RLCC recognizes Friends of Education

There are many individuals in the community who give of themselves to their local school. Each year these “Friends of Education” are recognized and presented a small token of appreciation. This year the Friends of Education Awards were presented at the Kramer-Brown Recognition Dinner at Quality Inn in Thief River Falls Tuesday, May 3. 

Red Lake County Central recognized three individuals at this year’s recognition dinner. RLCC High School selected Sheila Gerardy as their Friend of Education. RLCC Elementary School’s Friends of Education were Clara Olson and Joanie Simpson. 

Gerardy received the honor for her for her hard work over the years with the Sports Boosters. She finds volunteers, orders supplies and goes to most of the games even long after her children have graduated. She has been known for putting hours and hours into making the food herself for concessions at games when she can’t find volunteers. RLCC has chosen Gerardy for dedication to the Boosters and all her hard work for the concessions stands. Many do not have time after work to get food before the games and are hoping that there will be something available at the games. Gerardy and the other volunteers make that possible. 

Olson and Simpson were selected as Friends of Education for all they do for the elementary school in Plummer. Olson works with the Math Corp and Simpson works with the Reading Corp. Math and Reading Corps are part of the Americorps program and are intervention programs that focuses on helping students from the elementary master reading and math foundational skills. The math also helps with number and operations that help get them on track for algebra readiness. Simpson and Olson are paid a small stipend for the program. But nothing close to what they are actually worth, or what they would earn in another position. Both are always willing to help others and give a friendly smile each day. 

RLCC is very grateful to these three for their hard work and dedication to the RLCC Schools. Thank you and well done. Each recipient received a Friends of Education apple award as a token of appreciation.