Chamber promotes, recognizes education

Education is of utmost importance in our community and is recognized as an important enterprise by the chamber of commerce. A silent auction was held during the recently held awards banquet. There were approximately 150 items auctioned off, the largest number ever contributed by many businesses.

Kathi Wysong, chamber director, at a chamber breakfast announced that the chamber made $4,200 from the auction. Of this, 10 percent is pledged toward scholarships.

Ann Jones, representing the Quilted Hugs Project, last year's recipient of the Pride award, presented the education awards. One of the awards presented during the evening was the 2006 Community Pride Award. This is awarded to outstanding programs or individuals who improve Vernon County. One of the things that makes this award special is that Pride scholarships will be awarded to honor the winner. This year there will be two $500 scholarships awarded. Any senior in a Vernon County school will be eligible to apply.

The award went to the Vernon County Youth Fair, represented by Ron Peckman and Tommy Wait for new buildings at the fairgrounds and their youth contributions. Ann said, "The members of this organization have spent more than 50 years working on their project."

They are proud of their many building improvements and the number of young people they have developed, but most important to them is the amount of community support to accomplish so much.

The other two finalists were Vietnam Veterans Don E. Pollock Chapter, represented by 10 members, for their Adopt-a-flag project in downtown Nevada and their monetary local contributions; and Vernon County People for Pets, represented by Chris and Christine Goddard, for activating efforts to improve conditions for our animals and our shelter facilities.

Ann also gave honor to special guests; representing their K-12 school districts as outstanding educators. Each one made great contributions to education and it is proper for the community to give them special recognition. Much could be said about each one. They included:

* Ada Sikes, Bronaugh R-7, teaches English seventh-12th grades. It is reported that she goes beyond the call of duty each day. She works with students and helps the seniors to apply for scholarships. She put in extra time, including working with students at night and in after school detention. She is willing to fill in for other teachers. Her teaching at Bronaugh started in 1994. She is curriculum director for the school and is a member of the Professional Learning Community.

* Amanda Skelton, Northeast Vernon County R-1, teaches first grade at the elementary campus in Schell City. She exudes an enormous amount of effort to make sure that all of her students are successful learners, including spending many hours every night tutoring her students that need extra help. Emphases are on reading, she feels that it is important that each child can read fluently. Parents appreciate her efforts to ensure their child's success. She does a tremendous amount of work before and after school, as well as on weekends. Kendall Ogburn elementary principal said, "We feel very honored to have Amanda as part of our staff at the Northeast Vernon County School District."

* Mary Love Guthrie, Nevada R-5, retired last spring after teaching first grade in room 101 at Bryan School for 32 years; still, she is substitute teaching this year. She has been a member of MSTA and local CTA since 1974. In the CTA she has served as treasurer, building representative, and served on program, social and scholarship committees. She has taught and volunteered in summer school for several years. Her advice to a new teacher is to keep their ears open and listen and don't forget to give those hugs to the little ones. Always have more prepared than you need -- you can always use the left over for another day.

* Karlene Lent, Calvary Christian School, teaches all subjects for sixth-12th grades in what has been referred to as a three-room school. She has been teacher in the school about nine years and is willing to do whatever is needed. She volunteers her time with the summer school and does not charge. She does afternoon tutoring two days each week on her own time. She mentors new teachers, offering help, "Could I help you in any area?"

Later she will suggest that she is more than happy to help them if needed. She is active in fund raising and will help with what ever she sees is needed. She is greatly appreciated by the parents.

* Sandy Satterlee, Sheldon R-8, is currently in charge of the Title I math program for students having difficulty with math. Her teaching experience covers schools in many states. Her husband is the minister of the Nazarene Church. Since arriving at the Sheldon School she taught sixth grade and then worked as a paraprofessional. Though her years of teaching she has taught elementary and at risk students.

Phyllis Sprinkle, Superintendent said, "She sticks to her guns." She likes her current position as it gives her time to deal with home life.