A longtime fixture in the elementary schools in the Pella Community School District was recognized for her efforts. Leighton State Bank named Mary Wisniewski its 2025 Teacher of the Year. Mrs. W, as she is known to her students, has received several nominations over the years. Steve Fopma, LSB President & CEO, read previous year’s nominations, and members of the Pella Middle School Student Council were in attendance to read the nomination they submitted this year:

“Mrs. W has taught a total of 30 years, 20 of those being at Pella Schools. Her favorite part of teaching is connecting with her students and their families! Her hope is that over the course of her teaching career, she has made students feel seen, heard, and loved. We want to honor her for all of her hard work and dedication. Mrs. W has made an impact on every kid who has come through her classroom. She not only teaches her students school lessons, but she also teaches them life lessons so that they can be the best version of themselves. This may be her last year of teaching, but her legacy will never be forgotten.”