The Okemos Education Foundation (OEF) has announced that the following individuals will receive the 2011 Commitment to Excellence Awards at the OEF Awards Banquet on November 17, 2011:
· Susan Casey,Seventh Grade Teacher at Chippewa 7-8 School
· Kevin Culling and Mark Stice, Band Teachers at Chippewa 7-8 School and Okemos High School
· Denise Daberko, Science Teacher at Okemos High School
· Kathy Lanzetta, Kindergarten Teacher at Hiawatha Elementary School
· Marisa McCormick, Fifth and Sixth Grade Montessori Teacher at Kinawa 5-6 School
· Patricia Trelstad, Deputy Superintendent of Okemos Public Schools
These educators and administrators were chosen for their outstanding ability to inspire and motivate students, their creativity and innovation, and their ability to promote the welfare of students and provide leadership within the school community. Nominations were submitted by community members, parents and school staff and each recipient will receive a $1,000 grant from the OEF to be used for educational purposes.
Lori Greenberg, At-Risk Aide at Cornell Elementary School will receive the Special Recognition Award which is presented to support staff who demonstrate a passion for excellence and whose work elevates Okemos Public Schools.
LouAnn Stark-Dykema, Okemos Music Patrons Board Member, will receive the Volunteer Service Award for her significant positive impact on students, staff, and the school community through her extraordinary volunteer service.
The Dan C. Wertz Founder’s Award will be presented to the Clark and Kathleen Manning for their commitment to quality in education through their generous financial support to the Okemos Education Foundation.
Award recipients will be honored during the annual OEF Awards Banquet on Thursday, November 17, at the Country Club of Lansing. Tickets are available through November 9 at each Okemos school office. Tickets are $30 for adults and $12 for children.
The OEF is a non-profit volunteer organization that has partnered with the school district since 1984 to recognize excellence and promote innovation in Okemos Public Schools. In addition to sponsoring these awards, the foundation provides educational grants and professional development fellowships for teachers to encourage innovative and creative teaching, and to provide expanded educational opportunities for students.
