VARSITY BRANDS 2017 SCHOOL SPIRIT AWARDS RECOGNIZES HIGH SCHOOL STAFF MEMBERS MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN STUDENTS’ LIVES
Teachers, Coaches and Guidance Counselors Acknowledged in Staff Awards Categories;
Winners to Be Announced at Awards Ceremony in May
MEMPHIS, Tenn., March 2, 2017 – The Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards, presented by Varsity Spirit, Herff Jones and BSN SPORTS, has announced the finalists from 45 states in its 2017 School Spirit Awards Staff category. Awards include Legacy Coaching Award, Outstanding Athletic Director Award, Top-Notch Teacher Award, Top Athletic Trainer Award, Star Staff Member Award and Greatest Guidance Counselor Award.
The second annual Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards celebrates the very best of America’s high schools with 23 categories and over $100,000 in award money to honor students, staff and school organizations that make a positive and lasting impact in their schools and communities. Through this initiative, Varsity Brands aims to elevate the student experience and promote school spirit nationwide.
“Varsity Brands is proud to honor the staff members who go above and beyond their duties to contribute to our schools. These staff members put forth a great deal of extra work to make high school engaging and memorable in and out the classroom,” said Jeff Webb, Founder and Chairman of Varsity Brands.
PRINCIPAL OF PRINCIPAL AWARD
This award will honor one principal that understands the essential link between school spirit and student achievement and therefore supports academics and athletics alike. This principal is personable, active in school activities, encouraging to students and faculty and innovative in his/her approach to education and engagement.
Finalists include:
· Peter Winniger
Bristol Central
Bristol, CT
· Toby Pearce
Flora High School
Flora, IL
· Frances Clare
Mater Dei High School
Santa Ana, CA
· Dennis "Chip" Medders
Troup Central High School
LaGrange, GA
LEGACY COACHING AWARD
This award will honor one coach with a long-standing history of success. This coach recognizes the link between athletic involvement and student achievement, and therefore encourages both academic excellence and good character. This coach also prioritizes sportsmanship, both on and off the playing field.
Finalists include:
· Vicki Williams
Chapin High School
Chapin, SC
· Angie Stage
Davie County High School
Mocksville, NC
· John Hinkleman
San Bernardino High School
San Bernardino, CA
· Scott Ellett
Wayne High School
Bicknell, UT
· Douglas Snyder
William Allen High School
Allentown, PA
OUTSTANDING ATHLETIC DIRECTOR AWARD
This award will honor one athletic director who supports all school teams enthusiastically and equally, regardless of success level. He/she encourages athletes to excel on the playing field and in the classroom and attends a variety of sporting events to maintain spirit and school pride.
Finalists include:
· Cindy Roach
Blue Valley West High School
Overland Park, KS
· Randy Garrett
Coffee High School
Douglas, GA
· Molly Feesler
Pickerington High School
Pickerington, OH
· Luke Beach
Rochester High School
Rochester Hills, MI
TOP-NOTCH TEACHER AWARD
This award will honor one teacher who understands that achievement means more than a number in a gradebook. It means helping students discover their strengths and passions. Students feel this teacher cares about them both academically and personally. This teacher has a genuine love and loyalty for his/her school and supports it in every way possible.
Finalists include:
· Billie Williams
Chapin High School
Chapin, SC
· Nicholas Copeland
Frenship High School
Wolfforth, TX
· Mary Hagedorn
Perry Central High School
Leopold, IN
· Justin Johnson
St. Vincent's Academy
Savannah, GA
TOP ATHLETIC TRAINER AWARD
No team is complete with a dedicated athletic trainer to support athletes both on and off the field. This award is for an athletic trainer with a long history of success. This athletic trainer’s expertise is partnered with unwavering enthusiasm and encouragement toward all students. Students know they can count on this athletic trainer through the ups and downs of life as a student athlete.
Finalists include:
· John Hansen
Los Alamitos High School
Los Alamitos, CA
· Chad Abrams
Reeltown High School
Notasulga, AL
· Danielle Cote
San Benito High School
Hollister, CA
· Becky Taylor
Sherwood High School
Sandy Spring, MD
· Lance Cacanindin
Vista Murrieta High School
Vista Murrieta, CA
STAR STAFF MEMBER AWARD
This award will honor a school staff member who makes outstanding contributions to a school’s spirit culture. This person turns their otherwise ordinary job into an extraordinary opportunity to make others happy, without expecting anything in return. This person holds an important, but sometimes underappreciated role within the school district (i.e., cafeteria staff, bus driver, crossing guard, custodians or administrative staff) but is still known and loved by students, faculty and community members alike.
