Boyertown Area School District Teacher Receives Recognition for Outstanding Work

by Robert Trainer, Lesley Misko

Jenna Vogels, a kindergarten and second grade teacher at Boyertown Elementary School for 21 years, has been awarded the 2025 Lauretta Woodson Award.

The award is named after Dr. Lauretta Woodson, who spent her life teaching English in public schools and at Temple University, where she was an assistant professor for more than 25 years. She established this award to help showcase public schools in a positive manner. Annually, multiple award recipients are selected from around the state.

Vogels was recommended by her school principal, Craig Kehl, who said she has made an impact on the lives of countless students and families. Kehl shares, “She continually goes above and beyond to provide her students with learning opportunities that enable them to reach their full potential. The projects and writing assignments that get students excited about learning are frequent topics that parents celebrate. Among her peers, Jenna is willing to serve as a partner or mentor to anyone who needs support.”

The recognition was awarded to Vogels by the Boyertown- Oley Retired School Employees’ Association (BORSEA), one of seven sub-chapters of the Berks County Association of School Retirees (BCASR). These BCASR chapters take turns nominating teachers and paraprofessionals for this honor, and this year it was BORSEA’s turn to do so. Sheri Keuscher, a paraprofessional in the Oley Valley School District for 17 years, is the paraprofessional recipient.

Vogels and Keuscher received PA state certificates of recognition from Senator Judy Schwenk’s office, a Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees (PASR) commendation, and a PASR pin.

Vogels, a graduate of the school district, attended New Hanover Elementary School as a child. “I am very proud and appreciative to receive this award just 22 years into my teaching career. Being thought of so highly by an experienced colleague like Bob Trainer makes it really special,” Vogels shared, following the event.

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