Music that Describes Stephanie
Stephanie Rakes was nominated by an anonymous colleague.
"It was hard to select the perfect profile photo to adequately represent Stephanie's leadership style," said the colleague. "I wavered between one in which she had just been slimed by students at a United Way fundraiser, another in which she had come down with a case of the stripes to celebrate students' joy in reading, and another in which she is dressed in her heart covered PJs celebrating her love for Vandalia School. Ultimately, the photo I chose represents her true servant leadership as she serves her community at a school event in an area restaurant. Mrs. Rakes is driven by her commitment to serving others in all that she does."
There are countless examples of Mrs. Rakes demonstrating servant-leadership each and every day - when she steps behind the lunch counter to help serve food, when she goes out of her way to care for staff, and when she personally visits students' homes. One day, a single parent in her office mentioned that they were just getting settled in their new apartment. Mrs. Rakes gifted them with a TV that she had from her own home. Mrs. Rakes is always serving others. She puts herself last each and every time and will never ask anyone to do anything that she won't do, and hasn't already done, herself.
Mrs. Rakes has transformed the culture of her school. She has shared her vision in a way that everyone can and does embrace. The staff are focused on students 100% of the time, nurturing their whole self while maintaining high standards for instruction.
"We know our kids can accomplish anything, and it's because of Mrs. Rakes," said the colleague. "She is an amazing instructional leader who will jump in to teach whenever she can. She also holds us accountable; she isn't afraid to have tough conversations when she needs to in order to make sure our students are getting the very best."
As a former central office leader, Mrs. Rakes knew her calling was to be with students in schools. Every day, her joy is obvious when she starts the day dancing as the buses roll in. Everyone looks for her smile, as her joy is contagious.
Mrs. Rakes deeply cares about people - which means her moral compass remains strong. She puts human needs above everything. When a homeless man was using the school building's electricity, she found social services support for him. This modeling of love and compassion is a gift to all students, staff, and families in the community.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Mrs. Rakes has truly gone above and beyond. She posts regular Facebook videos for families, assured all students felt connected to school while remote, and got her staff to do introductory videos for the community. She is so intentional in everything she does and has created an incredibly tight-knit school family.
"While she would never say she is worthy of an award, everyone who knows her and her tireless work on behalf of Vandalia Elementary knows otherwise," said the colleague. "Stephanie Rakes is the ultimate LifeChanger. She is our personal superhero!"
Congratulations! Such a fitting and well-deserved honor! Thank you for the infectious positivity that you radiate!
Congratulations! Stephanie is a servant-leader focused on the growth of her students, families and staff. She reaches out to the school community to support beyond the classroom understanding that the school does not stop at the building.
I can definitely tell you Stephanie Rakes is one of a kind. Every time I see her she is pouring her heart out at that school. And the students and teachers just follow suit. Whether it's in the car line or in the lunch room, She treats everyone with respect.
I'm glad I have the privilege of knowing her.
Tina Brant
Horace Mann
Ms. Rakes this is Haley's Dad. I never thanked you for the wonderful letter you sent me the year Haley's mom passed away. I still have it hanging on my fridge...Haley loves you and the whole staff there. I'm so glad she stayed with you instead of moving. Good luck and god bless.
Thank you Stephanie Rakes for your perseverance. You try to get it right every day and that’s all anyone can ask. Your commitment to the children and families of Vandalia is unmatched.
Ms. Rakes is an indefatigable school leader, with an equity lens that emboldens her advocacy for children. She leads with her heart and is always willing to collaborate with other principals. She's well-deserving of the Life Changer Award.
I have known Ms. Rakes for many years. Regardless of her position and certainly in her role as principal of Vandalia, her steadfast commitment to equity and high expectations for herself and others are evident. Her actions and words demonstrate a focus on improving student outcomes - this focus is central to all she does. Congratulations, Ms. Rakes!
From our first conversation, I knew that you were a genuine person. You have a true gift in being a leader and a change agent for children. You are fun, passionate, and super intelligent. Thank you for all that you do for the Vandalia family. I feel so blessed to be connected to you and to be your School Counselor! You deserve this accolade and so many more!
Stephanie is very Dedicated to helping children in or out of the school system and to help them realize their Potential and their worth.
I’ve never seen an adult with more passion for education and social justice. She is steadfast and persistent with her expectations of her staff and her students yet is the first to give high-fives and complete recognition to the same. She makes others better by her leadership—-and does it with grace and a great sense of humor.
This one is very deserving.
Congratulations Stephanie! Continue to be a phenomenal role model for women in the profession and a wonderful Delta Kappa Gamma International Society sister!
Principal Rakes is most deserving of this nomination. Her servant leadership resonates throughout the building and is felt the moment you meet her. She puts others first, from students to families to colleagues, their needs go before her own. With an asset-based mindset and positive attitude, Mrs. Rakes works tirelessly to ensure success for all students. Congratulations!!!!
Rakes!!! So proud of your servant leadership! Stephanie has always taken the extra steps and this time you’re being recognized for it! Keep “Livin the dream”, friend!
Congratulations, Stephanie!!!
I have known Stephanie Rakes since 2010 when she first came to me as an Administrative Intern. Although she was technically there to learn from me, I have learned a tremendous deal from her. She has taught me so much about development trusting and caring relationships with students, parents, and staff members, how to appreciate everyone, and how to show compassion in all things.
So proud of this Principal! She is loved and respected by all.
I've known Stephanie for a long time, both as a friend and colleague, and can attest to her strong commitment to providing the best for students. She has an amazing heart for kids, especially those who struggle with barriers to their success. She will go to tremendous lengths to overcome those barriers, providing support and encouragement. Furthermore, she works diligently to find and work against bias, implicit and otherwise. She makes children feel safe and valued, and our school system is lucky to have her.
Stephanie----what a just right recognition for you. Always---thinking of others----if nothing but a word to make you smile. Congratulations Stephanie!
As a school leader, Stephanie Rakes looks beyond her own doors to assist colleagues in the district to support teaching and learning in their buildings. She is often the first to share materials and equipment with colleagues to ensure that all students have access to what they need to learn. During remote learning, she loaned devices to our school so that each of our students could participate in online learning. She opens up her school for others to observe, collaborate, and engage in critical dialogue about curriculum and instruction. She understands and conveys the value for each of our children in the district. Her kind, positive, responsive demeanor is a constant that inspires all who have the pleasure of working with her. Her wisdom, expertise, and heart make her a true Lifechanger.
I echo all that was mentioned in this nomination. I have had the pleasure of working with Ms. Rakes at both the central office and as a fellow principal. She is tireless in her dedication to serving with all of her heart. She does so much that is seen, but she does even more that is unseen. She is a fierce advocate for social justice and the power of reading to transform life outcomes for her students and community. I am in continual awe of her work and her as a person. She is truly a worthy recipient of this honor.
Congratulations to a most deserving leader!
As Stephanie Rakes' supervisor for two years, I can attest to everything written above. She is the epitome of what this award represents. A servant leader in every sense of the word, Stephanie goes the extra mile for everyone and leads by example. She positively impacts the lives of students, families, staff, colleagues, and her community as a whole. She gives of herself selflessly and continuously. Everyone is better for having known her - whether for a day or a lifetime.
