Photo By Chuck Cannon | From left to right: Command Sgt. Maj. Christopher M. Ausbun, garrison command sergeant...... read more read more
By ANGIE THORNE
Guardian staff writer
FORT POLK, La. — Building a quality foundation in education can strengthen the chance for a student’s future success. Celebrating excellence in education can be key to that outcome.
That’s why Fort Polk honored those selected as the Vernon Parish School District’s students, teachers and principals of the year for 2019 at a ceremony held at Parkway Elementary School May 9.
Rick Allen, Leesville mayor, spoke on behalf of Fort Polk Progress. He said dedication to the education initiative by educators and students is imperative to its success and those being honored deserve the recognition.
The education initiative, led by Fort Polk Progress, is a partnership with Vernon and Beauregard parishes, Fort Polk, the Vernon Parish Chamber of Commerce and community stakeholders to improve academic performance in school districts which have a large population of military students.
“On behalf of Fort Polk Progress, I want to say to each of you — congratulations,” said Allen.
James Williams, VPSD superintendent, said this annual recognition of the best of Vernon Parish education has become a tradition and something to look forward to.
Williams said the selection procedure was intense. “Our honorees are the best of the best and have earned this recognition,” he said.
As an example of the process for Principal of the Year, Williams said once selected, candidates were evaluated based on guidelines such as excellence in their field, ability to guide students of all backgrounds, ability to achieve excellence, demonstrating a positive impact on student achievement and leadership among their peers.
Williams said principals are the leaders that help bring everything together. “They help guide, motivate and support their teachers and students,” he said.
Teacher of the Year nominees also had to demonstrate those same attributes. Williams thanked teachers for the work they put into the classroom and their students every day.
“You are the ones making a difference for these kids,” he said.
Student nominees were selected by their teachers and administrators, said Williams. “They had to create a portfolio and stand before a committee, which also had stringent criteria to uphold — including excellent academic achievement, leadership ability and citizenship,” he said.
Williams told the students being recognized that he appreciated their hard work.
“You have made the right choices and dedicated yourselves and you deserve congratulations,” he said.
Brig. Gen. Patrick D. Frank, Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk commanding general, said Fort Polk leadership appreciates its partnership with the Vernon Parish School Board, the city of Leesville, Leesville Chamber of Commerce and Fort Polk Progress in making the education initiative a success.
He said recognizing the top principals, teachers and students is something Fort Polk is proud to do.
“This event is near and dear to Fort Polk be cause improving quality of life for our Soldiers and Families is important to us. Education is the number one issue for our Soldiers and Families. We look closely at how our children are being educated and greatly appreciate the excellence that is represented here tonight. We applaud everything that each of you has done for us at Fort Polk by helping us to move education forward,” he said.
Tamela Phillips, Vernon Parish High School Principal of the Year, is the principal of Leesville High School.
Phillips said she is honored to be commended for the work she does on a daily basis.
“I love my students, teachers and school, but it is special to be recognized for all the hard work me and my fellow principals do,” she said.
Tiffany Martin, Vernon Parish Junior High School/Middle School Teacher of the Year, said she appreciates that someone noticed the work she does. Martin teaches at Leesville Junior High School.
She said being recognized in this way is something she has shared with her students.
“My kids see how hard I work to nurture their academic achievements and our personal relationships and this shows them how that hard work pays off,” she said. “I told them that being recognized for what I do is really about them being honored.”
Sydnee Sturm, Vernon Parish Elementary School Student of the Year, is a fifth grade student at Vernon Middle School. She said it feels great to be recognized for the many hours of work she and her fellow students do to reach their academic achievements.
“I’m happy to win this award, but there are other kids who have worked just as hard as I have and I feel like I’m representing them, as well as my school, with this honor,” she said.
| Date Taken: | 05.17.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 05.17.2019 10:50 |
| Story ID: | 322766 |
| Location: | FORT POLK, LA, US |
| Web Views: | 143 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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