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VOLUME 51 ISSUE 22 1015 Division St. Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613
Judy Timmins recognized with Gold Star Award Endeavor Award recipients chosen
Chandal Geerdes Staff Writer
Each year, the R.J. McElroy Trust selects 10 teachers from the Cedar Valley to receive the Gold Star Award for Outstanding Teaching, a prestigious honor recognizing superior teacher performance. Hundreds of nominations are submitted by students, parents and teachers themselves, and this year, English Department Head Judy Timmins was selected to be one of the recipients. “She is one of the most efficient and kid-focused teachers I have ever met. She’s got a handle on everything,” English teacher Jennifer Paulsen said. Timmins’ coworkers agree that she is very organized and always has it together. She does very well at answering questions and helping not only students but also the English department staff with its daily work. “[She’s] always on top of things. Not many problems come up that she can’t communicate and find a solution,” English teacher Matt Klemesrud said. Timmins also radiates the high dedication she has for the work she does with students and staff. “[Timmins] is always meeting with [students] individually. Students know they can come to her,” English teacher Courtney Lubs said.
Jessica Dally Staff Writer
Sara Gabriele photo Sara Gabriele photo
English teacher Judy Timmins gives senior Alex Huffman individual attention with her writing.
In fact, Timmins received her nomination from the students themselves. Seniors Hannah Easton and Tori Hurst came together and decided that, before they would nominate Timmins, they would compile a book of letters from former and current students expressing their gratitude for her work. “We feel that Mrs. Timmins is a very exceptional teacher, and we really wanted her to get recognized for it,” Easton said. Timmins said she was very flattered to receive the award but even more touched that students made
the effort to reflect on their education and create a book because they regarded her teaching so highly. “I was very touched that students would take the time to be so appreciative for the things they believe I’ve done for them,” Timmins said. Overall, Timmins has done an innumerable amount of great things for Cedar Falls High School and created a lasting impact. “Not everyone goes to the length she does to try to prepare her students and coworkers to be the best they can be,” Klemesrud said.
Kickin’ It for Cambodia set for Saturday race Sandra Omari-Boateng Staff Writer
Student Senate will hold the 5th Annual Kickin’ It For Cambodia 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, April 30. The 5K will be held at George Wyth Park and will begin at 8 a.m. To enter the Run/Walk, the cost is $15 before the race and $25 the day of the race, and admission will include a Kickin’ It For Cambodia T-shirt. Five years ago, the high school raised $15,000 to fund the construction of an elementary school in Cambodia. The were other sponsors that helped match the amount through the American Assistance for Cambodia program, and then they built a school in Cambodia.
The school, called The Black Hawk School in the Memot district of the Kampong Cham, was finished on March 24, 2009. All the proceeds from the race now go towards funding the school. The extra annual money helps mainly provide upkeep of the building and funding the bills, but it also provides English and computer teachers, Internet and access towards clean water and other needs. Other than just having the 5K to raise money for the school, there has also been some other fundraising done in the past like the snowflakes and the wristbands that have been sold. And this year there was a Coldstone Fundraiser, which was a success, and then, of course, just the general donations given to help out the school.
“They raised $33 in tips, and I heard that they were busy all that night. Whatever ColdStone made that night, we got 10 percent of the proceeds, so we will have to wait and see what we got,” Student Senate adviser Erin Gardner said. There are also many ways that donors can help without just entering the race. Anyone can make a donation and get named on the T-shirts and sponsor forms in the race packet. Anyone could also make a donation for the door prizes or could help distribute race registration forms to promote it. The pre-race price is available through Friday, April 29. For answers to any questions, contact Gardner at 319-553-2633 or gardnere@cedar-falls.k12.ia.us.
Junior Logan Henderson, senior Samantha Doyle, science teacher Scott Bohlmann and custodian Josh Schrum were recently chosen for the Endeavor Award. The Endeavor Award aims to “recognize the positive achievements and efforts within the community and, by doing so, inspire others to initiate similar efforts, bringing hope into the future.” Henderson was nominated by business teacher Julie Cuvelier and was very humbled by his selection. “I feel as if there are many others that deserve the award more than I do, but I am very thankful for being nominated and receiving the award.” Doyle was nominated by senior Austin Javellana, and he said that she portrayed great leadership. “I nominated Sam for her leadership and character on the cheerleading team. Getting third at Nationals and placing at the Sate meet doesn’t just happen. Her leadership and determination are some of the reasons why our cheerleaders are so good,” Javellana said. Doyle relayed her shock about receiving this unexpected award. “I was very surprised, and it was awesome to hear about all the good things Austin had to say about me.” Bohlmann was nominated by associate Dayle Hayes, and she had much praise to give. “Mr. Bohlmann’s dedication and fairness stands out towards his students. He is patient, yet compassionate, and those two attributes don’t usually go together.” Bohlmann also expressed surprise and gratitude about his recognition. “It’s a huge surprise to get the award. You don’t do things in the community or school just to get noticed. You do it because it’s the right thing to do.” Schrum was nominated by English teachers Judy Timmins, Diane Flaherty and Teresa Martin, who all agreed that Schrum was an ideal person for the Endeavor Award. Mrs. Flaherty said that Schrum was humble and unassuming. “He goes above and beyond in everything he does and rarely gets or expects credit for all the things he does.”