OTHER ACTION | Honorees

The Youngstown Board of Education presented awards Tuesday to the following teachers, volunteers and community members:
Sue Ann Taylor, who coordinates The Vindicator's Newspaper In Education program, for providing in-servicing for teachers. "Motivator, valuable resource, wonderful: This is what teachers say about Sue Ann Taylor," said Dr. Martha Bruce, who heads up the district's adopt-a-school programs and works as a parent liaison. "She projects a positive attitude toward reading the newspaper and makes it fun." Bruce also presented Taylor with a check, to sponsor Vindicator subscriptions for 25 students in any school where there is a need.
Chaney High School teacher Rhonda Shure, for establishing an information technology program that teaches high school students Internet skills and allows them to earn college credit through Youngstown State University. "You are truly a beacon of hope," said Chaney principal Bob Spencer. "And I am proud to be your principal."
Parent Dwanda Phillips, who acts as parent liaison and works on a new parent advisory committee at Harding Elementary School and also helps teachers and students. Harding principal Beverly Schumann said Phillips "saw a need at our building and stepped right in. And the next day, she was back again."
Paul C. Bunn Elementary School teacher Ron Walcott, who was named a WFMJ-TV 21 Giant Eagle Class Act. Principal Maria Cougras Pappas said 100 percent of his students passed 2002 reading, writing, math and science proficiency tests and 85.7 percent passed citizenship. "I have seen no finer example of an effective teacher than Ron Walcott. He inspires, motivates, guides and teaches in a manner always befitting the dignity of the profession. ... He sets the example for others to emulate and does it all with a heart big enough to embrace us all." Cougras Pappas said Walcott has also participated in many school and professional events, including one that has helped get students social services they need.
Lori Miller, a volunteer at Taft Elementary School. Principal Michael Schubert said Miller provides breakfast services and returns for lunch and recess duty. She also serves part time on the school PTA and helps with fund-raising. "Mrs. Miller is just absolutely outstanding," Schubert said. "Everything we have asked her for, she comes through. ... She is there for the children all the time." He said Miller volunteers even though she does not have a child attending the school.