October 11, 2001

 

Howard City Teacher Receives $25,000 Milken National Educator Award

 

Howard City – Randy Cook, a teacher at Tri County High School, Tri County Area Schools in Howard City, received news today of a $25,000 cash award – no strings attached – during a surprise visit from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Watkins and State Board of Education President Kathleen Straus, as part of the Milken Family Foundation’s National Educator Awards Program.

 

“Teachers like Mr. Cook make a significant difference in the lives and futures of our children.” Watkins said.  “This marks our 12^th year of recognizing excellence in education with the Milken Family Foundation, and we are pleased to acknowledge the vision and dedication these educators bring to their profession.”

 

The program was created by the California-based Milken Family Foundation to provide public and financial recognition to teachers, principals, and other education professionals who advance the notion of educational excellence.  The program is conducted in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Education.

 

“Outstanding educators are the essential ingredient in student achievement, encouraging children to perform to their fullest abilities and to develop a love of learning,” said Lowell Milken, Foundation chairman.  “Each and every day, these educators provide students with the confidence and tools to succeed..”

 

Cook, a high school science teacher at Tri County High School, holds bachelors degrees in chemistry and education from Cedarville College, and has completed 24 hours toward a masters degree in secondary education from Grand Valley State University.

 

“He incorporates foundation and corporate sponsorship into an outstanding science program that brings technology that would not be readily available to all of our high school age students, “ said Jim Scholten, Tri County Area Schools Superintendent. “His fine work and application of technology has allowed our students access to research experiences normally reserved for students in a higher education setting.  He is an asset to our district.”

 

In addition, he has authored a laboratory textbook on water quality testing, and serves as the Project Director of a statewide initiative, in partnership with the Michigan Lake and Stream Association, to perform water quality testing in 10 pilot schools across the state.

 

The criteria for the selection of outstanding elementary and secondary school teachers, principals, and other education professionals as Milken Educators include all of the following:

    *    Exceptional educational talent as evidenced by outstanding practices in the

          classroom, school, and profession.

    *    Outstanding accomplishment and strong long-range potential for professional and

           policy leadership.

    *    Engaging and inspiring presence that motivates and impacts students, colleagues,

and the community.

Michigan has participated in the Milken National Educator Award Program since 1990.

 

 

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