News Release April 15, 2004

OEF PLANS FOR 2004 AWARDS

The Okemos Education Foundation is pleased to announce that planning has begun for the 2004 Community Recognition Dinner, to be held November 18, 2004. The Foundation presents this event each year to honor excellence in education, and community support. A number of outstanding educators in our district receive the Commitment to Excellence award. The Foundation also presents one Distinguished Alumni Award, and one Founders' Award to community members.

In addition, the OEF is launching a new award this year, the Special Recognition Award. This award honors non-educators in our district who demonstrate a standard of excellence which elevates our schools. There will be one Special Recognition Award given each year. Staff or volunteers that are not eligible for the educator award may be nominated.

Nominations are now being accepted for all 2004 Okemos Education Foundation awards.

Community members and school personnel may nominate an educator they feel meets the following criteria for the Commitment to Excellence Award:

inspires and motivates students
demonstrates innovative and creative teaching
promotes the welfare of students
is a role model for involvement in the broader community
provides leadership that impacts positively on fellow educators
facilitates partnerships between the schools and community
Nominations are also being accepted for the Distinguished Alumni Award, the Founders' Award, and the Special Recognition Award.

Nominating forms with instructions for submission will be available at each school, Okemos Community Education, at the Office of the Superintendent after April 12, 2004 and online. Nominations will be accepted through Friday, June 25, 2004. Questions may be directed to Kathy Schalter, OEF Commitment to Excellence chairperson, at 347-8670, or Schalter@comcast.net.