Counseling Department
Staff of the Month:
- Sandy Blackmore – Paraprofessional
- Mike Strang – Teacher, German
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 improve IMS students’ experiences. Winners chosen by the IMS leadership team.
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 on 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.