Finalists include:
· Gina Vessella
Central High School
Providence, RI
· Jan Shaffer
Fort Walton Beach
Fort Walton Beach, FL
· Jeff Lehman
Kettle Moraine High School
Wales, WI
· Randy Kepley
Strafford High School
Strafford, MO
GREATEST GUIDANCE COUNSELOR AWARD
This award honors the guidance counselors who devote their careers to serving as advocates for students. The winner of the Greatest Guidance Counselor award skillfully balances the many demands of their profession. This person is well-loved by students and parents and works hard to assess the academic, social and emotional needs of students. This person also works hard to ensure that students are prepared for life after high school and assists students in finding their best post-graduate options.
Finalists include:
· Melody Dickens
Calvary Christian School
Covington, KY
· Christopher Rogers
Cass Technical High School
Detroit, MI
· Nancy Medling
Dyer County High School
Newbern, TN
· Richard Sypniewski
Great Oak High School
Temecula , CA
The $25,000 grand prize award, America’s Most Spirited High School, will honor one high school that demonstrates unparalleled school spirit and community pride. The winner of this category will be determined by online voting at varsitybrands.com, and the public can vote for their favorite. Winners from all 23 categories will be announced in an award ceremony on May 15th, at the Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando, Florida.
To learn more about Varsity Brands and its School Spirit Awards, please visit www.varsitybrands.com.
About Varsity Brands
With a mission to inspire achievement and create memorable experiences for young people, Varsity Brands elevates the student experience, promotes participation and celebrates achievement through three unique but interrelated businesses: Herff Jones, A Varsity Achievement Brand; BSN SPORTS, a Varsity Sport Brand; and Varsity Spirit. Together, these assets promote personal, school and community pride through their customizable products and programs to elementary and middle schools, high schools, and colleges and universities, as well as church organizations, professional and collegiate sports teams and corporations. Through its 8,600 dedicated employees and independent representatives, Varsity Brands reaches its individual and institutional customers each year via catalog, telesales, e-commerce sites and direct sales channels.
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SB 56 to ban gas chamber euthanasia scheduled in House Committee
WHAT: SB 56 – Animal Shelter Amendments sponsored by Sen. Peter C. Knudson (R) with Floor Sponsor Rep. Lee B. Perry (R) is on the agenda to be heard by the House Government Operations Committee Friday, March 3 at 4:10 p.m. in room 30 at the House Building.
WHEN: Friday, March 3 at 4:10 p.m.
SB 56 is second on the agenda
WHO: House Government Operations Committee
WHERE: Utah State Capitol
House Building, room 30
350 North State Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84114
WHY: For the third year in a row, this bill seeks to remove gas chambers and ban their use for companion animal and wildlife euthanasia in animal shelters. Euthanasia by injection (EBI) is the preferred and humane method used by the majority of Utah shelters. EBI is safer for employees, painless for animals, faster and less expensive than CO gas chambers. Utah is one of four remaining states in the U.S. where gas chambers exist.
“We’ve heard opposition to SB 56 that is concerned with the safety of personnel handling wildlife and fractious animals,” said Gene Baierschmidt, HSU executive director. “We’re confident that with proper training, which has been offered at no expense, our animal control officers can safely and humanely deal with both companion animals and wildlife. The overwhelming majority of Utah animal shelters that already euthanize by injection only without the option of using a gas chamber are able to successfully handle all types of animals without incident. It all comes down to training. There is no cost to destroy a gas chamber. We hope the facts are heard and that this bill passes out of the committee.”
Media Contact: Deann Shepherd: cell 801-747-9136, deann@utahhumane.org
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About the Humane Society of Utah
The Humane Society of Utah is dedicated to the elimination of pain, fear and suffering in all animals. Since 1960, the HSU has been sheltering homeless animals, fighting cruelty and neglect, and creating an environment of respect, responsibility, and compassion for all animals across the state of Utah. HSU is the largest open-admissions shelter in the state and welcomes any companion animal that can legally be admitted. As a member of the No
-Kill Utah
(NKUT) Coalition, the HSU works hard to ensure that every healthy and treatable pet that enters the facility will be placed into a loving home. The Humane Society of Utah is a local, private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that does not receive any state tax dollars or government funding. HSU is funded by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses and foundations. Read more about the HSU online at www.utahhumane.org.
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SB 56 to ban gas chamber euthanasia scheduled in House Committee
WHAT: SB 56 – Animal Shelter Amendments sponsored by Sen. Peter C. Knudson (R) with Floor Sponsor Rep. Lee B. Perry (R) is on the agenda to be heard by the House Government Operations Committee Friday, March 3 at 4:10 p.m. in room 30 at the House Building.
WHEN: Friday, March 3 at 4:10 p.m.
SB 56 is second on the agenda
WHO: House Government Operations Committee
WHERE: Utah State Capitol
House Building, room 30
350 North State Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84114
WHY: For the third year in a row, this bill seeks to remove gas chambers and ban their use for companion animal and wildlife euthanasia in animal shelters. Euthanasia by injection (EBI) is the preferred and humane method used by the majority of Utah shelters. EBI is safer for employees, painless for animals, faster and less expensive than CO gas chambers. Utah is one of four remaining states in the U.S. where gas chambers exist.
