Shining Star

Shining Stars are staff who go above and beyond to make our school district a better place for students and their fellow coworkers. Awards are presented each month during the school year at Board of Education meetings. Winners are also shared on MPS social media channels and in the Forward Together community newsletter. 

Nominations are open to students, parents/guardians, community members, and fellow staff members.

To nominate an employee, please complete the online nomination form below.

January Shining Star Recipients

Megan Donnelly
Music Teacher
Plymouth Elementary

Megan Donnelly joined the MPS team in 2024 as a music teacher at Plymouth Elementary. She was nominated by MPS parents and colleagues for her exceptional dedication to music education, creating engaging lessons and organizing school-wide concerts that showcase students’ learning and spark enthusiasm for music.

Excerpts from their nominations include:

“Ms. Donnelly brings incredible enthusiasm for music to Plymouth! She has organized not one, but two (!) annual concerts for all students to perform for their families. Her love for her work and her students is apparent in every interaction.”

“Ms. Donnelly went above and beyond her role by planning and executing a concert for all grade levels at Plymouth for the winter and the spring! Her planning and execution are amazing. Explaining what the kids have learned and putting it into music was incredible. As a parent of three students, it was so fun to be able to see what they have learned!”

“As a substitute teacher, I appreciate the work Ms. Donnelly puts into her sub plans - she creates a slideshow that is easy to follow and includes videos that she pre-recorded, so it is almost like she is still there in the class! The kids love it!”

“Ms. Donnelly went above and beyond to put together a winter concert at Plymouth for the entire school. This is the first year we have had a concert since my oldest child started school, and she is currently in 4 grade. It was amazing to see all of the music concepts the students have learned so far this year. She does a great job getting the students involved and interested in music!”

Sherrie Allen
Administrative Assistant
Information Technology Department

Sherrie joined MPS in 2021 as an administrative assistant in the Information Technology Department. She was nominated by her colleagues for her outstanding behind-the-scenes leadership, managing critical IT operations while supporting colleagues and students with kindness, professionalism, and a consistently positive attitude.

Excerpts from their nominations include:

“Sherrie is very kind and approachable. She consistently helps behind the scenes by ordering supplies and handling billing tasks. She also helps the co-op students in the IT department (even when the questions are basic) and always does so with a smile on her face. Sherrie is an essential part of the MPS IT department and does not always receive the credit she deserves.”

“Sherrie does so much for the entire district behind the scenes. From ordering supplies to completing payroll, along with many other duties. She deserves 3 Shining Stars!”

“All of us on the IT Team are so incredibly grateful for Sherrie. Whether she is managing our complex budgets, handling payroll with precision, or patiently mentoring our newest help desk co-ops, she does so with grace and professionalism that inspire our entire team. Sherrie isn’t just an "Administrative Assistant" to us; she is the heart of our office. We appreciate her dedication, her kindness, and the way she makes our department a better place to work.”

“Sherrie is SPECTACULAR! She is always ahead of the game, always positive, always hard working, and always an amazing source of support to her peers. The IT department and the district are fortunate to have Sherrie working behind the scenes. Thank you, Sherrie, for always being kind, professional, and personable!”