{"id":12299,"date":"2021-10-02T16:50:00","date_gmt":"2021-10-02T21:50:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bluekc.com\/blueprint\/?p=12299"},"modified":"2025-12-18T16:52:12","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T21:52:12","slug":"2021-blue-kc-sporting-samaritan-honoree-amber-nieznajko","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bluekc.com\/blueprint\/community-and-culture\/sports-partnerships-community-and-culture\/2021-blue-kc-sporting-samaritan-honoree-amber-nieznajko\/","title":{"rendered":"2021 Blue KC Sporting Samaritan Honoree Amber Nieznajko"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Amber Nieznajko has been named the Blue KC Sporting Samaritan for October.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nieznajko graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a Bachelor\u2019s degree in Elementary Education in 2017, and she\u2019s been making an impact in the lives of fourth graders at Eastwood Hills Elementary School in Raytown, Missouri ever since. Nieznajko also earned her Master\u2019s in Teaching and Learning from Avila University with a concentration on Advanced Classroom Management. As her teaching career has progressed, she recently accepted a teacher leadership position as a resource for other educators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to teaching, Nieznakjo also holds many other positions at Eastwood Hills Elementary, including; schoolyard garden leader, head coach of a social-emotional running program, site coordinator for a Monarch Butterfly Waystation and a staff liaison for the Parent Teacher Association.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOne of my most proud accomplishments would be the additions to the courtyard in the school,\u201d said Nieznajko. \u201cWatching students be able to have real-life experiences in a garden is priceless. They are able to plant, install and even enjoy the vegetables as they grow. The courtyard is also home to our Monarch Waystation where students have been able to learn about the life-cycle of this beautiful animal and how each of them are playing a part in the conservation of butterflies.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Amber<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nieznakjo cherishes the community she works in and treats her co-workers, as well as the families of her students, as an extension of her own family. She adores working in a place where she always feels welcomed and is given the freedom to provide her students with the best education possible. Growing up, Nieznajko was told to always give 100% in everything she does. She\u2019s ensured that message is translated into her classroom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe advice I give my students is to know they are capable of anything they set their minds to,\u201d said Nieznajko. \u201cThey should always be proud of the growth they are making both academically and personally.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having lived in the Kansas City area for a majority of her life, Nieznajko is a graduate of Grain Valley High School and is honored to give back to her local community as she enters her fifth-year teaching at Eastwood Hills Elementary. Her desire to inspire everyone who sets foot in her classroom is contagious and the perfect example of what the Blue KC Sporting Samaritan program represents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI have high expectations for all of my students because they are all capable of achieving the goals we set,\u201d said Nieznajko. \u201cSometimes all it takes is for people to believe you are capable. I remember when I was in fourth grade, I had a teacher who really made a difference in my life and believed in me. This inspired me to become a teacher myself. My goal is to do the same for the students I teach on a daily basis.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Amber<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s that type of inspiration and determination that makes Nieznajko standout in the Raytown community. While teaching fourth graders can present many challenges, her positive outlook and forward-thinking attitude creates a welcoming environment of growth and learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am beyond excited and feel incredibly honored to even be nominated for this award,\u201d said Nieznajko. \u201cSporting KC has always held a special place in my heart and has been a place of many memories. I cannot believe I get the opportunity to be recognized at a game.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAmber is extremely deserving of this award,\u201d said Nick Frankenfield, Amber\u2019s nominator. \u201cShe is constantly trying to better herself and the community through service, leadership and professionalism. Her plan to turn a plain courtyard into a schoolyard garden to educate and feed nearly 400 students is incredible. Amber goes above and beyond the call of duty in her field to help benefit everyone she is around.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAmber\u2019s nominator highlights one of her many areas of excellence,\u201d said Christa Dubill, Blue KC Chief Communications Officer. \u201cAmber\u2019s positivity and optimism is a something we can all learn from. Her involvement in numerous fields at Eastwood Hills Elementary School show her passion and commitment to strengthening the lives of those she teaches. We\u2019re honored to highlight Amber\u2019s accomplishments and look forward to what she has planned for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

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Blue KC supports the Kansas City community through impactful sports partnership programs<\/h3>

Blue KC Sporting Samaritan Program<\/p> <\/div>\n

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