Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/131602
Associate Superintendent of Human Resource at Natrona County School District #1 Honored with WEA Harriet "Liz" Byrd Award Dr. Crystal Mueller is the proud recipient of WEA's Harriet "Liz" Byrd Award for her diversity awareness work throughout NCSD #1. Dr. Mueller established what has now evolved into "Diversity Partnerships," which provide meaningful opportunities to acknowledge and teach that dignity and respect are the basis for human interaction. "Teaching cultural sensitivity and awareness to Wyoming students doesn't always happen in the classroom, but it's something we as educators need to provide our children, so they are viable in the global marketplace," said WEA President Vetter. Natrona County Education Association President Marci Kutzer said the partnerships built with Diversity Partnerships have been invaluable. Community outreach has started many dialogues with the Teen LGBTQ Council, as well as a monthly bullying support group for parents and students. The Harriett "Liz" Byrd Award recognizes an individual or group for outstanding contributions in the areas of human relations, multiculturalism and/or diversity in the field of education. The Byrd Award honors an educator, friend of education, or group who has worked to promote collaboration and harmony among diverse groups. School Bell Award The Casper Star-Tribune accepted the award for their contributions to the "We Read" program. This program is a joint venture with Natrona County School District #1, the Natrona County Public Library, along with the Star-Tribune. This program sends books home on a monthly basis to all Casper students in grades 1-3, and the Star-Tribune prints a weekly supplement, "My Trib," with activities and enrichment that correspond with the book. The Wyoming School Bell Award is presented annually to a representative of the news media for outstanding coverage of education news and issues. The Wyoming School Bell Award is an expression of appreciation of excellence in the field of news media pertaining to education in the state of Wyoming. Eligible recipients are newspapers, editors, special correspondents, news commentators, and radio and television stations. Nominations for the award are made by locals, districts, or state committees of the Wyoming Education Association. SUMMER 2013 Summer 2013.indd 15 | wyoea.org 15 5/17/13 11:45 AM