| NEWS RELEASE |
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For additional Information, contact: |
| For Immediate Release |
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Sharon Brumbaugh |
| March 21,2004 |
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717-260-9900 |
EPLC & IEL Present National Educational Leadership Awards
(HARRISBURG) On March 21, 2004, the Pennsylvania chapter of the Education Policy
Fellowship Program (EPFP) and its national partner, the Institute for Educational
Leadership (IEL), presented four awards at the annual Pennsylvania Education
Policy and Leadership Conference.
IEL's National Leadership Award was presented to Dr. Helen S. Faison, Director,
Pittsburgh Teachers Institute, Chatham College, and to Ronald Cowell, President,
The Education Policy and Leadership Center, in appreciation of their effective
contributions to the improvement of American education and to the continued
strengthening and growth of educational leaders. Betty Hale, IEL President, said
that, "IEL is committed to creating human and social capital and using it to
improve outcomes for children and youth. Dr. Faison's career, which has spanned
the four decades of IEL and EPFP's existence, exemplifies our mission, and we
honor her unwavering commitment."
Hale added, "IEL is pleased to confirm with this award its own and the nation's
deep respect for Ron's vision, courage, competence and compassion in the service
of schoolchildren in Pennsylvania and across the nation."
The Pennsylvania EPFP's Distinguished Alumni Service Award was presented to James
R. Weaver, President, Pennsylvania State Education Association, and Tomi Waters
Boylstein, Past President of the Pennsylvania PTA (Pennsylvania EPFP Class of
2001-2002 and 2000-2001, respectively). Both were recognized for their
distinguished service to American education and to the Education Policy
Fellowship Program (EPFP).
National EPFP director Hunter N. Moorman, noted, "We are privileged to have
program alumni of the caliber of Tomi Waters Boylstein and James Weaver. Their
dedication and accomplishments reflect the finest values of EPFP and its Fellows
and alumni in Pennsylvania and across the nation. Both are leaders whose work
has had and continues to have a major impact on the education and well-being of
children."
Established in 1964, EPFP has graduated more than 5,500 Fellows who are leaders
in K-12 and higher education organizations, foundations, and agencies, at the
federal, state, and local levels. The 11 state sites conduct programs tailored
to local needs and conditions, while collective goals and objectives, a common
curricular framework, two annual national meetings, and a network of 22
coordinators provide programmatic connections across the EPFP.
The Pennsylvania EPFP is sponsored by The Education Policy and Leadership Center.
Applications for the 2004-05 EPFP class are being accepted now. For program
information or an application, contact EPLC at (717) 260-9900 or visit
www.eplc.org/leadership.html.
Dr. Helen S. Faison - IEL National Leadership Award
A lifelong leader, mentor, and role model, Helen currently serves as the Director
of the Pittsburgh Teachers Institute at Chatham College. She was employed for 43
years by the Pittsburgh Board of Education in a variety of instructional and
administrative roles, including service as interim Superintendent. She belongs
to many professional and civic organizations including the Board of Children's
Hospital of Pittsburgh, the Negro Educational Emergency Drive, The Education
Policy and Leadership Center, and the Buhl Foundation.
Ronald Cowell - IEL National Leadership Award
Ron's dedication to improving education policy through his current role as
president of The Education Policy and Leadership Center is rooted in the broad
range of experience he garnered during more than two decades of public service.
Ron served for 24 years in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and 12 years
as majority or minority chair of the House Committee on Education. During that
time he also served on the boards of the Pennsylvania State Board of Education,
the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) and Pennsylvania's
Interagency Coordinating Council for Early Intervention Programs. At the national
level, Ron serves as a member of the board of directors of the Association of
Governing Boards of Colleges and Universities and on several K-12 and higher
education advisory committees. He also has served on the National Education
Goals Panel, as past Vice-Chair of the Education Commission of the States, former
chair of the Government Affairs Committee of the National Association of State
Boards of Education, and former chair of the Education Committee of the National
Conference of State Legislatures.
Tomi Waters Boylstein - EPFP Class of 2000-2001
EPFP Distinguished Service Alumni Award
An ardent advocate for children, Tomi has contributed many years of volunteer
service to education. She served as President of the Pennsylvania PTA and
currently sits on the Board of Directors of the National PTA. She served three
terms as a local school board member in the Apollo-Ridge School District. When
she is not busy with volunteer service, Tomi is an educator and planner for the
Southwest Pennsylvania Area Health Education Center, where she directs the
organization's education activities in seven western Pennsylvania counties.
James R. Weaver - EPFP Class of 2001-2002
EPFP Distinguished Service Alumni Award
Jim's service to education and children began over 30 years ago as a Social
Studies teacher in the State College Area School District. He currently is in
his first term a President of the Pennsylvania State Education Association. He
has been an outspoken advocate for adequate and equitable state funding of public
education and for providing support to schools and teachers in their quest to
provide each child with a high quality education.
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