Nikki Leisten Recognized with Making a Difference Award

The USD 232 Education Foundation recognized Nikki Leisten, the Library Media Specialist at Lexington Trails Middle School, as the USD 232 Making a Difference Award winner for January 2025. USD 232 Education Foundation presents this monthly honor, in collaboration with Great American Bank, to outstanding district staff who positively influence the lives of USD 232 students.

As shared from her staff nomination:

“Mrs. Leisten is an amazing librarian. She has a special gift for knowing just the right book to put in the right student’s hands in order to either facilitate or increase their love of reading. But as amazing of a librarian as Nikki is, she is an even better human being. She volunteers herself as club sponsor to several student clubs at Lexington Trails Middle School, always supporting and being there for the kids. She is also a volunteer at The De Soto Food Pantry and is a founder of and helps organize Operation Christmas through USD 232 every year. She is just the best, and LTMS staff and students are all better for having her there.”

Nikki joined the staff at LTMS originally as a paraeducator in 2000 before being hired as a certified teacher for 2002-03 school year. She earned her Master’s in Science from Pittsburg State University 2008.

As part of the Making a Difference Award, Nikki was presented with a $250 check from the USD 232 Education Foundation and Great American Bank. She also received a Making a Difference Award trophy, designed and constructed by CAPS students at Cedar Trails Exploration Center.