Sponsored by the Lake Minnetonka/Excelsior Rotary Club this award is an ongoing tribute in memory of Joyce Gustafson, a long time Minnetonka music teacher who died in April 1999, after a five-year battle with cancer. This annual award provides recognition to a Minnetonka employee who demonstrates the special commitment to students, creativity in teaching, support for colleagues, and the high level of professionalism shown by Joyce Gustafson during her teaching career in the Minnetonka Schools.

• 2000  Mary Skoy, MHS Language Arts teacher
  
• 2001  Allie Cronk, Clear Springs Physical Education teacher
  
• 2002  Kathy Kirkegaard, Minnewashta Music teacher
  
• 2003  Jim Moon, MHS Technology Education teacher
  
• 2004  Colleen Faber, Scenic Heights Social Worker
  
• 2005  Randy Nelson, MHS Work Experience teacher
  
• 2006  Jan Nelson, MHS Art teacher
  
• 2007  Melanie Casiday, Minnewashta Elementary Art teacher
  
• 2008  Rachel Polanski, Deephaven Elementary Kindergarten teacher
  
• 2009  Delette Lemon, Clear Springs Elementary Special Education teacher
  
• 2010  Jerry Bartow, MME Language Arts teacher
  
• 2011  Bev Ginther, Interim Director of Teaching and Learning
  
• 2012  Anne Redfern, Groveland Elementary Reading Specialist

1.) Demonstration of a commitment to students and their learning, a caring compassion that includes all students.

2.) Demonstrated creativity in teaching or supporting the teaching process.

3.) Evidence of support and encouragement to colleagues.

4.) Evidence of a life commitment to helping students learn and achieve success.