Teachers, librarians receive awards
Boyes honored as 2009 District Teacher of the Year
Melanie Boyes, a ninth-grade language arts teacher at CY Junior High, recently was awarded the 2009 Natrona County School District Teacher of the Year Award by Superintendent Joel Dvorak.
“Melanie is truly a champion for her students, peers, CY Junior High and our district,” Dvorak said.
Boyes received her Bachelor of Science in English from Minot State University in 1987, and her master’s in teaching from Grand Canyon University in 2001. She began her teaching career at Grenora Public School in Grenora, N.D. in 1987, teaching English and speech to students in grades 7-12.
Boyes then moved to Williston High School in Williston, N.D., in 1990, teaching English to 10th- and 11th-graders and journalism to ninth- through 12th-graders.
In 1991, Boyes settled at CY, teaching literature and writing composition to eighth- and ninth-grade students.
Dr. Dean Braughton, CY principal, said is proud to have Boyes at his school.
“Melanie provides a classroom atmosphere like no other, with incredible feelings of care, safety and encouragement to attempt the untried without fear,” he said.
She has been awarded several awards, including the NCSD Medallion of Excellence, Arch Coal Golden Apple and Ellbogen Foundation Meritorious Junior High Teacher, to name a few.
In her application, Boyes wrote that many factors influenced her to become a teacher, but first and foremost was her mother, a former teacher herself.
“For as back as I can remember,” Boyes wrote, “she read to me and spoke to me on an adult level, and she treated all eight of her children in this manner.
“I knew from early on that I wanted to be like my mother, challenging young minds while encouraging free and creative thinking.”
OfficeMax honors 3 NCSD teachers
Three Natrona County School District teachers were presented with the OfficeMax A Day Made Better award: Willard Elementary's Chris Hendrickson, Dean Morgan Junior High's Michelle Onstott and CY Junior High's Tanya Smith.
This is the second year OfficeMax has put on this national program in recognition of teachers, knowing how much effort they put into their classrooms, according to Lon Lack, customer service supervisor with the OfficeMax Customer Service Center in Casper.
Lack said that nationally, teachers spend about $1,200 a year out of their own pockets to meet the needs of kids.
"We think that's unacceptable," he said.
Lack explained that the process is fairly simple and requires a principal or administrator to fill out a form in the store or online to nominate a teacher. A teacher/school then is selected based on certain criteria decided upon by the main branch in Chicago.
OfficeMax then will donate classroom supplies worth more than $1 million to schools across the nation on behalf of the selected teachers. The gifts are distributed by representatives from the store.
"I have not been able to sleep," said OfficeMax Customer Service Center technology specialist Holly Block, who helped present Onstott with her award. "I've been so excited!"
"My mom was a teacher, so I know how much they spend out-of-pocket," said Janeira Bever, with OfficeMax's Customer Service Department, who also helped present the award to Onstott.
Onstott, a special education teacher, was speechless when the group invaded the classroom she was in.
"Gosh," Onstott said, "I don't know what to say ... I'm honored."
"You deserve it, Ms. Onstott!" yelled eighth-grader Asa Avery.
Avery explained that Onstott helps him and his classmates "with a lot of stuff. This whole class is her family. We support her like she supports us."
Over at CY, Smith, a certified tutor, also was speechless.
Following her presentation, Smith, her students, family and CY staff dug through the prize box and enjoyed cake.
Bertelson named Special Ed Administrator of the Year
Dr. Tammie Bertelson, director of special education for the Natrona County School District, recently was named the 2008 Special Education Administrator of the Year by the Wyoming Association of Special Education Administrators (WASEA).
Luke Danforth, Park County special education director, nominated Bertelson.
According to Bertelson, "I'm fortunate to work in a district that allows me to be involved at the state level, and because of the special education staff, Natrona County has a strong reputation for strong special ed services.
"This is an honor that goes out to everyone in special education."
Bovee receives national recognition
Debbie Bovee, instructional strategist at the Special Education Services Center, recently was named the Wyoming 2009 recipient of the National Education Association Foundation’s Awards for Teaching Excellence.
This award recognizes individuals who exhibit outstanding teaching creativity, community engagement, advocacy, attention to diversity and professional development.
Bovee will be honored at the NEA Foundation’s annual Salute to Excellence in Education Gala in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 6.
In addition, the Special Education Services Center has been awarded $750 from the foundation to use for instructional materials or professional development.
Library’s Youth Services Department, director win service awards
Several librarians at the Natrona County Public Library recently received awards for their service to Natrona County during the annual Wyoming Library Association conference held this year in Casper.
NCPL’s Youth Services staff was presented with the Milstead award, given for excellent work benefiting youth in Natrona County.
Staff honored by this award include Youth Services coordinator Jerry Jones, teen librarian Jennifer Beckstead and children’s librarians Kate Berry, Twyla Gaylord, Joe Rogers and Glenda Williams, who recently retired after 18 years of service at NCPL.
These librarians produce Storytimes, summer reading, after school programs and author visits for children and teens, while also visiting school classrooms to enrich the educational system.
Library Director Bill Nelson was honored with the Distinguished Service Award for his leadership of the Natrona County Library through times of growth and change since 1999.
During his tenure, patronage at NCPL has risen from 465 patrons a day to more than 1,000 daily visitors.
Both awards were presented at an awards banquet given by the Wyoming Library Association on Oct. 2, with librarians from around the state in attendance.