NMSA "Teams that Make A Difference" Award

The Team

    Marjie Atkins and Marita DeBoard have a combined 23 years teaching experience at the Middle School Level.  They are currently core classroom teachers at Vera C. O'Leary Junior High in Twin Falls, Idaho, and place great emphasis on their Advisories.  Their successful Advisory programs have made them requested speakers at the 2000 IMLA conference, administrator/educator classes, and the 2001 NMSA Conference in Washington, D.C.  With a quality Advisory program, O'Leary Junior High is known for outstanding community service; such as Salvation Army Food Drives and top fund raiser/top participants in the March of Dimes Walk America and American Cancer Society Relay for Life.  Marjie and Marita will inspire you or your staff to implement or create innovative, productive Advisory programs in your school.

The Award

TEAMS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE is an award program that identifies people who work to improve the education and well-being of young adolescents. This annual award is sponsored by Prentice Hall and the National Middle School Association. Four awards are given each year. Two awards are for teams that focus on improved academic achievement and two for implemented adult advocacy in the school and community.

The winning teams each receive $3,000 cash from Prentice Hall, free registration and lodging for the Annual NMSA Conference, a one-year membership in NMSA, and $100 coupon for NMSA publications. The teams will be honored at the NMSA Annual Conference this year in Washington, D.C., November 1-3, 2001.