Recipients of the 2008-2009 Linda Brown Fellows and Star Support Awards

The Tahoe Truckee Excellence in Education Foundation announced the recipients of the 2008-2009 Linda Brown Fellows and Star Support Awards at the District Convocation event on Monday, Aug. 25 at Alder Creek Middle School.

The Fellows Program is designed to recognize outstanding teachers and staff members who demonstrate originality, innovation and dedication to the teaching profession that is above and beyond the normally high standards of the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District (TTUSD).

The 2008-2009 Linda Brown Fellows recipients are: Claire Boyle, Tahoe Lake Elementary; Candy Blesse, Truckee Elementary; Mike Depew, Community School; Sue Mock, Alder Creek Middle School and Karen Pilaar, Glenshire Elementary. Recipients each receive $2,000 to be used to enhance educational work within the district and $1,000 for their personal use.

New this year, the Star Support Award was given to recognize classified employees who positively impact the lives of the students by providing outstanding support in their positions. The 2008-2009 Star Award recipients are: Marci Calderon, Kings Beach Elementary; Clemente Sarabia, Truckee High School; Deed Verutti, Tahoe Lake Elementary and Chris White, Truckee High School. The recipients each received $1,000 for their personal use.

Nominations for both the Fellows and Star Awards come from students, parents and community members, as well as any TTUSD staff member. No self-nominations or those from Excellence in Education board members are accepted.

The Tahoe Truckee Excellence in Education Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization that supports quality public education within the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District. Each year the Foundation raises money and provides grants, resources and partnerships to benefit students, teachers and the educational community as a whole.