 Brainerd Public Schools presented its 2017 employee above and beyond awards this week. The above and beyond awards annually recognize employees who demonstrate a positive attitude that inspires others and consistently go above and beyond what is expected so that students can be successful. The 2017 above and beyond award winners went to Natalie Embertson, Adam Extrand, Bob Johnson, and Jessica Wales. Embertson has served as an early childhood family education teacher for nearly 30 years. Extrand is a teacher at the Brainerd Learning Center with a middle-level alternative program. Johnson was a visual arts teacher at Brainerd High School until his death earlier this year, and Wales is a special education teacher at Brainerd High School. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.