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Sheryl Palmquist was surprised late in February when her name was called at the MAAP Awards banquet as the winner of the Employee of the Year Award. MAAP, Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs, held its annual convention at the DECC in Duluth.

MAPP awards an employee of an alternative school program annually with the award. Palmquist was nominated for the award as a dedicated employee of Wolf Creek Online High School in Chisago City, where she has worked for over seven years as a secretary, receptionist, and data entry coordinator.

Tracy Quarnstrom, director of Wolf Creek, wrote in her nomination, "You may believe that these jobs will take up most of the day for an average person but Sheryl finds time in her day to do so much more. She greets each and every student, staff member, and visitor to our building with a smile and a short conversation. She genuinely cares about each student and they know this and seek her out when they are having a bad day for a quick pep talk or encouragement."

Palmquist is a graduate of Chisago Lakes High School and the University of MN Duluth. She balances her dedication to Wolf Creek with her dedication to her family. She resides in Lindstrom, with her husband, Kurt, and sons, Lance and Lewis.

In addition to the administrative assistant responsibilities, Sheryl coordinates county services for the young parents at Wolf Creek and brings in resources for them. Sheryl is in charge of the birthday clubs and sunshine clubs at Wolf Creek to remember occasions for each staff member and make them feel appreciated at all times. She is also the Committee Chair of the Wellness Committee, coordinating a focus week when students learn about healthy living topics. Sheryl has also been a member of Wolf Creek's Board of Directors for the past two years. "She goes above and beyond her job title of clerical at Wolf Creek and fills a much needed role of surrogate mother to staff and students alike. I nominated Sheryl Palmquist for the staff member of the year award without hesitation," said Quarnstrom. All of the staff and students are very proud of Sheryl for winning this award. More information on Wolf Creek can be found at www.triowolfcreek.com.

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