Celebrating Central Minnesota’s Outstanding Educators

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Last week, Resource Training & Solutions hosted the 2025 Leadership in Educational Excellence Award (LEEA) Banquet at the St. Cloud River’s Edge Convention Center, honoring 159 exceptional educators from across central Minnesota.

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The annual celebration brought together more than 430 guests for an evening filled with recognition, laughter, and music. The night began with a lively performance from Duelly Noted, a dueling piano group that set the tone with their interactive and high-energy show.

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Following the performance, honorees from Resource member districts were recognized for their outstanding leadership, instructional expertise, and positive impact on students, colleagues, and the greater school community. Kevin Ricke, Superintendent of Ogilvie Public Schools, presented the awards, congratulating this year’s recipients for their dedication and excellence in education.

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“The LEEA Banquet is one of my favorite events each year,” said Mark Schmitz, Executive Director of Resource Training & Solutions. “It’s an opportunity to pause and celebrate the incredible educators who make a difference in the lives of students every single day. Their commitment inspires all of us.”

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The LEEA Banquet is a collaborative effort between Resource Training & Solutions and its partner school districts, coordinated by Event and Administrative Assistant Celena Hansen and the Education Department team. The event highlighted Resource’s mission to support members through innovation and collaboration, recognizing the remarkable individuals who embody those values in their classrooms and communities.

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View and download photos from the event >>