News Release Sept. 17, 2006

Okemos Education Foundation
Commitment to Excellence Award Recipients

The Okemos Education Foundation (OEF) today announced the following individuals as recipients of the 2006 Commitment to Excellence Educator Awards:

Dallas Coryell, Central Elementary School third grade teacher
Sheryl Hudler, Wardcliff Elementary School fifth 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

Educators and administrators are nominated for their outstanding ability to inspire and motivate students, implement innovative and/or creative ideas, promote the welfare of students, and provide leadership within the school community. Community members, parents, and school employees submitted nominations. Recipients will receive a commemorative plaque and a $1,000 cash grant.

In addition to the educator awards, the OEF has named two people as recipients of the Special Recognition awards: Ellen Camann, Chippewa Middle School at-risk aide, and Meg Janssens, Central Elementary School LMC specialist. This award is presented to employees or volunteers who demonstrate a passion for excellence and whose support elevates the district. Pat Sorenson-Abbott, selected for her dedication and achievement as well as humanitarian contributions, will be the 2006 Alumni Award recipient.

Award recipients, along with all of the outstanding educators nominated for 2006, will be honored during the annual OEF Community Recognition Dinner, Thursday, November 16, at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing. Tickets, available in the schools and from OEF trustees, are $30 for adults and $12 for children under 12.

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.