‘Highlight a Hero’ Campaign Honors Staff in Wayzata Schools

Behind every successful student is a teacher who made an impact.

“I’ve been in the Wayzata School District for the last 13 years. They’ve shaped who I am,” said Ella Podiak, a senior at Wayzata High School. “I’ve had a lot of great teachers, including our teacher right now. Our Compass teacher, Mr. Kimbler.”

After a long school year, one could argue that teachers such as Mr. Kimbler, and other Wayzata staff members, deserve a treat.

Or more specifically, Bundt cakes.

“Everyone’s always happy to see us,” said Podiak. “We’re known as the Bundt cake people.”

Podiak, along with fellow seniors Paige and Sydney Povitz, are part of Wayzata’s Compass program, which helps students earn college credit while working alongside professionals in the workplace.

The three students spent the entire semester working with the Wayzata Education Fund, a nonprofit that provides grants for district teachers, and yes, Bundt cakes.

“We feel very fortunate to have this opportunity, and it’s taught us a lot about the real world and organization, communication and planning and all those types of things,” said Sydney Povitz.

Ella Podiak (left) and Sydney Povitz organize gift bags for the Wayzata Education Fund’s Highlight a Hero program.

Showing gratitude

On a recent Friday, the project occupying the students’ time was a special one. It’s called “Highlight a Hero,” and for $25, people can nominate a district staff member. Those staff members then receive a gift bag filled with a certificate of appreciation and a delectable dessert from the Nothing Bundt Cakes location in Minnetonka.

After spending all morning packing roughly 150 gift bags, the students brought them from one class to another, taking the teachers by surprise.

“It’s so amazing to be recognized by my students,” said Alyssa Honmyhr, a Wayzata teacher who received a gift bag. “Especially those who I had in first semester and haven’t seen for a while. It means the world to me.”

In some cases, the students even ran people down in the hallways. It’s a sign that they’ll do whatever it takes to shows staff members that their work is appreciated.

“I feel like I have the opportunity to give back before I leave that not every other kids has,” said Podiak, referring to her involvement in the Highlight a Hero program.

Meanwhile, every Highlight a Hero donation benefits the Wayzata Education Fund, which has awarded roughly $500,000 in grants to Wayzata schools over the last 20 years.