The recent 16^th District PTA awards banquet brought cheers and tears as students, parents, volunteers and schools were honored for their accomplishments.

 

Veterans Park Elementary was recognized for its outstanding local unit newsletter, programs and projects, including Kids’ Day and Family Dinner. The 16^th District PTA also honored Southern Middle School for its parent-community-student involvement, citing the Southern Showcase. Linda Borosky of Millcreek Elementary School won the Outstanding Volunteer Award.

 

Among the winners of $750 scholarships were Jenna Rawlins of Tates Creek High School (University of Louisville, nursing); Stephanie White of Paul Laurence Dunbar High (Bluegrass Community and Technical College, nursing); Fred Weckering of Dunbar (BCTC and Murray State University); Sidney Hall of Bryan Station High School (Georgetown College, theater and acting); Heather Napier of Lafayette High School (Transylvania University); Skahesha Brown of Henry Clay High School (Kentucky State University, education); and Becca Mattingly of Dunbar (either Murray State or University of Louisville, pre-veterinary).

 

The 16^th District also gave out PTA membership awards. James Lane Allen Elementary, Beaumont Middle School and Henry Clay High School were recognized for having the greatest increase in the percent of membership over last year. And Veterans Park Elementary, Southern Middle School and Lafayette High School received certificates recognizing the highest percentage of PTA membership based on this year’s student enrollment.

 

The 2008 Lifetime Achievement Awards for dedication and contributions to education went to long-time PTA volunteer Jackie West and to Vince Mattox, the school district’s director of Community/SBDM/Equity/Government Support.

 

A new award was established this spring in honor of Maggie Price, who lost her battle with cancer toward the end of 2007. The Maggie Price Special Recognition Award will be given to an individual or group that works in a special way for the children of Fayette County. Fittingly, the inaugural award went to Maggie’s husband, John, who has been an active parent volunteer for more than two decades. He is a past district PTA president and a current member of the Fayette County Board of Education.