“We’ve heard opposition to SB 56 that is concerned with the safety of personnel handling wildlife and fractious animals,” said Gene Baierschmidt, HSU executive director. “We’re confident that with proper training, which has been offered at no expense, our animal control officers can safely and humanely deal with both companion animals and wildlife. The overwhelming majority of Utah animal shelters that already euthanize by injection only without the option of using a gas chamber are able to successfully handle all types of animals without incident. It all comes down to training. There is no cost to destroy a gas chamber. We hope the facts are heard and that this bill passes out of the committee.”
Media Contact: Deann Shepherd: cell 801-747-9136, deann@utahhumane.org
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About the Humane Society of Utah
The Humane Society of Utah is dedicated to the elimination of pain, fear and suffering in all animals. Since 1960, the HSU has been sheltering homeless animals, fighting cruelty and neglect, and creating an environment of respect, responsibility, and compassion for all animals across the state of Utah. HSU is the largest open-admissions shelter in the state and welcomes any companion animal that can legally be admitted. As a member of the No
-Kill Utah
(NKUT) Coalition, the HSU works hard to ensure that every healthy and treatable pet that enters the facility will be placed into a loving home. The Humane Society of Utah is a local, private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that does not receive any state tax dollars or government funding. HSU is funded by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses and foundations. Read more about the HSU online at www.utahhumane.org.
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National PTA, GLSEN, Education Organizations Submit Joint Amicus Brief to Supreme Court in Support of Gavin Grimm and Transgender Students
March 2, 2017—Seven leading education organizations representing millions of students, families, and educators submitted an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in support of Gavin Grimm in the case of G.G. v. Gloucester County School Board. Several of the organizations issued this joint statement regarding the brief:
GLSEN: “This case brings to the nation’s highest court an issue GLSEN has advocated for decades: providing basic rights for transgender students in schools. All students, including transgender students, have a right to a safe, supportive and inclusive learning environment. Gavin Grimm’s story is one of countless transgender youth who suffer discrimination in schools and GLSEN is confident that the law is on our side. We have seen a tremendous increase in visibility of and public education about the trans community of late and this historic case will mark a milestone in American civil rights history,” said Dr. Eliza Byard, Executive Director of GLSEN, the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe and affirming schools for LGBTQ students.
National PTA: “Every child deserves to receive a great education in a safe, supportive, positive and inclusive environment. However, like Gavin, the vast majority of LGBTQ students are bullied, physically assaulted and feel unsafe in school because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity,” said Laura Bay, president of National PTA, the nation’s oldest and largest child advocacy association. “There is a need for explicit protection of LGBTQ youth as it is critical to their overall health and well-being and long-term success. National PTA is pleased to team up with GLSEN and other education organizations on the amici curiae brief in support of Gavin and all LGBTQ students and to ensure every child is treated fairly and equally under the law.”
American School Counselor Association: "“Childhood and adolescence is a time of tremendous intellectual, emotional and physical growth for students as well as crucial periods of exploration and discovery about themselves and their identity. Schools and educators should provide all the support they can to help students navigate these times of change and should not be constrained by policies that marginalize or discriminate against certain students,” said Richard Wong, Ed.D., executive director of the American School Counselor Association. “ASCA is proud to support this important effort to ensure safe and positive learning environments for all students.”
National Association of School Psychologists: “The National Association of School Psychologists strongly supports clear federal guidance protecting all students civil rights under Title IX," states NASP President Melissa Reeves. "Schools nationwide are increasingly supporting and affirming these rights for transgender students; however, federal guidance that more explicitly clarifies this protection is needed in order to ensure the protection of students’ civil rights in every school in the country. These basic rights are essential to students learning and well-being and should not be dependent on where they live.”
The following organizations signed on to the amicus brief:
GLSEN - www.glsen.org
National PTA - www.pta.org
American School Counselor Association - www.schoolcounselor.org
National Association of School Psychologists - www.nasponline.org
National Association of Independent Schools - www.nais.org
Colorado Association of School Executives - www.co-case.org
Massachusetts Association of School Committees - www.masc.org
About GLSEN
GLSEN champions safe and affirming schools for all students. We envision a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. Each year, GLSEN programs and resources reach tens of thousands of K-12 schools across the United States, and our network of chapters brings GLSEN’s expertise to their local communities. GLSEN's progress and impact have won support for our work at all levels of education in the United States and sparked an international movement to ensure equality for LGBTQ students and respect for all in schools. For more information on GLSEN’s policy advocacy, student leadership initiatives, public education, research and educator training programs, please visit glsen.org.
About National PTA
National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health and welfare of children and youth. Visit the National PTA at www.pta.org.
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