We are excited to announce our third recipient of the United Ambassador Award. This distinction is designed to honor individuals in our community who have made significant, positive impacts through their service, support, and dedication.
These ambassadors exemplify the core values of our organization by going above and beyond in their efforts to support our school’s mission and vision.
These recipients are pillars in our community who inspire others to contribute to the growth and spirit of our school.
Please help us honor and show appreciation for Deb Otterblad. Deb has blessed our school abundantly with more than 25 years of teaching and service. Many students and staff have been touched by her presence at the school. Here is what some of Deb’s colleagues have to say:
“Mrs. Otterblad. What a legacy. I had the privilege of working with her from 2002 to 2021 at both Christian Life Academy and United Christian Academy. Since 2021 I have been able to watch from a distance, and I continue to be so grateful for her excellent service to the art of Christian school teaching. Mrs. Otterblad is a master instructor. Her role at CLA as the 1st grade teacher grounded the early elementary program and set a standard for the following grade levels. Her deep love for each student and her classroom management procedures ensured that students went through a purposeful and disciplined experience so that they could learn and grow in Christ. She led through her own experience of service to each family, to her church, and to the school as a whole. She never just punched a clock. In early, staying late, coming in over the summer all set a model for the rest of the staff and the many student teachers from local colleges and for our entry level new hires. I wanted those developing teachers to be in Mrs. O's class: with a master teacher and learn from one of the best.
I always appreciated her high commitment to teaching in that it showed in the classroom. She wasn't a minimalist. She covered every square inch of wall space and floor space with visual learning opportunities. Her passion for teaching showed in how she made sure that every student had an opportunity to learn no matter where they looked. She was also the master mobilizer of family volunteers. I was always amazed at how late in the summer before school started, she could mobilize an army of parents to put her master classroom together - and help cover every square inch of learning space. That built community and partnership with parents that made a difference in the more difficult times of student development.
As students moved through her class into the rest of their elementary years and into high school, there were often stories told of Mrs. Otterblad's room and life lessons learned. I will never forget walking past her room and a boy was outside her room sitting in the hallway crying as he sat on a bit of a timeout. His home life was very difficult, and life was hard at that time and he acted out. But her patience, and discipline, contributed to keeping him going. He would go on to be a great student leader in high school. Another boy was so scared to be away from his parents, but Mrs. Otterblad's loving patience made the difference as he learned to trust the classroom and her. He also would become a great student leader. I know that Mrs. Otterblad helped contribute to those young men and to many others. Her and I navigated many situations, both in challenging and celebratory times. I honor her commitment to excellence, to the needs of each student and family, and, most importantly, to leading children to Jesus. The most important assignment.”
Darin Kindle - former Head of School
“Man, what a treasure to get to honor Mrs. Otterblad and her incredible legacy at UCA. Many of you may not know that our story goes back about 20 years, as Mrs. Otterblad was actually my 1st grade teacher! I can still remember sitting at my desk, watching her teach, and thinking, ‘Man that looks fun. I want to do that when I grow up.’ Fast forward about 15 years, and I now have the joy of calling her my coworker.
As a student, I remember how gentle and calm Mrs. Otterblad was. She has this peaceful presence that every child is drawn to. I’ll never forget class favorites like phonics baseball, lamb notes, and our 100th Day of School projects (and yes, I still remember how lame my necklace was compared to everyone else’s projects!)
Now, as her colleague, I’m constantly amazed by her organization and steadiness. She’s always on top of everything, and often reminds me of things I would have otherwise forgotten. When I was in her class, she was teaching a combined 1st and 2nd grade classroom, which is an incredibly challenging task, but she made it look effortless with her organization and efficiency.
Mrs. Otterblad is so deserving of this award, as she truly embodies what we are about at UCA. She has taught, mentored, and trained countless students and teachers alike and made a lasting impact on each one of them.”
Miss Jase Anderson - Christian Life Academy Alumna, current UCA 1st grade teacher
“Oh my goodness. What a privilege to honor Deb Otterblad. She is an amazing teacher and it has been such a joy and blessing to be able to teach with her over the past 15 plus years. She was my daughter's 1st grade teacher many years ago at one of the legacy schools and she always made learning so fun for her students. She is still teaching today with the same degree of excellence and passion as she has done for so many years. As her colleague I have appreciated her advice on everything from how to organize my student supplies to dealing with challenges within the classroom. She is the first person I go to when I need a listening ear, some practical advice, or a person to pray for me. Her calm words, steady faith, and faithful friendship have been such an example to me and I truly can't imagine teaching without Mrs.Otterblad. She is so deserving of the United ambassador award.”
Mrs. Gina Troost - current UCA Kindergarten teacher
On behalf of the entire UCA community, we extend our deepest gratitude to Deb. We thank her for her years of dedication to this school and its legacy, her faithful teaching, and her kind spirit. UCA truly would not be the same without you, and we are blessed to have you as part of our school family.