In the recognition of the importance of leadership in the county, educators were honored at the recent Nevada/Vernon County area Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet and casino night.

In addition, the chamber will be awarding a minimum of two $500 scholarships to two seniors at Vernon County schools.

According to Kathi Wysong, chamber director, the criteria for 2006 pride scholarships is a written application of 250-300 words.

The criteria are, "In your own words, discuss the importance of your community in your life. Address the areas of education, culture and economics."

It is a good investment for the chamber to sponsor scholarships. There was approximately $3,500 made off of the silent auction at the banquet. Ten percent of these funds are earmarked for scholarships. The 50-50 drawing pot winner was Dick Meyers, who donated the funds to the chamber. As a result a total of over $300 came from the proceeds of the pot. Proceeds from the "Pie Straight in the face" event at the Bushwhacker Days also go to fund the scholarships. There are a number of students well qualified as they have had valuable experiences in the community and well have good entries.

Mary Reinert, past chamber president and an educator, recognized five educators. She recognized them as outstanding educators and thanked them for their dedication to our young people, our future. By obtaining information about each one, it becomes more than just a name. Each of those recognized are doing the extra things and making the extra effort. It is good to give educators recognition. We all know that there are several outstanding professional educators.

Sarah Morris was recognized from the Bronaugh R-7 Schools. I was sitting away from the educators that night and did not see the ones being recognized by that time, I had other things on my mind. When I was talking to Patricia Phillips, superintendent, I realized I knew this educator and recognized why she is making an outstanding educator. As a graduate of Bronaugh, she wanted to teach there. Her parents continue to teach in the district part time, Michael and Sharon Pruitt.

The educator is a first grade teacher and is considered a wonderful teacher. She takes a lot of time and effort with the kids. She is dedicated and individual needs are met in the class room. Morris invests a lot of time with reading and does not neglect other areas. She is considered as a whole school supporter.

Northeast Vernon County District R-8 was represented by Sheryl Hallam as outstanding educator. This is a long time teacher in the school district, 30 years.

Next to her in seniority is 18 years. Charles Naas, superintendent, described her as being the corner stone in seniority. She is the high school business teacher and teaches keyboarding. In the past she has taught computer application and accounting.

Hallam is considered a good employee and is rearing twin daughters at home.

She is also active in he church at Schell City. The National Honor Society sponsor has been the year book sponsor for a number of years in the past.

She is considered a "pillar" of the Northeast Vernon County Schools.

Outstanding educator for Nevada R-5 Schools is Julie Wilson, a third grade teacher at Truman School. For this recognition she was nominated by her peers and was processed by a committee. Diann Marti, principal, had many good things to say about the outstanding educator. She does an outstanding job of teaching and is enthusiastic with her class and kids. There were seven new third grade teachers this year; some were transferred from other grades.

Wilson stepped up and served as mentor for the new teachers.

She is a leader in getting things done. A strong professional, she goes above and beyond. She follows through and is a good communicator with parents. When she needs help, she seeks it out. The motivator is good with all boys and girls, regardless of what level they are, being equally good with all of the students. The teacher is considered as an excellent pick for R-5.

If you know Deb Metcalf, you might expect that she would be selected as an outstanding educator with her being energetic and enthusiastic. Phyllis Sprinkle, Sheldon R-8 superintendent, related that the educator works with at risk students, students not making good grades, students with low attendance and students having difficulty with graduating. She works with the students, one-on-one and in small groups. She teaches some family and consumer service classes (many of us think of it being home economics).

This fifth year teacher keeps her co-workers and students all going.

The other outstanding educator is the teacher of the pre-school and kindergarten at St. Mary's School. This is the first year for the school to have a pre-school class. Ruth Kemmel, the school secretary, says that this is the second time for her to teach at St. Mary's.

The kids love this soft spoken teacher. She is supportive of the school. She will be leaving at the end of the school term to be a stay at home mother. She wants the school to continue so her children could come -- which is an indication of how she views the importance of the school.