Office Professional of the Year
The MASSP Office Professional of the Year Award was developed to honor and recognize an often unrecognized but key position within the educational community, the office professional. The office professional is nominated by a MASSP principal in the fall and the winner will be honored at the MASSP Winter Conference Banquet in January.

Kelsey Deschene, Warren-Alvarado-Oslo High School
Kelsey Deschene, Administrative Assistant at Warren-Alvarado-Oslo High School (WAO), has been named MASSP Office Professional of the Year for her exceptional office management, community service, and dedication to her school. For nearly a decade, Kelsey has been the heart of WAO, supporting students, parents, staff, and teachers with her tireless work ethic, problem-solving skills, and positive attitude. Praised by colleagues, students, and parents for her professionalism, warmth, and unwavering support, Kelsey is seen as the “glue” that holds the school together. Her recognition highlights the profound impact she has made on the WAO community, where she is considered both a mentor and a role model.”
APPLICATION PROCESS
Click here to download an application.
Return completed application form to the MASSP office on or before December 1.
Administrator of the Year Award
The MASOP Administrator of the Year Award was developed to honor an administrator who exemplifies dedication and innovative leadership in the State of Minnesota.

Damian Patnode, Milaca High School
2023-2024 Administrator of the Year
Mr. Patnode has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities that have positively impacted both the faculty and student body. He has a clear vision for our school’s growth and development and has implemented numerous initiatives that have enhanced the overall educational experience for our students.
He inspires and motivates others, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment that encourages both professional growth and student achievement. His door is always open, and he is willing to meet with anyone.
~ Tonya Kline (MASOP Member)
Criteria and Procedures
Click here for MASOP Administrator of the Year Application Form
Administrator must be nominated by a member of the Minnesota Association of School Office Professionals. Application must show evidence of the administrator’s openness to new ideas; willingness to collaborate with staff and students; and demonstration of interest in concerns from staff, students and community.
The administrators must be a member of MASSP or MESPA and have been employed in a school for a minimum of three years. The school office professional, nominating an administrator, must be a member of MASOP.
• an MASOP member
• a teacher
• a student
Past Recipients
- 2023-2024 – Damian Patnode, Milaca High School
- 2022-2023 – Brian Nutter, North Junior High School, St. Cloud
- 2021-2022 – Susan Knutson, West Central Area Secondary, Barrett
- 2020-2021 – Rob Bach, Stillwater Area High School
- 2019-2020 – Scott Hanson, Lakeview High School
- 2018-2019 – Mary Merchant, Lake Park Audubon Secondary School
- 2017-2018 – Dave McKeag, Valley Middle School of STEM
- 2016-2017 – Nancy Helmer-Weiss, Becker Middle School
- 2015-2016 – Jill Walter, Sebeka High School
- 2014-2015 – Benjamin Bernard, St. Charles High School
- 2013-2014 – Joshua Alexander, McGuire Middle School, Lakeville
- 2012-2013 – Mary Macbee, St. Paul Central High School
- 2011-2012 – David Fjeldheim, Sebeka High School
- 2010-2011 – William Richards, Westbrook-Walnut Grove High School
- 2009-2010 – Chris Lindholm, Shakopee Junior High School
- 2008-2009 – Chad Anderson, Tracy Area High Schoo
- 2007-2008 – Chad Duwenhoegger, Discovery Middle School, Alexandria
- 2006-2007 – James Bach, Chaska Middle School
- 2005-2006 – Steve Novak, Cass Lake Middle School
- 2004-2005 – Dean Monke, Fergus Falls Middle School
- 2003-2004 – Joseph A. Epping, Central Middle School, Eden Prairie
- 2002-2003 – Robert J. Rygh, Roseville Area High School
- 2001-2002 – Bonnie Strobbe, Mississippi Heights Middle School, Sauk Rapids
- 2000-2001 – James Johnson, Monticello Middle School
- 1999-2000 – Ronald G. Fleming, Lake Park-Audobon High School, Lake Park
- 1998-1999 – Franklin Junior High School, Brainerd