Laurens-Marathon Community School Teacher Wins Statewide Honor

DES MOINES, IA (09/23/2009)(readMedia)-- Nancy Kunickis, a Reading and Language Arts teacher at Laurens-Marathon Middle School is the 2009 Excellence in Education Award winner. The award is sponsored by the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA), the Iowa Farm Bureau, WHO Radio, KDSM Fox 17, and STAPLES. Kunickis was among a top field of over 70 teachers --- all nominated by co-workers, students, and community members because of the difference they make every day in the lives of Iowa's school children.

"This award is truly about recognizing the educators who work hard on a daily basis and rarely get the recognition they so richly deserve," said Chris Bern, president of the ISEA. "All of the nominations are a testament to the dedication and compassion Iowa educators have for their students and all demonstrated how educators go above and beyond the scope of their work to change the lives of the students they teach."

Highlighting Kunickis's career at Laurens-Marathon has been her speech students' performance of a piece entitled 58,000 Names about the veterans of the Vietnam War where Kunickis's students were invited to perform at the State Department in Washington, DC. The team was also recognized by the Iowa Historical Society with the "Loren Horten History Award" for their performance. Kunickis continues to merge history with her language arts program with students researching the Holocaust and performing at a synagogue in Des Moines. More recently, students performed a choral reading at the state speech contest entitled The Saddest Acre about U.S. Iraqi and Afghanistan war veterans buried in Arlington cemetery.

"Even beyond the numerous honors and awards Nancy's students receive is the every day encouragement, direction and extra care she doles out to her students." Bern added. "Her love of reading and her passion for history combine to make a tremendous impact in her classroom and beyond. This award truly is about teachers like Nancy, who go the extra mile to make sure students are learning." Bern said.

"Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) is once again proud to be a part of honoring those motivational teachers who, through incredible talent and dedication, are able to bring out the best in our students. The nurturing and education of our youth is cornerstone to our organization. That's why we support the boys and girls' Iowa High School Athletic Associations, the Hall of Pride, and the Excellence in Education program. We are so pleased to honor the teachers who shape our next generation of Iowa leaders," said IFBF President Craig Lang.

Now in its eleventh year, the Excellence in Education Award is designed to honor the countless educators across the state that, like Nancy Kunickis, make a difference in the lives of their students each and every day. Nominations were solicited beginning in August through September 16, and forms were available at local county Farm Bureau offices and through the ISEA.

Kunickis will receive a cash prize of $1,000 and her school will receive another $1,000 from the Iowa Farm Bureau during an awards ceremony and banquet on Tuesday, October 20, at the Hy-Vee Hall in Des Moines, also courtesy of the Iowa Farm Bureau. She will also receive a $450 gift card from STAPLES.

Runners-up will also be honored at the Excellence in Education banquet. Annette Baker, an English teacher at South Hardin High School in Eldora, Mike Earll, a Vocational Agriculture teacher at Sibley-Ocheyedan High School in Sibley, Tim Juhl, an Instrumental Music teacher at North Butler High School in Greene, and Michael Matson, a Army Junior Reserve Officer's Training Corp instructor at Davenport Central High in Davenport. All runners-up will receive a $100 gift card courtesy of STAPLES.

All of the nominees, along with the individuals who nominated them, are invited to attend the awards banquet at no charge. The Iowa Farm Bureau will also provide free tours of the Iowa Hall of Pride, which is located within the Hy-Vee Hall.

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The ISEA is a professional organization made up of more than 34,000 educators who are dedicated to supporting and protecting a quality public education for all Iowa students. Great Education…It's an Iowa Basic!