16 May 2002
Recognition Luncheon Honors 29,000 Volunteers Who Assist District's Schoolchildren
DALLAS–In appreciation of more than 29,000 volunteers helping students in the Dallas Independent School District, General Superintendent Mike Moses, along with 218 campus principals and the school board of trustees, will host the 33rd Annual Partner/Volunteer Recognition luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Monday, May 20.
With the theme A Star Spangled Celebration , the luncheon is designed to thank the business partners and volunteers for their many hours of service to the district, Moses said.
"The people and businesses who share their talents and valuable time to help the boys and girls succeed academically and socially are a powerful resource for the district," he said.
More than 900 volunteers, business partners, teachers and administrators are expected to attend the partners in education and volunteer recognition luncheon that will be held in the Khmer Pavilion at the Wyndham Anatole Hotel. The hotel is located at 2201 Stemmons Freeway.
The district volunteer program is one of the largest programs in the nation. The hours of service by the volunteers add up to a benefit of more than $11 million annually.
At this year's luncheon, five volunteers will be recognized for 30 years of service to the Dallas schools. Those volunteers are Lillie Brooks, Florence Fennell, Burtis Robinson, Florence Rodriguez and Eretta Smith. Eight volunteers will receive awards for 25 years of service, and six volunteers for 20 years of service.
Several other commendations will be presented during the program, including two Superintendent's awards for outstanding dedication and contribution to DISD. Recipients of the Superintendent's Awards are Craig Reynolds, who served as the chair of the district's facilities needs task force for more than five years, and Ron Steinhart, who served as the chairperson for the Better Schools, Better Dallas bond election campaign.
Philanthropist Louise Gartner will receive the Dr. Emmett Conrad Extra Mile Award. This award recognizes individuals who have provided services to the district for an extended period of time showing excellence and growth in support of students. It was four years ago when Gartner introduced to DISD schoolchildren the Common Cents project, a coin collection campaign. In 1998, fewer than 10 schools participated. That year the students raised $8,100. Just four years later, school participation has risen to 33. To date, students have donated more than $66,000 to 55 non-profit organizations.
In addition to the volunteers, more than 2,800 partners, including businesses, civic groups and other agencies, will be recognized for their support to the education of children in Dallas schools. The winner of the Outstanding Business Partner Award (large business) is Southwest Airlines Company. Caven Enterprises, Inc. will be recognized as the Outstanding Business Partner in the small business category.
Attached is a list of the awards to be given at the 33rd Annual Partner/Volunteer Recognition luncheon.
For more news and information about the Dallas Independent School District, visit www.dallasisd.org.
2002 DISD Partner/Volunteer Award Winners:
Superintendent's Awards:
Craig S. Reynolds
Ronald Steinhart
Emmett Conrad Extra Mile Award
Louise Gartner
Outstanding Elementary School Volunteer Award
Vickie Sallee, Withers Elementary School
Outstanding Secondary School Volunteer Award
John Mims, Carter High School
Ross Hoover DOVE Award
Janie Callendret, R.L. Thornton Elementary School
Partnership Contact Person Award
Leslie Fountain, Southwest Airlines Company
School Partnership Coordinator Award
Judy Donohue – North Dallas High School
Outstanding School Partner Award
Dallas Mavericks/Foundation, B. Alexander Elementary
Outstanding Business Partner Award (Large Business)
Southwest Airlines Company, Edison Maple Lawn Elementary
Outstanding Business Partner Award (Small Business)
Caven Enterprises, Inc., Houston Elementary School
Years of Service Awards:
30 years: Lillie Brooks, Florence Fennell, Burtis Robinson, Florence Rodriguez and Eretta Smith
25 years: Sue Human, Larry Jarrett, Sandra Johnson, Janet Losey, Maria Olivo, Marisela Vargas, Willie Washington and Raymond Watson
20 years: Patricia Hill, Betty Hooey, Janice Hunter, Earline Lynch, Pat McGlothlin and Michael Thornton