News Release August 31, 2006

Okemos Education Foundation Announces
Commitment to Excellence Recognition Award Nominees

Sixteen Okemos teachers have been nominated for the Okemos Education Foundation's (OEF) annual Commitment to Excellence Recognition Awards presented to outstanding faculty members and administrators. Award winners are selected for their outstanding ability to inspire and motivate students, demonstrating innovative and creative teaching, promoting the welfare of students, and functioning as a role model in the community.

Teachers and/or administrators who have been nominated are:

Carla Alligood, Bennett Woods and Edgewood elementary schools art teacher
Nicole Berridge, Cornell Elementary School first grade teacher
Paula Bjornstad, Central and Edgewood elementary schools counselor (retired)
Dallas Coryell, Central Elementary School third grade teacher
Sheryl Hudler, Wardcliff Elementary School fifth grade teacher
Roz Izenson, Hiawatha and Edgewood elementary schools art teacher
Susan Jefchak, Edgewood Montessori School grades 1-3 teacher
Leah Kelly, Wardcliff Elementary School third grade teacher
Mary Ann Latta, Bennett Woods second grade teacher
Gayle Main, Okemos High School electives teacher
Missy McCarthy, Okemos High School math teacher
Jeri Mifflin, Bennett Woods Elementary School principal
Matt Morrison , Okemos High School social studies teacher
Colleen Palmer, Okemos High School science teacher
Krista Saldivia, Okemos High School resource teacher
Georgia Styka, Okemos High School drama teacher

Community members and schools submitted nominations. On September 18, award winners will be announced. Award recipients will be honored during the annual Community Recognition Dinner, Thursday, November 16, at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing. Tickets will be available in the schools and from OEF trustees. 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, two people have been nominated for special recognition. Those people are Ellen Camann, Chippewa Middle School at-risk aide, and Meg Janssens, Central Elementary School LMC specialist.

Pat Sorenson-Abbott has been nominated for an alumni award.

OEF was founded in 1984. It is a non-profit organization whose primary goal is to raise funds to supplement the schools' normal budgets. In addition to the annual awards, it provides grants and is building an endowment.