News Release August 31, 2005

Okemos Education Foundation Announces
Commitment to Excellence Recognition Award Nominees

Nine Okemos teachers have been nominated for the Okemos Education Foundation's (OEF) annual Commitment to Excellence Recognition Awards presented to outstanding faculty members or administrators. Award winners are selected for their outstanding ability to inspire and motivate students, demonstrate innovative and creative teaching, promote the welfare of students, and function as role models in the community.

Teachers and/or administrators who have been nominated are:

Kelly Carrier, Okemos High School science teacher
Jennifer Eddy, Cornell Elementary School third grade teacher
Bob Greenhoe, Central Elementary School principal
Heidi Greenhoe and Teresa Mayes, Chippewa Middle School language arts teacher
Jill Hough, Cornell Elementary School physical education teacher
Donna Kregelka, Kinawa Middle School social studies teacher
Maureen McKelvey, Hiawatha Elementary School kindergarten teacher
Ivy Schmidt, Edgewood Public Montessori 1st - 3rd grade teacher

Community members and schools submitted nominations. Award winners will be announced Sept. 19 and honored during the annual Community Recognition Dinner, Thursday, Nov. 17, at the Kellogg Center. To purchase tickets for the dinner, call 349-3564, ext. 3. Tickets are $30 for adults and $12 for children under 12.

A listing of former OEF award recipients is on the OEF Web site: http://okemos.k12.mi.us, then click on the Okemos Education Foundation option.

In addition, four people have been nominated for special recognition. Those people are Gail Garber, Okemos Community Education; Ofc. Gaylord Mankowski, Meridian Police Department; Lt. Ken Plaga, Meridian Police Department; and Chief Dave Harper, Meridian Fire Department.

Molly Wingrove has been nominated for an alumni award.