DFEE Annual 9-R Employee Appreciation Celebration

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2013 9-R Employee Appreciation Celebration Recognizes Our "9-R Stars"

On May 2rd, the Durango Foundation for Educational Excellence recognized outstanding teachers and staff members whose actions, directly or indirectly, have helped Durango School District 9-R students achieve their highest potential. The annual DFEE 9-R Employee Appreciation Celebration spotlighted these school district stars:

• Dan Garner and Shaun Smith, Outstanding High School Teachers
• Kim Osby, Outstanding Middle School Teacher
• Cindy Beckley and Cindy Tucson, Outstanding Elementary School Teachers
• Diane Burress, John Durrschmidt and Susie Welch, Outstanding 9-R Staff Members

This year DFEE received 201 nomination letters or forms, naming 104 nominees. The nominations came from fellow teachers and staffers, students, parents, and general community members who have witnessed the dedication and excellent work invested by 9-R employees in the district's students. Click here for the full list of nominees.

As always, DFEE sends big thanks to the many people who helped make the event a memorable one. Morehart Murphy Regional Auto Center (Pat Murphy and Jim Morehart) hosted the 250-300 guests and honorees--special thanks to Greg and Brady Rowland for making sure the event went smoothly. Wells Fargo Bank (John Francis and Karen Stephens) and The Jewelry Works (Bill Cook) gave the winners cash awards and commemorative plaques. All nominees received recognition certificates.

Entertainment this year--a new feature of the party--was provided by the DHS Jazz Combo, under the direction of Katharine Reed, herself a nominee who received extra recognition for helping DFEE build a bridge between 9-R and the community. Freshman track coach David McMillan was also singled out for community support.

It takes a bounty of food and spirits to satisfy that number of guests, and so a number of generous local businesses joined in to supply food, drink and door prizes.

Standard Sales and Coca Cola (Don Mapel) provided the soft drinks, water and beer. Star Liquors (Stan Crapo) provided the wine. Durango Party Rental (Jon and Lauri Sigilitto) ensured the elegant ambiance by their donation of tableware and linens.

Appetizers and desserts came from: Bread, Carver Brewing Co., CJ’s Diner, College Drive Café, Cyprus Café (compliments of Anne Finney), Francisco’s, Hot Tomatoes, The Lost Dog, North and South City Markets, Chuck Norton’s Catering, Sizzling Siam, The Ore House, The Strater Hotel, Serious Delights Bakery, Serious Texas Barbecue, Steamworks, and Sunnyside Farms Market.

An array of generous gift certificates came from Dietz Market, North and South City Markets, Durango Coffee Company, Durango Joe’s Coffee, Ken and Sue’s, Maria’s Bookshop, and Natural Grocers/Vitamin Cottage.

DFEE is honored to recognize the terrific employees of Durango School District 9-R, and we are grateful for such strong community support. Thank you to everyone who contributed.