Friends of education

By Bill Vander Weele

Sidney Herald
Published on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 2:43 PM MDT

Three Friends of Education awards were presented from the Sidney Education Association during its annual banquet at the Elks Lodge Friday night.

Mark Halvorson, president of the Sidney Education Association, explained the association decided to present a Friend of Education award from each school building instead of the traditional teachers of the year honors.

Continental Resources Inc. received the award from Sidney Elementary School. Continental donated school supplies and 480 backpacks this school year to area students.

Bill Vander Weele | Sidney Herald
Retiring teachers Ken Stennes and Mary DiFonzo were honored.

“A lot of kids were wearing them the first day and were still wearing them today,” instructor Cara Frandsen said.

Receiving the award from Sidney Middle School was the USDA-ARS Northern Plains Agricultural Research Laboratory.

Halvorson said for the past five years the laboratory has helped judge the middle school’s science fair.

“They also have helped with field trips that our students have listened to and enjoyed,” Halvorson said.

Kirby Halvorson received the award from the Sidney High School for his work with Sidney’s athletes.

“From the time he arrived as a physical therapist at Sidney Health Center, he came to us and offered his services anyway he could,” Mike Gear, activities director, said.

Kirby Halvorson offers free consultations to injured athletes. He’s also available to assist at all Sidney football games.

The association gave a gift basket to Sidney Superintendent of Schools Doug Sullivan who is leaving to take a similar position in Dickinson, N.D. He has been in Sidney for 14 years.

“Leaving Sidney was one of the most difficult decisions myself and Donna ever made,” Sullivan said. “This community has meant a lot to us, and you folks won’t ever be forgotten.”

The association also saluted retiring teachers Mary DiFonzo and Ken Stennes. DiFonzo taught for 35 years, and Stennes taught for 25 years in Sidney.

“The contributions these two have made is indescribable,” Sullivan said.

editor@sidneyherald.com

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