CVSD presents four service awards
The Central Valley School District Board of Directors presented awards for meritorious service on Monday.
Board members have been visiting the schools and announcing nominations by co-workers, parents and students.
Awards were handed out at the board’s regular meeting in four different categories – certified employees, classified employees, community members or organizations and teams.
Eric Parker, band director at Central Valley High School, received the award for certified employees. Although he has been the band director only since 2006, Parker has been part of the band program at CV since he graduated from that school in 1996.
“Parker works tirelessly to advance the CVHS music program and offer extra opportunities for students to learn and experience community-wide music events to inspire their future as musicians,” the district said in a press release.
Betty Foley is the district’s purchasing secretary and received the classified employee award. The district said Foley has been instrumental in the launch and coordination of the Professional Development Training Program for all of the district’s classified staff.
“Foley’s co-workers refer to her as their inspiring ‘cheerleader’ and greatly appreciate her workplace contributions,” the release said.
The community member award went to MJ Bolt, a parent volunteer in the district who has recently established the “HEART in Hand” fund through the CVSD PTA Council. The fund helps homeless and low-income families of students in the district.
“As a person who sees the need to help children and families, Bolt’s energy and heartfelt commitment to serve others has benefitted many in our community,” the district said.
The team award went to the fifth grade and special education team at South Pines Elementary. The members include Aaron Wilhelm, Rose Wilson, Brandi Ottersen, Jennell McLaughlin, Andrea Bennett and Keri Watson.
The group created a model of teaching to address the needs of the students first. They collaborate before school, after school and during the day.
“They support each other and their students in a safe and caring environment. Parent and student feedback has been enthusiastically positive. This team puts student learning first,” the district said.
Spirit with a Heart fundraiser
The Future Business Leaders of America chapter at Freeman High School recently led the school in the “Spirit with a Heart” fundraising competition in conjunction with Red Robin restaurants’ annual “Burgers with a Heart” fundraiser for the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery.
The school raised $1,637 for the nursery by selling paper hearts for $1 at the school and at the Valley Red Robin.
Members of the FBLA chapter include Chelsa Ayers, Brandon Clements, Danny Cossey, Andy Coumont, Danica Cramer, Mackenzie DeRyuter, Josh Grandinetti, Brian Hart, Tyler Hjaltalin, Shelby Nelson, Alisha Sorensen, Travis Sorensen, Hanna Weathers and Jess Wingett.
The group’s adviser is Scott Moore.
Champion of Youth award
The Chase Youth Commission has announced its Champions of Youth Award winners for 2010. The awards are given to those who provide opportunities for youth to have a voice and become empowered community leaders.
The awards will be presented April 9 from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the Lincoln Center, 1316 N. Lincoln St., during the annual Breakfast of Champions.
The winner in Spokane Valley is Cleve Penberthy, a longtime West Valley School District administrator who is currently the principal of the district’s Contract Based Education program.
“Mr. Penberthy has been a vocal advocate in the community for more student-centered learning opportunities and system reform to keep students engaged in school rather than dropping out,” the commission said in a press release.