Premiere - The Prairie SchoolThe Prairie School

Premiere 2024...what a night!

Thank you to each and every guest, volunteer, and sponsor who helped make Premiere 2024 a profoundly impactful evening in support of our students. The room was electric, and your generosity will prove instrumental in helping Prairie enroll deserving, talented students. Let's do it again next year!

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2024 Premiere Honorees

Over the years, numerous individuals – from teachers and coaches, to parents and volunteers – have selflessly given of their time and energy to help Prairie grow into one of the finest schools in the country. The Inspiration Award and The Imogene P. Johnson Award are given every year in appreciation to a pair of individuals who have a played a pivotal role in helping write Prairie's story.

The Inspiration Award

The Inspiration Award began as the Mystery Doll, an award created by an extraordinary person: retired Prairie art teacher Cathy McCombs. It developed as a way to pay tribute to a Prairie staff member, teacher, board member or volunteer who displayed a true passion for Prairie and dedication to the school. The award has taken on a new spirit as the torch was passed in 2014 from Cathy to Bill Reid ‘73. Bill is known for his colorful and creative sculptures — the perfect way to honor Prairie community members that embody the above characteristics.

Congratulations to this year's Inspiration Award Winner, Molly Lofquist Johnson.

Molly Lofquist Johnson

Service: 24 Years

Roles: I started as Director of Admissions and was named Senior Director of Admissions in 2017. This past fall, I started a new role as the Co-Director of College Counseling – I love it! During my career I also enjoyed serving as the liaison for Prairie’s Parent Association and Parent Advocates groups.

Favorite Prairie Memory: This is a tough choice, as there are countless traditions and memories that I love at TPS including Opening Day, the Early School breakfast, Twelve Days, the Middle School rocket launch, 3rd Grade’s lighthouse project, and Jubilate, just to name a few. However, one of the very best parts of working at Prairie for so long is the joy I found in also being a Prairie parent. Being so closely connected to the daily experiences my son Roger ’21 (Jack) experienced at Prairie and watching the amazing things he learned each and every day is something I will cherish forever, and his graduation was the culmination of those incredible memories.

The Imogene P. Johnson Award for Distinguished Service to The Prairie School

The Imogene P. Johnson Award for Distinguished Service is named for Prairie School co-founder Imogene Johnson, who had the extraordinary vision 50 years ago to establish an outstanding educational institution in the middle of a Wind Point field. This award goes to individuals who have shown uncommon dedication to Prairie through their gifts of time, energy, and other resources. Without the efforts of these people, Prairie would not be where it is today.

Congratulations to this year's Imogene P. Johnson Award winner, Kathy Boero.

Kathryn Boero

Service: 28 Years

Roles: I began teaching 3rd grade at TPS in August, 1996. I taught 3rd grade for three years and then became the Head of Primary School following Hazel Campbell’s retirement in 1999. Shortly after becoming the Head of Primary School, I was asked to take on the Director of COMPASS role following Deb Goyette’s retirement in 2016. In August 2018, I became Head of Middle School. I have LOVED every role, truly LOVED each opportunity. Making learning fun has been a lifelong passion.

Favorite Prairie Memory: One favorite memory – because honestly I have countless favorites – is the administrative meeting when Dr. Coffman passed out brochures on how to obtain a school dog. That same day I contacted a trainer and we adopted Bellamy who has now worked at TPS for 7 years!

Event Photo Gallery

Thank You to Our 2024 Sponsors

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