News Release Sept. 18, 2001

News Release
From: The Okemos Education Foundation

For Immediate Release

Contact: Tamara Rummel - 517.353.5190 ext. 148 Date: Sept. 18, 2001

Eight Excellent Educators Awarded for Innovation

OKEMOS - The Okemos Education Foundation (OEF) is proud to announce the 2001 Commitment to Excellence Award recipients: Ree Huber, Chippewa Middle School teacher; Amy Huntley, Okemos High School teacher; Marilyn Kesler, Kinawa Middle School and Okemos High School orchestra teacher; Barb Meloche, retired Edgewood Elementary administrator; Bonnie Robison and Cheryl Field, Community Education Readiness Team; Barbara Skinner, Edgewood Elementary teacher and Cathy Staudt, Cornell Elementary teacher.

Community members, school personnel, parents and students nominated these outstanding educators who embellish the qualities of "master teachers". These educators inspire and motivate students, demonstrate innovative and creative teaching techniques, promote the welfare of their students and strive to be role models through leadership and community partnerships.

"The Commitment to Excellence Awards," says OEF President Jack Hettiger, "offer us an opportunity to recognize individuals who demonstrate leadership and educational innovation that enhances Okemos Public Schools academically and culturally. This year we had an outstanding field of nominees. We are truly enriched with dedicated and high quality teachers in the Okemos District. These eight award winners exemplify excellence in education and deserve this great honor."

The 2001 Commitment to Excellence Award plaque will be presented to each of the eight recipients during the annual Community Recognition Dinner to be held November 1, 2001. The dinner will be hosted at the Kellogg Center, East Lansing. Tickets will be available in each school office in mid-September and also at the Superintendent's office - $30 for adult and $12 for child.

Commitment to Excellence Award recipients currently employed by the district will also receive a $1,000 grant to be used for continuing their educational development or for a project they believe will enrich the classroom of their students, their faculty team or school community during the award program.

The purpose of the Okemos Education Foundation is to secure and provide funds to encourage innovative educational opportunities that are beyond the school district's budgetary and operational functions. Volunteer trustees work to expand support of the school system through capital campaigns resulting in annual contributions, pledged installment payments, payroll deductions and estate planning donations. All campaign programs are focused on perpetual growth of the established OEF Endowment Fund. Those interested in contributing to the foundation may send their donation to the Okemos Education Foundation, 4406 N. Okemos Rd. Okemos, MI 48864.