Contributed Article

Instead of just one, 20 local teachers were honored with Phyllis Ann Bryce Teacher Recognition awards this year.

This is an award given to outstanding teachers by the Safford Rotary Club, an organization that is devoted to education. In 1993, the Safford Rotary Club first began honoring Graham County teachers.

Phyllis Ann Bryce was the first recipient of this award, and she went on to become a valued member of the club. In 2005, the club changed the name of the award to the Safford Rotary – Phyllis Ann Bryce Teacher Recognition Program. Rather than selecting just one outstanding teacher, the club has chosen to recognize one teacher from every school in the county.

This year, teams of Rotarians visited teachers at their schools and presented the awards to them in front of their students and peers. In addition to a certificate of recognition, the teachers received a card signed by the Safford Rotarians and a gift card to Wal-Mart.

Each school sent its nominees to the Safford Rotary Teacher Recognition Committee.

The following teachers were honored:

The Bonita Elementary School nominated Ellisa Black. Her nomination states: “Ellisa Black wears many hats at the Bonita School. She is the Special Education / Title I / Resource teacher, and she also organizes all district testing. Ellisa also coordinates, organizes and runs the Book Fairs. She is actively involved in the development and implementation of the Bonita School strategic plan. Ellisa is considered a tireless worker and an irreplaceable asset to the Bonita School District.”

The Dan Hin-ton School / Brighter Day Preschool nominated Kezia O’Donnell. “Kezia has been a teacher at Dan Hinton / Brighter Day Preschool for five years. She is very dedicated, competent and cooperative. She is an outstanding teacher and is highly respected by her peers and parents. Kezia has a great understanding of the early learning curriculum and assessment, in addition to taking into account individual differences of all her students. Her genuine interest in young people, her ability to motivate and get along well with others, and her enthusiasm and knowledge of her profession makes her a valuable asset to our school.”

Solomon Elementary School nominated Jessie Sands. Her nomination states: “Mrs. Sands has been a valued member of the Solomon School for the past two years. Her positive attitude and love of children are reflected in the outstanding quality that she maintained at our school. Mrs. Sands’ enthusiasm, innovations and her genuine concern for education are exemplary. Her flexibility in working with students, teachers, and parents has earned her an enviable reputation as an excellent teacher who truly cares about her students. Mrs. Sands always includes activities to meet the individual need of all her children. Mrs. Sands demonstrated the highest level of professional commitment and competency in her work with her students and colleagues. To carry out her professional responsibilities, she gives generously of her valuable time and often her work extends beyond the school day which includes many hours before and after school and weekends.”

Safford Unified School District, Dorothy Stinson School, nominated Becky Rowley. “Becky Rowley always has a spring in her step and she is continually going the extra miles to make sure the kids are safe and that they are learning to read. She is never afraid to get involved with any extra activities we mention in staff meetings. Becky has also taken on extra responsibilities to make our school better. Whether that duty is rounding kids up in the morning and getting them where they need to be, or helping teachers come up with effective teaching strategies to help her students learn. She is a tremendous teacher and a great asset to Dorothy Stinson School.”

Lafe Nelson School nominated Jana McCutcheon. “She is only in her fifth year at LNS, but she is already stepping into leadership roles and making a difference in students’ lives. She serves as an elementary team leader and third-grade level chair. She is also on the Reading First Reading Leadership Team, and on the Student Study Team. Her leadership has helped us, as this quarter we had one of our best ever in third grade reading. She is recognized as being innovative and is also involved in many of Lafe Nelson’s school activities. She is definitely an asset to our school.”

Ruth Powell School nominated Wanda Evans. “It is a pleasure to share the many talents of this dedicated educator. Students come first to her — the whole student. She addresses the academic portion with the personal commitment that all students will be successful. She makes learning fun, exciting and challenging. I so appreciate her sensitivity to the needs of all her students. She takes it upon herself to know her students’ unique personalities and uses that to motivate them to persevere. Without any hesitation, Mrs. Evans put to use her natural leadership ability by anticipating the needs of all teachers. She is especially mindful of the new members to our staff. It is an honor to work with this professional of this caliber.”

Safford Middle School nominated LeeAnn Talley. “LeeAnn is a veteran teacher who knows how to reach every student. She is responsible for helping every child in her class reach their goals and find success. LeeAnn works well with the entire staff and is always looking for ways to assist others. She believes in her students and they love her for it.”

Safford High School nominated Carol Jones. “Carol is completing her 30th year of teaching. She has developed our culinary arts program and Chefs’ Brigade from the ground up. This year at the 2008 C-CAP Culinary Scholarship Competition Finals, Carol had a Safford High student as the winner of the second largest scholarship given to a student in the state of Arizona. Our student received a full scholarship to the Scottsdale Culinary Institute for a Bachelors Degree in the amount of $77,342. Carol has been competing at C-CAP for seven years and she has helped her students win a total of $144,342 in scholarships. Carol has one of the best high school culinary arts programs in the state of Arizona. Her students are prepared to be successful in society year in and year out.”

