By Ben Rodgers
Editor
SUAMICO – It was a night of recognition on Monday, April 8, as two outgoing school board members were honored for their service and a student was bestowed with a national award.
Mark Ashley stepped down from the school board after serving eight years as an elected official.
“As a parent and as a homeowner in the community, I’m excited for this district,” Ashley said. “I’m excited for what it means for my two kids still in the district, but I’m excited for the community. As a homeowner, I’m excited about the value this district brings, generally excited about it.”
Ashley also said he is honored to have served and thanked the board for using grace and patience when working with him.
“We’re a better board because of your work and your service, and we’re going to miss you,” said Teresa Ford, board president.
Maria Lara also decided not to seek a new term and attended her last meeting as a board member April 8.
Lara was appointed the board on June 11, 2018, following the resignation of Laura Bernard.
“It’s been a real honor being able to be part of this school board,” Lara said. “I want to thank you for the opportunity… Public school, public education is crucial to our democracy, our society and our individuals. I’ve always felt it’s an opportunity for adults to show students that we have not given up on them and we realize their potential.”
Ford also extended thanks to Lara.
“We want to thank you for the work you’ve done for us, with us, all the challenges that were put upon us,” Ford said. “You helped us grow and you made us better.”
Newcomers to the board were elected in uncontested races on April 2. They include Scott Jandrin, Suamico, and Jason Potts, Howard.
Jurgita Downham, a financial advisor with Prudential Advisors, was also present at the meeting to present Eloise Massee, an eighth-grader at Bay View Middle School, with the 2019 Prudential Spirit of Community Award.
Massee is spearheading the NEW Donate Life Walk this Saturday at Bay View with fellow student Jessica Avery.
The two hope to raise $20,000 for Donate Life Wisconsin from the walk.
The award honors one middle school student and one high school student in each state and the District of Columbia.
Downham said Massee was selected from a pool of thousands.
“Our event is this Saturday and I think it will be a great day,” Massee said. “We worked so hard and this will finally be our showcase and we can present the money we raised to Donate Life Wisconsin.”
For being selected, Massee will receive a four-day trip to Washington, D.C., where she will be honored, along with a $1,000 prize and a chance to win one of 10 national awards.
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