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|| High Country Press Newswire

March 27, 2008 issue

Eleven Teachers Win Price Deverick Scholarships

Eleven teachers from Watauga County Schools have won 2008 Price Deverick Scholarships and will receive $4,000 to continue their professional development through a partnership between Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation and the Watauga Education Foundation:

• Ann Gerber, Watauga High School and Parkway

• Amanda Price, Blowing Rock

• Angela Hicks, Bethel and Cove Creek

• Michele Nichols, Mabel

• Terri Miller, Green Valley

• Laura Combs, Bethel

• Susan Newlin, Watauga High School

• Mary Henson, Watauga High School and Hardin Park

• Kathy Triplett, Hardin Park

• Disa Herring, Hardin Park

• Becky Vasgaard, Hardin Park

“Our vision is to help every student achieve his or her highest potential,” said Jay Fenwick, Watauga Education Foundation allocations chair. “When we help teachers stay abreast of the latest technology, teaching methods and research, we are doing that.”

This year, the Watauga Education Foundation received 20 applications requesting $13,600 for professional development.

The scholarships are named for the late Barbara Deverick and Gwyn B. Price, former Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation leaders and champions of education. Gwyn B. Price of Ashe County helped organize electric and telephone cooperatives and was a founding director of Blue Ridge Electric. He was head of the NC Rural Electric Authority for 31 years and was an educator/principal for 28 years. Barbara H. Deverick of Caldwell County was equally devoted to her community, serving on the board of directors for Caldwell Community College, chairing the Caldwell County school board and giving her time to nonprofit causes.

“We are delighted to be a part of the Price Deverick Scholarship initiative,” said Watauga Education Foundation President Rebecca Saunders. “Our partnership with BREMCO continues to grow and reinforces the foundation’s positive impact on Watauga County public schools.”

Since its inception 19 years ago, the Watauga Education Foundation has provided $600,000 in funding to supplement state and local education budgets, providing Watauga County Schools students with innovative programs, teachers with scholarships and the community with a strong partnership for education.

The foundation raises money through private donations and various initiatives, including Shooting Stars, a premier arts event that allows hundreds of students to showcase their visual and performing arts talents each year. In 2008, Shooting Stars is Friday, April 25, and tickets are currently on sale.