The superintendent and her executive cabinet are pleased to recognize the following individuals for their outstanding work and contributions to our school district and community.

Business Partner of the Month

Pictured from left: Dan Hartline receives Business Partner of the Month Award from Steve Chambers, school board chairperson.

Dan Hartline is the Frito Lay business partner contact for Eyre Elementary. According to sources at the school, besides being a very nice person, Dan and the Frito Lay associates collected school supplies in August, which included backpacks and lots of essentials for students at Eyre. Dan brought the supplies to the school in September and distributed them to several students who did not have supplies to start the school year.

Dan and Frito Lay have supplied the school with products for Eyre’s end-of-the-year field day. Previously, they even brought in bags of products for the entire student population at Eyre! The students loved the treats and it sure brought smiles to the students’ faces when they received them.

Thank you Dan and Frito Lay for caring and for supporting our students.

The National Orchestra Honors Project as a National Winner

Pictured from left: Sprague Principal Curtiss Scholl, Sprague High School String Camerata Director Dijana Ihas, with Chairperson Chambers.

The Sprague High School String Camerata, directed by Dijana Ihas, was selected by the National Orchestra Honors Project as a National Winner.

The Mark of Excellence National Orchestra Honors is a national competition, entered by submitting recordings. Representing entries from 28 states, this year 155 of the finest musical ensembles in the nation entered the competition. The Camerata was the only group from Oregon receiving this honor.

The Sprague performance will be featured on a compilation CD of the winning performances that will be sent to all entrants of the project as an example of how high school orchestras can play.

The Sprague High School String Camerata continues to prove that they are among the finest in the nation. They are a credit to our district.

Congratulations!

The Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award

Pictured from left: Judson Middle School Orchestra teacher Dijana Ihas, Judson Middle School Principal Lara Tiffin, Sprague student Edward Min, with Chairperson Chambers.

Edward Min was selected as the 2009 recipient of the National Association for Gifted Children Nicholas Green Distinguished Student Award. He was selected for the award based on his application, essay, and letter of recommendation from his orchestra teacher, Dijana Ihas. The committee chairperson stated, "Edward's enthusiasm for music shines through his essay."

Edward will receive a $500 savings bond, a Certificate of Excellence from the NAGC, and a one-year family membership to the Oregon Association for Talented and Gifted. In addition, he will receive admission to the OATG Annual Conference where the award will be presented to him.

Congratulations!

The National Council for Geographic Education with a Distinguished Teaching Award

Pictured from left: Houck Middle School Principal Susan Rieke-Smith, Houck teacher Nick Clawson, with Chairperson Chambers.

Nick Clawson received the 2009 Distinguished Teaching Award from the National Council for Geographic Education at its national conference held in San Juan, Puerto Rico last month.

The 2009 K-12 Distinguished Teaching Award recognizes and supports excellence in geography teaching among elementary, middle, and high school Teachers. NCGE proudly honors teachers who have displayed continued dedication to geographic education.

Congratulations!

The Dorothy Patch Community and Educational Achievement Award

Pictured from left: Houck Middle School Principal Susan Rieke-Smith, Houck teacher James Decker, with Chairperson Chambers.

The Dorothy Patch Community and Educational Achievement Award recognizes students, teachers, or schools who have successfully undertaken a project to benefit the city or the citizens of Salem. James Decker won with the award this year.

The Salem City Council depends on the help and advice of a multitude of volunteers working in neighborhoods; on boards, commissions, and committees; and on the numerous special projects that are undertaken each year to make Salem a great place to live. Once a year, the Council invites all of the volunteers to a “thank you” event to show their appreciation for the time and talents shared with the community. This year’s event was held on Wednesday, July 8, in the Riverfront Park Amphitheater.

Congratulations!