School Resource Officer and Coach named as District 25’s Employee-of-the-Month

The Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25’s Employee-of-the-Month P.I.E.S. award recognizes employees who Positively Influence Educational Success. The award is for employees who go above and beyond in that effort.

Officer Kevin Nielsen is March’s PIES Award recipient. Officer Nielsen is the SRO at Alameda Middle School.

Officer Kevin Nielsen received several thoughtful nominations for the PIES Award. Mary Anne McGrory submitted a nomination on behalf of several other colleagues, and Lindsey Mathews also submitted a nomination, each highlighting the tremendous impact he has had on the Alameda community.
Officer Kevin Nielsen serves as the School Resource Officer at Alameda Middle School, where his commitment to safety and student well-being goes above and beyond expectations. As noted by Mrs. McGrory and her colleagues, he is not only a protector but also a mentor and trusted figure. His approachable demeanor fosters an environment where students and staff feel secure, valued, and supported.

Both nominations emphasize Officer Nielsen’s exceptional ability to connect with students. Whether coaching cross-country, greeting students by name in the hallways, or simply offering encouragement, he creates meaningful relationships that have a lasting impact. Ms. Matthews shared a touching story of a student who wrote about aspiring to become a police officer because of Officer Nielsen’s influence, underscoring the inspiration he provides to young people.

Officer Nielsen is also highly respected by his colleagues. He works closely with teachers and administrators, regularly visiting classrooms and serving as a guest speaker. He played a key role in establishing the school’s Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT), providing essential training and support to staff. As Ms. Matthews shared, his leadership gives staff confidence in handling emergencies, and his responsiveness ensures they always feel supported.

Officer Nielsen’s ability to balance authority with kindness has shaped the culture at Alameda. Even students who have received citations from him continue to greet him warmly in the hallways—a testament to the respect he has earned. As one staff member put it, “The day Kevin Nielsen is not at Alameda is the day that I retire.”

Thanks to the heartfelt nominations from Mrs. McGrory, her colleagues, and Ms. Matthews, we can see the profound impact Officer Nielsen has had on Alameda Middle School. His  dedication, mentorship, and leadership make him an outstanding candidate for the District PIES Award, and we are grateful for the positive difference he continues to make in the lives of students and staff. Officer Nielsen was recognized at the Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 and received a $50 gift card from the educational partner for this award, Lookout Credit Union.