Thatcher Unified School District, Jack Daley Primary School nominated Connie Layton. “Connie is a dependable veteran who not only covers her own assignments with great care and efficiency, but she also stands ready to help and support new teachers or other colleagues as called upon. Connie is considered an ‘anchor’ in this school. She is often considered a favorite with students and families because of the quality instruction she delivers. Connie has genuine concern and she conveys this concern for the welfare of each student.”

Elementary School nominee is Ora Allred. “Ora Allred has taught elementary school in Thatcher for 35 years. She is truly considered an expert in matters of curriculum and instruction and, as such, she is a valuable mentor to new teachers. Ms. Allred is a model of professionalism and integrity. She is beloved by students, families and her colleagues because she takes a special interest in each of them and always gives willingly of her time, talents and energy.

Thatcher Middle School nominated Shawn Wakefield. “Shawn is highly skilled and conversant in matters of technology and math education. He left a successful career in private industry to join the profession of education and contribute his service and skills to the healthy development of young people. He regularly seeks professional development and donates expertise to supporting the district’s infrastructure.”

Thatcher High School nominee is Don Conrad. “Don is a seasoned professional who takes a personal interest in his colleagues and students. He is distinguished as a leader and coach, having been recognized repeatedly by the Arizona Interscholastic Association for instilling not only skills, but discipline, dignity and sportsmanship in the young athletes he mentors. By emphasizing core values in both sports and life, he continually brings honor to his teams and the school he serves.”

Ft. Thomas High School nominated Eddie Bowman. “Eddie Bowman has been at Ft. Thomas High School for 32 years. He is the Automotive Technology Program instructor for the District. Eddie’s students have won the Firebird Pit Crew Challenge in Phoenix three times. Ft. Thomas auto students compete against some of the largest and best high schools in Phoenix. Eddie is a very good and caring teacher. He is willing to help anyone do their best.”

Ft. Thomas Jr. High nominee is Elaina Estrada. “Elaina Estrada has been at Ft. Thomas Junior High School for two years. She has jumped right in and has been a great addition to the Junior

High. She is also a coach and works hard at getting our students to do their best. She is very pleasant and the students thrive under her direction.”

Ft. Thomas Elementary nominated Audrey Taylor. “Audrey is a very special member of our staff. She works to bring out the best in every student, and is always trying new techniques to reach every student. She is child-centered and very much a team player. We are lucky to have Audrey in our school and it is our pleasure to nominate her for the Rotary Teacher Recognition Award.”

Pima High School nominated Jerry Brown. “In many homes in Pima, one sees a nice entertainment center, bookshelf, bookcase, hope chest, or other item made of wood that stands out. If you ask where they got the item, the reply is always the same, ‘I made it in Mr. Brown’s class.’ Quality work that hold sentimental value. Students who are lost in Math or English feel at home and excel in Mr. Brown’s class. Senior citizens ask, ‘Are you going to teach your night class again?’ Mr. Brown has taught and helped students and our community for 38 years at Pima High School. Thank you, Mr. Brown, for your patience and dedication.”

Pima Jr. High nominated Linda Brown. “If you want a portrait of a perfectly laid out classroom, come to Mrs. Brown’s room. Mrs. Brown prepares her students for success just as she prepares her room – carefully and with the love of master’s touch. Mrs. Brown not only teaches reading and writing, she teaches values and taking pride in yourself and your school. Mrs. Brown does a great job and we appreciate it.”

Pima Elementary School nominated Sylvia Provencio. “ Mrs. Provencio has done it all here at Pima Schools. She began working in the cafeteria, worked as a paraprofessional, and helped start up our ELL program. During all this time, she went back to school to become a certified teacher. The last eight years her classroom has been a wonderful place to come and explore. She has turtles, gerbils, and many different fish. Students really enjoy being in Mrs. Provencio’s class where learning takes off like a jet airplane. We are definitely going to miss you as you retire this summer. Best wishes to you and your husband – you deserve it.”

Triumphant Learning Center nominated Mrs. Tauaituli “Tuli” Sorensen. “Tuli has been with Triumphant Learning Center for 3 years. She arrives early and leaves late just to be available for her students. She is very energetic and enthusiastic in the classroom. Tuli encourages her students to always do their best and she models professionalism in speech, dress, and her desire to do what is right. Born and raised in American Samoa, Tuli has traveled throughout Asia teaching. She brings a refreshing cultural exchange of educational ideas and strategies. We are pleased Tuli is receiving the Phyllis Ann Bryce Teacher Recognition Award.”

Discovery Plus Academy nominated Jennifer Kennedy. “Jennifer was selected for the Rotarian Teacher Recognition award this year because of her dedication to teaching. Jennifer has gone through several personal challenges during this school year and has had the dedication and pure grit to put her students first and continue to give them the best she has. She is structured in her teaching, loving in her mannerism by taking special care of each one of her students as they progress through their academic and personal growth. Jennifer has grown in leadership skills this year also as she is the Director in the Director’s absence. Her striving for excellence in all of the areas of her life and her high expectations for herself and her students is greatly admired by her peers.”