Awards

Minnesota School 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. MASSP started recognizing these key individuals in 2010. The office professional is nominated by their administrator in the fall and the winner is honored at the MASSP Winter Conference Banquet in January.

Krystle Enninga

Yellow Medicine East Middle/High School

Krystle Enninga, an administrative assistant at Yellow Medicine East Middle/High School, was named the MASSP 2026 Minnesota School Office Professional of the Year. As described by her administrator, she is the heartbeat of their building and helped lead their Vote Yes Committee to pass a $74 million bond referendum to build a new school facility. Krystle supports staff, students, parents, and community members with a level of care and professionalism and is able to bring calm to chaos, solutions to problems, and warmth to every interaction.

A staff member at her school stated that “She holds herself to a high standard in everything she does” and that “she always shows exceptional work ethic, strong character during times of great change and has been a valued coworker that many turn to when needing help.” She embodies the energy behind the district’s motto: “Revive the Hive.” 

Congratulations Krystle on a job well done! Your district is lucky to have such an exceptional and dedicated individual as a staff member.

Application Process

Selection Criteria/Eligibility:

• Nominee must have at least 5 years of service in a school office.
• Nominee must be a current member of MASOP.
• Nominator must be a current member of MASSP or MESPA.

Letters of recommendation from:
• You – the Nominator
• District Staff Member
• Student

A selection panel will choose the Minnesota School Office Professional of the Year and the winner will be honored at the MASSP Winter Conference Banquet. The administrator who nominated the recipient will have the honor of introducing the award winner.

  • 2024-2025: Kelsey Deschen – Warren-Alvarado-Oslo High School
  • 2023-2024: Grace Kubesh – Mora High School
  • 2022-2023: Lisa Merritt – Ortonville High School
  • 2021-2022: Becky Revering – Parkers Prairie Secondary School
  • 2020-2021: Tammy Mohn – Lakeville South High School

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.  This award was developed by MASOP members starting in 1998.

Joe Kuboushek

Principal of Hidden Oaks and Twin Oaks Middle School

 

2025-2026 Administrator of the Year

Joe Kuboushek is the principal at BOTH Twin Oaks and Hidden Oaks in the Prior Lake-Savage Area school district. Joe was formerly the principal at Twin Oaks and took the dual position after the Hidden Oaks principal retired. Joe has put many miles on his shoes walking between the two buildings, regardless of the weather. Ahem – 650 feet door to door! It is constantly joked that he could use his own Segway! But all joking aside, Joe does this because he wants to be with people and listen to their ideas and concerns. He handles the pressure of both buildings with grace and dependability. He treats everyone and every situation with the respect they require, while letting people know that he is there for them. In difficult situations and emergencies, Joe remains calm and reassuring.
 
As a staff member quoted “You can tell a lot about a person by their shoes, where they are going, and where they have been.” – Forrest Gump. He has taken on this challenge and thrived in this dual role. Joe has never let the work of leading two schools take away from his visibility or accessibility. He is present and serves the people authentically and respectfully.
 

Application Process

Application Deadline: TBD

Selection Criteria/Eligibility:

  • Nominee must have at least 3 years of service in the school
  • Nominee must be a current member of MASSP or MESPA
  • Nominator must be a current member of MASOP.

Letters of recommendation from:

  • You – the Nominator
  • District Staff Member
  • Student

A selection panel will choose the MASOP Administrator of the Year and the winner will be honored at the MASOP Summer Conference Banquet. The school office professional who nominated the recipient will have the honor of introducing the award winner.

  • 2024-2025 – Stacy Hinz, Yellow Medicine East Middle/High School
  • 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