Chase Principal Receiving $25,000 Education Award

It was a lot like winning the lottery.

That’s how Chase Middle School Principal Alison Olzendam said she felt last week when she became $25,000 richer, thanks to a national education award.

But this money didn’t come from a lotto ticket. It came from the Milkens.

The Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award is given annually to 150 educators nationwide. The program is set up to recognize educators making strides in improving the nation’s education system.

Four Washington state educators are honored this year.

Olzendam was presented the award in front of Chase students and staff last week by state Superintendent Terry Bergeson.

“Alison Olzendam is one of the leaders of the state as a principal,” said Bergeson. “She can use this money to become even more of a leader.”

After a standing ovation, Olzendam expressed her surprise.

“I’m not often speechless,” she told the crowd. “This could be a first.

“I have the best job in the world, and then they pay me for it, and then I get an award,” she marveled.

Recipients don’t apply for the award. A statewide committee is set up through the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. Committee members do research to identify excellent educators.

“Generally, we are looking for educators who have educational talent, who show outstanding practices, originality, and develop innovative programs,” said a spokesman for the Milken Foundation.

Bergeson commended Olzendam on her Renaissance program, which recognizes outstanding student achievements.

Olzendam already has tentative plans for the unrestricted award, which she will receive in June at a national educators conference in Los Angeles.

“I just finished up a doctorate at GU,” she said, “so I’ll get to pay off the bills.

“When you’re recognized for what you do is the part that’s really touching to me,” she added.

Of course, she has a few other plans as well.

“I will be buying lattes on Friday,” she told the staff at the assembly.

Ferris debaters arguably best

The Ferris High School Debate Team has received the National Forensic League’s Leading Chapter Award in the Eastern Washington District.

Of 2,700 NFL members, 101 received the participation-based award, which measures the hours a team devotes to debate. Only one school in a district receives the award.

With 20 students on board, coach George Sparks says this year will be a productive one for Ferris debaters.

“We have a lot of hopes for this year,” said Sparks, who has been with the Ferris team since 1981. “And we have a lot of really talented juniors and seniors.”

More Ferris honors

And the awards keep coming for the Saxons. The Ferris Saxon Marching Band and Drill Team placed first in the AAA division of the Cavalcade of Bands competition last weekend in Kennewick. The band won top honors in percussion and flags out of 18 competing teams.

The team has a full schedule ahead, with upcoming competitions in Spokane, Everett and Auburn.

LC garage sale this weekend

Parents of the Lewis and Clark High School Class of 1998 will peddle their wares at a two-day garage sale this weekend. The sale will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 720 W. Saxon Drive. Directional signs will be posted at 37th and High Drive.

Items will include home furnishings, clothing, sports equipment, books, videotapes and CDs.

Proceeds from the garage sale will go toward the senior class all-night graduation party at Spokane Community College next June.

, DataTimes MEMO: The Education Notebook is a regular feature of the South Side Voice. Please let us know about interesting programs and activities, and the achievements of students, teachers, administrators, staff and volunteers at schools on Spokane’s South Side and in Cheney, Medical Lake and the Liberty School District. Contact Amy Scribner, South Side Voice, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210. Or call 459-5439. Fax 459-5482.