News Release October 11, 2002

Seven Okemos Educators Honored for Excellence

OKEMOS - The Okemos Education Foundation (OEF) is proud to announce the 2002 Commitment to Excellence Award recipients: Jane Andros, Chippewa Middle School teacher; Barbara Hoevel, Kinawa Middle School principal;
Sandy Lightfoot, Bennett Woods Elementary teacher; Cathy Richter, Chippewa Middle School teacher; Danielle Tandoc, Okemos High School teacher; Marcia Tanner, Okemos High School teacher and Jenny Woodruff, Wardcliff Elementary teacher.

Community members, school personnel, parents and students nominated these outstanding professionals who embellish the qualities of excellence. These individuals 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 seven award winners exemplify excellence in education and deserve this great honor."

The 2002 Commitment to Excellence Award plaque will be presented to each of the recipients during the annual Community Recognition Dinner to be held November 7, 2002. The dinner will be hosted at the Kellogg Center, East Lansing. Tickets are available in each Okemos school office, Community Education and the Superintendent's office or call 349-9460 x2002. Cost of tickets is $30 for adults and $12 for children.

Commitment to Excellence Award recipients receive a $1,000 grant to be used for continuing their educational development or for a project they believe will enrich their classroom or school.

The Alumni Award will be presented to Becky Beauchine Kulka for her outstanding professional and personal contributions to the school district and the Okemos Community. The Founders' Award will be given to Robert Miller, Jr. for his leadership and commitment to the pursuit of excellence in public education and innovative programs for students of Okemos Public Schools.

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 tax-deductible donation to the Okemos Education Foundation, 3536 Meridian Crossing Drive, Suite 220, #303, Okemos, MI 48864.