Originating as an employee recognition program, the Bluejay Way Award began as a way to celebrate staff members who are kind, compassionate, and go the extra mile to support our students in a positive way. 

Expanding on this concept, the Bluejay Way Community Partner Award is intended to recognize outstanding Bondurant-Farrar community members or organizations who have positively impacted the school district or student experience. 

Both recognition programs, staff and community, are made possible through partnership with Sheena Cochran-Foster of Remax Hilltop and Homes for Heroes. Through this partnership, recipients receive a framed certificate, custom mug, and a gift card.

Kristin Swift

On November 14, 2022, Kristin Swift was presented with the Bluejay Way Community Partner Award by members of the Bondurant-Farrar Board of Education and superintendent Rich Powers. An active volunteer in the Bondurant community for over 20 years, Director Swift has held leadership roles in numerous school-affiliated parent organizations and currently serves as board president, with 13 years as an elected school board member.

In a recent nomination letter to the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation in which Swift was nominated and recognized as a 2022 Iowan of the Day, fellow board members, Directors Chris Freese and Susan Ugulini had this to say of Director Swift’s involvement and volunteerism: 

“Kristin Swift has an unmatched sense of community, integrity, dependability, and the strongest work ethic. A few examples of Kristin’s community volunteerism include her long-term service on the Bondurant-Farrar Community School District’s Board of Education, where she currently serves as president, and several other school-affiliated volunteer organizations, such as the education foundation, fine arts boosters, athletic boosters, and parent-teacher organization.

As community-elected volunteers, we have had the opportunity to serve alongside Director Swift on our district’s school board. With students as our ultimate focus, members work together as a team, each contributing unique talents and experience to accomplish the board’s goals. During Kristin’s time in this role, her background in engineering and natural aptitude for financial management have been instrumental as we work to make sound decisions for our growing district. Additionally, having served in a multitude of volunteer roles, Kristin creates strong, trusted relationships between the school board and other stakeholders throughout our district.”

Director Swift will resign from the Board of Education on December 1, 2022 due to a family move. Remaining board members intend to fill this vacancy during their December 12, 2022 meeting. On behalf of the Bondurant-Farrar Community School District, we thank Director Swift for her strong commitment and dedication to our students, staff, families, and community.

Patrick Meyer

On February 7, 2022, during halftime of the varsity boys’ basketball game, Patrick Meyer was presented with the Bluejay Way Community Partner Award by activities director Ryan Sweeney and director of administrative services Chad Carlson. 

“Patrick Meyer is receiving this award because he works tirelessly to support the district and our community. He has commentated on a large number of Bluejay Digital live stream events, including football, wrestling, and basketball throughout the years. Meyer volunteered hours of his time helping to promote the district’s last two school bonds, he is an active member of the district’s athletic booster club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and many other youth athletic organizations in the community. Meyer cares deeply about the success of our students and our programs through his words and actions. He demonstrates what it means to be Bondurant’s BEST and doing things #TheBluejayWay.” 

Congratulations, Patrick, and thank you for all you do for our school community!