Courtesy photo
The governing board at Pinon Unified School District announced that the district received a Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Association of School Business Officials International’s (ASBO). From left to right are board members Michael Bahe, Bessie Allen, Carmelita Redsteer and Virgil Denny. (Courtesy photo)
The district was recognized for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for fiscal year ending 2012. This is the third year in a row the district received this prestigious award.
The release states, "the award reflects PUSD #4's commitment to financial accountability and transparency. Recognition through the COE program can help strengthen a district's presentation for bond issuance statements and promotes a high level of financial reporting."
Young Diné named military youth of the year
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Brianna Shepherd (Navajo) was recently named the Southwest Regional Military Youth of the Year, according to a Boys & Girls Clubs of Indian Country news release.
In addition to being a member of the Holloman Air Force Base Youth Activities Center in New Mexico, Shepherd was also an honor-roll student, avid volunteer, and Keystone Club leader throughout high school. A daughter of an Air Force master sergeant, Shepherd's family moved throughout her childhood, but the one place Shepherd could consistently go to find immediate friends and caring adults was the Boys & Girls Club.
"The Club has been in my life since I was in the fourth grade," she said. "Over these past seven years, I have grown to love all that it stands for. It has played a big part in my experiences as a child and young adult. The club is one of the few things that have always been here for me through some of the best and worst times. It has helped me through multiple military moves, provided me with friends, assisted me in becoming more involved in my community, and bestowed upon me some of the best experiences and opportunities."
Throughout high school, Shepherd participated in many extracurricular activities, including Keystone Club, Air Force Teen Council, National Honor Society, Student 2 Student, Golden Scholar, and Interact Club. By being involved in so many extracurricular activities, Shepherd could connect the Club with other community resources.
As the Holloman Air Force Teen Council representative, Shepherd worked with the Keystone Club to coordinate community service events, such as Operation Care Packages, an event where Club members would pack boxes loaded with supplies, food, and entertainment for military service members stationed at bases overseas.
This fall, Shepherd begins a new chapter as a college student. Accepted on a four-year scholarship, Shepherd is a freshman at Stanford University. Shepherd will compete for National Military Youth of the Year from September 10-13, 2013 in Washington, D.C. The winner of this competition will go onto compete for Boys & Girls Clubs of America's National Youth of the Year on September 18, 2013.
Indian Wells school earns fruits, veggies grant
INDIAN WELLS, Ariz. -- Indian Wells Elementary has again been selected to receive the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grant from the United States Department of Agriculture, according to a release from the school.
This is the fifth year the school has participated in the program and approximately $70,000 worth of fruit and veggies have been enjoyed by all students at the school.
The goals of the program are to create healthier environments by providing healthier food choices, to expand the children's exposure to a wider variety of fruits and vegetables, and to increase their fruit and vegetable consumption. These outcomes positively impact their present and future health. Twice a week, sixth-graders deliver the day's fruit or vegetable selection to each classroom. The grant requires that the fruits and vegetables be consumed in their raw state with nothing added.
Indian Wells children have experienced a wide range of fruits and veggies and are always eager to find out what will be delivered during the week. This program has been a fun and educational experience not only for students but for their families since nutrition information and recipes are sent home regularly. This provides opportunities to continue healthy eating habits in the home environment, and feedback from a number of parents has indicated positive changes in eating habits for the entire family.