A newly established academic institute has honored Gov. Zell Miller of Georgia and Gov. Tommy G. Thompson of Wisconsin as “Governors of the Year” for their work in education. The Thomas H. Kean Governor of the Year Award, given by the Institute on Education and Government at Teachers College, Columbia University, recognized the two as state leaders whose vision for public education has transformed schools in their states and nationwide.
Mr. Miller, a Democrat, was honored for his support of HOPE (Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally) Scholarships, and Mr. Thompson, a Republican, was recognized for his efforts supporting school vouchers and school-to-work initiatives.
This is the first Kean Award given by the nonpartisan institute, which is directed by former Gov. Gaston CapertonThomas H. Kean of New Jersey, a Republican.
The award was named for Mr. Kean, who is now the president of Drew University.
The Reader’s Digest Association Inc. has announced the winners of the 1998 Reader’s Digest American Heroes in Education Awards.
The annual awards honor 10 outstanding educators who are seen as making a difference in schools nationwide.
Each honoree will receive a $5,000 prize plus $10,000 for his or her school. The winners, selected from more than 700 nominations, are:
Richard L. Beatie, a 6th grade teacher at Madison Elementary School in Sanger, Calif.; Cheryl G. Carter, the principal of Booker T. Washington Magnet School in Montgomery, Ala.; Lynne Gibson, the principal at Crespo Fine Arts Academy in Houston; Barbara J. Hairston, the principal of Mount View High School in Welch, W.Va.; Carey Jenkins, an English teacher and the founder of Operation Link-Up at John F. Kennedy High School in Paterson, N.J.; Odessa D. Johnson, a special education teacher at Polk Life and Learning Center in Bartow, Fla.; Toriann V. Lee, an English-as-a-second-language teacher at Brea Olinda High School in Brea, Calif.; J. Daniel Martin, the principal of Jacob L. Devers Elementary School in York, Pa.; Juanita M. Middleton, the principal of St. James-Santee Elementary School in McClellanville, S.C.; and Walter J. Turnbull, the director of the Boys Choir of Harlem in New York City.
The Reader’s Digest Association, based in Pleasantville, N.Y., has given more than $1 million through its awards program, which is now in its 10th year.
--ADRIENNE D. COLES acoles@epe.org
