A r c h i v e d  I n f o r m a t i o n

FOR RELEASE December 14, 2000	Contact: Mary Stanik (202) 401-0058

RILEY NAMES STANFORD EDUCATION HEROES AWARD WINNERS

U.S. Secretary of Education Richard W. Riley today announced the winners of the third annual John Stanford Education Heroes awards. The 10 honorees were selected for their extraordinary commitment to improving schools and communities and increasing learning opportunities for students. Riley named the awards in honor of John H. Stanford, the late Seattle schools superintendent who was known for his efforts to inspire entire communities to work to improve local schools. "In honoring the tremendous contributions of these 10 individuals," Riley said. "we also applaud the vital efforts of the many Americans who work every day to improve learning in our country." The John Stanford Education Heroes competition was designed to honor parents, teachers, principals, members of community and religious organizations, and employers from across the country who have undertaken exceptional activities to improve education. The award winners were cited for using innovative approaches to support education, including engaging students in science, technology, the arts, or nature to inspire learning; involving parents and communities in establishing equal and respectful learning environments for diverse student groups; helping parents better communicate with schools; and spreading the message of the importance of better education. The Education Department's 10 regional representatives and the National Community Education Association nominated individuals who have excelled in these areas. A committee composed primarily of education association members selected the winners.

Jose Corvarrubias

Bus driver, Omega Academy Charter School

Phoenix, Ariz.

Corvarrubias made extraordinary efforts to ensure that children get to school and enjoy the trip.

Among his other job titles: interpreter, guidance counselor, Spanish instructor and jack-of-all trades.

William Kneeland

Attorney/chairperson-Community Learning Centers Advisory Board, Poudre School District

Fort Collins, Colo.

Kneeland has worked to raise money for scholarships, school improvements, and special projects and promote family involvement in learning.

Scott Reynolds

Executive director, Delaware Information Technology Association

Wilmington, Del.

Reynolds has played a significant role in helping educators and business leaders reach consensus about the need to equip students with skills to compete in an information technology economy.

Marjorie Pearlson

Community education activist, Miami-Dade Coalition for Community Education

Miami, Fla.

Pearlson has shown leadership in helping open community education centers throughout the Miami-Dade school system.

David Hirsch

Senior vice president/financial consultant, Salomon Smith Barney, Inc.

Chicago, Ill.

Hirsch has helped men become more responsible and better fathers.

Rosie Burmeister

Learning consultant, Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence, Kansas

Lawrence, Kan.

Burmeister has developed reading and writing enrichment curricula and has worked to increase learning opportunities and academic performance.

Roger Harris

Principal/Headmaster, Boston Renaissance Charter School

Boston, Mass.

Harris has demonstrated success in motivating and educating urban students, building effective teacher teams, establishing strong school-business-community partnerships, and developing strong school-home relationships.

Sunna Rasch

Founder/executive director, Periwinkle National Theater

Monticello, N.Y.

Rasch has displayed exceptional vision in demonstrating that the arts can be a powerful tool for learning in the schools.

Joe Gonzales

Superintendent, San Angelo Independent School District

San Angelo, Texas

Gonzales has shown considerable leadership in bringing together more than 300 teachers, administrators and community members to formulate a systemic map that serves as a guide for the school district.

Lou August

Executive director, Wilderness Technology Alliance

Bellevue, Wash.

August has developed a unique approach to learning, first teaching students to value nature and then engaging them in technology.

The winners received awards today in Washington, D.C., presented by Deputy Education Secretary Frank Holleman.

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