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September 16, 2026

School District of Washington Maintenance Worker Ben Hoemann Receives Blue Jay Pride Award

SDOW Maintenance Worker Ben Hoemann Receives Blue Jay Pride Award

Ben Hoemann, maintenance worker for the School District of Washington, is the September recipient of the Blue Jay Pride Award.

The Blue Jay Pride Award was introduced to recognize and showcase quality School District of Washington staff and the focus on the District’s core beliefs. Through peer nomination, individuals are able to acknowledge exceptional staff who positively impact the schools, district and community. 

The individual who is recognized each month will be presented with a traveling plaque and a gift bag.

Hoemann’s nomination from three elementary principals stated the following:

“With just one day’s notice, Ben stepped up and completed a major reworking of one of our restrooms to provide the necessary access and accommodations for one of our students. Drawing on his prior knowledge of the student from his time in elementary school, Ben understood what the young man needed and got to work finding a solution. Ben was also able to creatively use existing supplies from our surplus, allowing him to complete the project quickly and efficiently. His willingness to step up, problem-solve, and put the needs of a student first made a meaningful difference. While Ben’s daily duties may not always place him in direct contact with our students, he understands our overall mission and recognizes that we are all here to serve them. Ben stands out because of his willingness to step beyond the expectations of his role and do what is needed to make a difference for a student. Ben’s actions are a wonderful example of Blue Jay Pride, and I am grateful for his dedication to our students.”

Hoemann was presented the Blue Jay Pride Award traveling plaque and a SDOW lapel pin from Superintendent Dr. Cassandra Suggs. He also received a gift bag from the Bank of Washington.

Click here for more information on the Blue Jay Pride Award.

 

A man in a tan work shirt stands in front of a bookshelf, proudly holding a 'Blue Jay Pride Award' plaque.

Ben Hoemann

Maintenance Worker, School District of Washington

Blue Jay Pride Award

September 2026

 

A man wearing a tan shirt and cap stands next to a woman in a maroon shirt, holding a Blue Jay Pride Award plaque in front of a bookshelf.

Ben Hoemann with his wife, Jess Hoemann.

 

A woman in a blue blazer and a man in a tan uniform stand smiling together, with the man holding a 'Blue Jay Pride Award' plaque in front of a bookshelf.

Ben Hoemann was presented the Blue Jay Pride Award traveling plaque by School District of Washington Superintendent Dr. Cassandra Suggs.

 

Seven people stand in a library, smiling while one holds a wooden plaque and a gift bag.

Ben Hoemann receives a gift bag from the Bank of Washington.

 

A group of ten adults smile together in a library, with one person holding an award plaque.

Ben Hoemann is the September recipient of the Blue Jay Pride Award. From left are School District of Washington Director of Special Education Mary Kleekamp, Washington Middle School Principal Ben Strauser, Superintendent Dr. Cassandra Suggs, Ben Hoemann, Custodial Supervisor Dave Wells, Director of Buildings and Grounds Jeff Solter, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Rachael Franssen, Assistant Director of Buildings and Grounds Glen Bade, and Assistant Superintendents Maranda Anderson and John McColloch.