Each year the Marion Schools Education Association and the Marion Paraprofessionals Organization choose individuals or groups to receive the following awards for supporting the youth and adults at our school. These awards were presented at the April Board of Education Meeting.
Friend of Education:
Marion Public Schools along with Marion School Education Association is
pleased to present the Friend of Education Award for 2020 and 2021 to the Marion
VFW and Auxiliary post 6015. Accepting the award tonight are Mike Bell and Mary
Wright.
These local heroes not only serve as powerful role models for our students, but
support them in a variety of ways as well. Each year they hold the Patriot’s Pen and
Voices of Democracy writing competitions providing an opportunity to bolster academic
achievement and explore patriotic themes. Our students have been honored at the
MHS Academic Honors Banquet sponsored by the Auxiliary and the VFW. Bob Friend
is a key link between Marion Schools and the VFW. Members of their color guard have
routinely been present at home sporting events to present the flag during our National
Anthem. Veteran’s Day doesn’t often pass without selfless members of the VFW
sharing experience and wisdom with elementary school students, while answering their
questions and helping them understand the sacrifice of freedoms we have.
Our VFW and Auxiliary have always supported the academic and athletic growth
of our community’s youth. They have stated that they want to continue to support the
hard work the staff does because it is important. The VFW and Auxiliary are vital to the
Marion community with their poppy sales, BINGO pavilion and coordination with
Feeding America and the Marion Food Pantry. THANK you Marion VFW and Auxiliary!
OPIE Teacher:
Jill Quist is the honoree for Marion’s Outstanding Person in Education Award for
2020 and 2021. (She is attending digitally tonight to support her son on the baseball
field.) Jill currently teaches third grade at Marion Elementary and is a master teacher
with 20 plus years experience. She is committed to the success of her students and
adheres to the philosophy of teaching the “whole child”. Jill never fails to see the
importance of building relationships with students; she is committed to creating a
positive learning environment-even if it is class on a Google Meet. Her students come
through the door or on the screen as respected and valued learners.
Jill has also skillfully served on committees such as the MSEA bargaining team,
Wellness Committee, School Improvement and Curriculum groups. You’ll find her
helping at Family Learning Nights and PTO events. Jill says that she expects students
to achieve at the highest level they can, so teaching to their strengths is important.
She’s also a vital part of her Aetna CRC and Vogel Center Booster Club. Jill is a worthy
recipient of the title Outstanding in Education; thank you for all you do!
OPIE Paraprofessional:
Grace Robbins is the Outstanding Person in Education. As a new hire for the 2020
school year, Grace is an integral part of our community. She gives much of her time at
both school buildings with PTO activities, volunteering help, assisting MPACT events
and working as a paraprofessional substitute. She is a joy to work with and always
willing to lend a hand. Last year, Grace used her gifts of calm composure in
challenging situations to work the Responsible Thinking Classroom. Her tranquil
demeanor has helped many students resolve issues, create plans that will work best
for them. She is trusted and appreciated by many students for this.
Grace says that students need kindness and compassion. She knows her job is
to help them grow mentally, emotionally along with academic growth. She also enjoys
helping out the community with Veterans volunteer work and the homeless. She has
made Marion Public Schools a better place. Thank you for all you do for our school
family!
