Community Rallies to Honor Teacher with Scholarship Breakfast

Beloved special education instructor Melissa Biermann passed away unexpectedly at the age of 44 on March 19, 2024. To honor her dedication to helping students with special needs, friends and colleagues held a pancake breakfast fundraiser on April 27th at the local Applebee’s restaurant.

Biermann, who began her teaching career in 2002, dedicated 19 years to the Excelsior Springs School District, teaching Special Education at the Middle School. Throughout her career, she was known for her passion in ensuring students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) received the support and education they needed to thrive and succeed beyond high school.

In her memory, the “Melissa Biermann Memorial Scholarship” was established. The scholarship breakfast, organized by Makayla Sejkora, Melinda Jackson (Ostermann), Jenny Stodden, Julie Johnson, and Shaina Stottlemyre, brought the community together to raise over $1,200 in support of this initiative.

Donations to the scholarship can be made through the Excelsior Springs Community Foundation at esgives.org. When donating, please specify the Excelsior Springs Educational Foundation and mention the “Melissa Biermann Memorial Scholarship” in the memo.

Through this scholarship, the community hopes to continue Melissa Biermann’s legacy of empowering students with special needs to reach their full potential.