Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/851305
SUMMER 2017 | ADVOCATE 19 Around AEA AEA Retired Les Reynolds Distinguished Senior Service Award This award acknowledges and honors a member who provides outstanding service to AEA Retired and the communities he or she serves. Steve Ramos, AEA-Retired LIFT Grant Learning Improvement Through Faculty Teams (LIFT) grants support AEA members' collaborative projects to increase student achievement. A Student with a Dream Is a Student with a Future! Washington District Education Association members Laurie Richards, Tiffany Zamudio, and Monica Dunham Promise Grant These "mini-grants" provide support for projects that help fulfill one of AEA's strategic objectives – quality public education for every Arizona public school student and a viable organization through increased membership, strong and effective leaders and locals, and engagement of members. Flagstaff Education Association member RaeAnn Wanland, Fossil Creek Learning Expedition Agua Fria Education Association member Scott Hogan, From Mind to Design Nell Wilcoxen/AEA Future Educator Scholarship Thanks to a scholarship fund created by the estate of former AEA editor Nell Wilcoxen, the AEA Foundation for Teaching & Learning helps fund the college career of AEA members and their immediate family. The scholarship aids students who show academic promise and have financial need. Bailey Bagby, daughter of Lake Havasu City Education Association member Cathleen Bailey Bagby Gabriel Martin, son of Marana Education Association member Lisa Martin Diego Reyes Abeytia, son of Flowing Wells Education Association member Jule Abeytia Grand Canyon Education Association member Elna Perkins Public Relations Partner Award This award honors an exceptional school public relations person or group who has demonstrated a strong relationship between the district, the local association, and the community and whose efforts have improved the public's understanding about public schools. Tamara Crawley, Marana Unified School District Partners in Education This award demonstrates the AEA's strong belief in the importance of community support to the success of our public schools. The award honors corporations, local businesses, individuals, or community groups that exhibit exemplary support for local public schools. Havasu Business and Teacher Alliance, Jack Hammitt Yes to Children, Karen Treon Yes Mohave Schools Now, Jacob Abeytia 2017 Salute to Excellence Winners Compliance and Review Chair. Last year, Kinora attended the NEA Minority and Women's Leadership Training where she received the "MVP" Award from her peers for being able to communicate effectively and encourage her group to complete their duties. Kinora has made many trips to the state capital, even bringing her children with her to voice her concerns to the legislature about public education. Kinora has been very active in the last several elections — canvassing and phone banking. For Proposition 123 and the 2016 Election, Kinora called every KEA member urging them to vote in the election. Kinora takes her job very seriously, it's her passion. She treats Kyrene's ELL students like they're her own children. She's devoted to her students and showers them with love, care, and attention. She rarely leaves school before 3:00, and when she does, she's usually off to another district or KEA/AEA meeting. Both teachers and staff seek Kinora out as an Association Site Representative for assistance and guidance when they have difficulties with colleagues, administration, parents, or students. She always gives great advice and will attend meetings with members for support. She has earned members' respect and they are thankful for her help.