Starlight Awards honor excellence at ceremony

The Maryville City Schools Foundation has put up some impressive numbers since the foundation for education began: $100,000 for Maryville Middle School, $15,000 for Maryville High School’s technology lab, $20,000 for a system-wide School Center program, just to scratch the surface.

On Oct. 28, however, the focus wasn’t on funds, but on friends. The 2007 Starlight Awards, a program designed by the MCSF to “Celebrate the benefits of excellence in education,” awarded their annual honors of excellence to alumni, community partnerships and individuals who exemplify standards of excellence and “what it means to go above and beyond,” said Monica Gawet, foundation chair.

“It’s all about legacy,” Gawet told those assembled at Maryville High School auditorium, also speaking about the $1 million recently announced from Lockheed in honor of Sen. Lamar Alexander. “The people we honor today a providing a legacy of excellence.”

Dr. Mike Dalton, director of Maryville City Schools, said the success of the Maryville city school system is directly traceable to its people. “The school system ahs been successful because we have people who are tremendously dedicated to this system,” he said.

Honored were:

Brian Cowan -- Outstanding Young Alumni Award

Ron Ivens -- Distinguished Service Award

Kumiko Franklin -- Family Partnership Award

Joe Black and Appalachian Therapy -- Community Partnership Award

Dr. Penny Ferguson -- Distinguished Alumni Award

Judge D. Kelly Thomas Jr. -- Distinguished Alumni Award

Awards were presented by Carolyn Frost McAmis, chair of Maryville City Schools board, and Barbara Jenkins, director of the Maryville City Schools Foundation.