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Press Release

Park Record (Park City, UT)

April 19, 2006
by Dale Thompson

Education Foundation thanks district volunteers

Fifth annual luncheon held to acknowledge those who give time.

The Park City School District operates with the help of hundreds of volunteers. From Coordinating dances and registration to mentoring, the district relies on those who give their time to the students.

On Thursday the Park City Education Foundation hosted their 5th annual volunteer luncheon at The Canyons Grand Summit Hotel.

It's just so impressive, I can't tell you where we would be as a district without volunteers," said Foundation President Mark Fischer.

This year the Foundation opted not to recognize specific individuals, but hosted the event out of appreciation for the volunteers throughout the district.

The third annual Community Spirit in Our Schools Award, awarded by the Foundation and the Park City Rotary Club, was give to Arts-Kids, a free after-school program that provides a safe, diverse environment where students can build healthy relationships and foster creativity.

"I can't think of anything more encouraging that to be recognized by the Park City Education Foundation, said found of Arts-Kids, Pat Drewry Sanger.

Each principal in the district came to the podium to thank the volunteers at their respective schools.

"I can say from the bottom of my heart, we love having you at Parley's Park," said Principal Pat Flynn.

Greg Proffit, Principal of Ecker Hill International Middle School, read a poem he composed himself. He said in all his years as an educator outside of the state, when it comes to the volunteers inf the PCSD, he has, "never seen anything like it."

Abdul Rasool also addressed the audience and spoke to them about the International Baccalaureate program, which teaches students the importance of giving back to the community.

Fischer concluded the afternoon by saying the district has everything it needs to become one of the best in the nation. Its small size, resources and a supportive community make that possible.

One of the valuable resources, he said, is the Park City Education Foundation, which has raised approximately $800,000 this year and they are hoping to make $1 million this year.

"None of that money matters without what you all do to put it to work," Fischer said.

(c) 2006 Park Record. All rights reserved. Reproduced with the permission of Media NewsGroup, Inc. by NewsBank, Inc.