In its annual year-end Employees Awards Assembly June 4 in the high school auditorium, LVISD honored a number of hard-working individuals after an introduction by assistant superintendent Al Bishop, a welcome by superintendent Dr. Sharon Shields (along with a recognition of special guests), and the invocation prayer by Mamie Hall.
First on the agenda was the introduction of the Advisory Council with two members from each campus, including the husband/wife team of Bill-Rosa Swearingen from the high school, then on to the most-welcome $300 checks for the 55 workers with Perfect Attendance, including Alita Dillon, Robert Hawkins, Robert Palacios, Jim Parten, Sherry Salter, Charles Scott, Sam Sexton, and the Swearingens.
Five-year LV service pins went to 35 Pirates, including Larry Breen, Ramon Carrillo, Pat Harlin, Sandra Howland, Jerry Johnson, Keith “Doc” Patterson, Bob Sheehy, and custodian Michael Tucker, while the 18 with 10 years service included custodian Patricia Johnson, receptionist Melinda Sutton, and retiring counselor Erna Watkins, and 20-year pins went to counselor Sal Acosta and four others. Patti Custer and Palacios marked 25 years with five others.
Watkins was noted for her retirement with her “30+” years of service overall, and Tammy Brinkman helped give James Limmer his ceramic apple for Teacher of the Year, along with the other campus honorees; next was the much-anticipated “Carrying the Ball” Award, begun in 2003 by Dr. Johnny Miller and presented to the elementary faculty and staff, led by principal Peggy Johnson for their outstanding work in helping students notch a 100% passing rate in reading and 91% in math, bringing much-needed statewide recognition to LVISD.
As a co-winner of the award, the high school athletic staff was honored by Dr. Shields for a stellar year with the football team’s appearance in the state championship, the boys’ relays and one runner headed for the state track meet this weekend, and both basketball teams’ qualifying for the playoffs, along with other highlights. The ball will be shared between the elementary school and the high school athletic department.
After an outstanding slide show by Lori Mynarcik wrapped up the school year, Dr. Shields thanked those who made the morning assembly possible, mentioned a helpful prayer that Dr. Monte Geren had left her two years ago (see below), and joined Bishop in wishing all Modocs a safe and restful summer before the Aug. 17 in-service.
"Prayer Before Starting Work"
My Heavenly Father, as I enter this work place,
I bring Your presence with me.
I speak Your peace, Your grace, Your mercy,
and Your perfect order into this office.
I acknowledge Your power over all that
will be spoken, thought, decided, and done within these walls.
Lord, I thank You for the gifts You have blessed me with.
I commit to using them responsibly in Your honor.
Give me a fresh supply of strength to do my job.
Anoint my projects, ideas, and energy,
so that even my smallest accomplishment
may bring You glory.
Lord, when I am confused, guide me.
When I am weary, energize me. When I am
burned out, infuse me with the light of the Holy Spirit.
May the work that I do and the way I do it bring
faith, joy, and a smile to all that I come in
contact with today. And oh Lord,
when I leave this place, give me traveling mercy.
Bless my family and home to be in order as I left it.
Lord, I thank you for everything You've done,
everything You're doing, and everything You're going to do.
In the Name of Jesus I pray, with much love and Thanksgiving. Amen