Salem teacher and 8th-grader receive honors

SALEM -- A Salem Middle School teacher and a pupil from the school have been recognized for their education-related achievements.
Pat Garick, an eighth-grade language arts teacher, received an Outstanding Educator Award from the Ohio Middle School Association.
Garick implemented an American Studies course at the school. She also has served as lead mentor in the Salem schools for the last four years.
In addition, Garick oversees a teacher induction program that helps first-year teachers become accustomed to their jobs. She was nominated for her award by Lori Thayer, middle school principal.
Eighth-grader Joe Shivers received the association's Student of the Year (male) award for his academic and musical accomplishments, and his involvement in church, sports and the Salem Community Theater. A girl from Medina won the female student of the year award.
Garick and Joe were recognized at the association's 30th annual state conference, which was held in Cincinnati from April 17 to last Friday.
Nearly 1,000 teachers, school administrators and college students attended the event.