Page 56. The Murray Valley Standard, Thursday, December 10, 2009. murrayvalleystandard.com.au

MURRAY BRIDGE HIGH SCHOOLNewsletter

Principal ~ Merilyn Klem 8532 1788 Chairperson Governing Council ~ Phil Nutt 0417 885 539 Chairperson Parents & Friends ~ Janelle Traeger 8535 4290

THURSDAY - December 10, 2009 www.murraybridgehs.sa.edu.au ISSUE 16

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2009 PRESENTATION NIGHT Principal's Address: Merilyn Klem

Good Evening Invited Guests, Parents,Staff and Students, particularly our Year12 students for whom Presentation Nightis also their Graduation.

I welcome especially:

Mr Phil Nutt, Chairperson, and Membersof the Murray Bridge High SchoolGoverning Council, Mrs Janelle Traeger,Chairperson, and members of Parentsand Friends Committee, The Mayor ofThe Rural City of Murray Bridge, MrAllan Arbon, Guest Speaker, Mr JoeHoad, Mr Peter Chislett, RegionalDirector Murray and Mallee, DECS, MrHarold McLaren representing theMcLaren Family, Mr Gordon Schultz andMerilyn representing Adam and theSchultz Family

We are a very proud school community.Ours is a pride grown throughachievement. For tonight’s address Iidentify achievements in the school fromthe time the Year 12’s were in Year 8, tocomplement the approach taken in theYear 12 Year book.

When the Year 12’s were in Year 8 in 2005we were developing the InternationalBaccalaureate Middle Years Programme.At the same time the Lower Murray SkillsCentre was completed and Automotiveand Polymer processing courses began.In one exciting evening we opened theMurals, painted by Ivan Campbell, theSkills Centre and the Industrial kitchen.Mr Hall won a Premier’s Industry award.You went on the Year 8 camp to Monarto:and planted trees with Mr Hall and MrDuguid. Jazz legend Don Burrows playedwith 140 students from Murraylandsschools here in concert in a very specialmusic experience.

The Australian Girls Choir chose MurrayBridge High School for their first countrytour. Our first eleven students arrivedfrom China, their families working atT&R. Beryl McLaren and her familyestablished the Geoff and Beryl McLarenScholarship in memory of Beryl’s latehusband Federal Labor MP GeoffMcLaren. At the time Harold said:Whilst at school my father developed hisstrong sense of social justice. Hestrongly believed all children shouldhave the opportunity to achieve their fullpotential not just the children of thewealthy.

As a State School Principal, I encourageour young people and our schoolcommunity to advocate for publiceducation and social justice, with anawareness grown from having attendeda school with the some of the mostdisadvantaged groups of people. Iformerly thank the McLaren family fortheir support of Murray Bridge HighSchool students. I take the opportunity

to similarly thank the Schultz family fortheir donation of a scholarship. Adam,now an engineer, is a former student ofMurray Bridge High School.

In 2006 when Year 12s were in Year 9 itwas the year of the 1956 FloodCommemoration. Mr Stewart’s classworked with local historian Mr Ken Wellsto imagine how high the water oncereached. In 2006 our students achievedIB Certificates for the first time. In 2006the Youth Opportunities Program wasintroduced with tremendous mentoringand financial support from the RotaryClub of Murray Bridge. In 2007 many ofyou had the benefit of the program whenyou were in Year 10. In 2006 theAccelerated class began. The first Year12 graduates are here tonight.

By 2007 we had more than 60 Chinesestudents, a number of Sudanesestudents and we had introduced Arabic.Ngarrindjeri language was recognised bythe IBO and taught at year 12 level in theSACE for the first time. After 5 years offundraising, the Cafeteria was opened toadd to the industrial kitchen. We hadhosted students from Funabashi HighSchool in Tokyo for eight years. Some ofyou have been fortunate in being part ofthe first return visits in 2007 and 2008. In2008 the SAPOL Rock Band performed atan assembly and presented Certificatesin IVEC to Students in the Special Unit.The Australian Girls Choir visited againin 2008 – in response to the warmth ofthe community from their first visit. DrTattersall won an award for his e-learning work in Murray Bridge HighSchool, a leading e-learning school.Murray Bridge High School successfullyapplied to become a lead school in theHills-Murraylands Trade School for theFuture. Mrs Elston became our firstApprenticeship Broker.

And now 2009. Many of you haveundertaken VET courses in VocationalEducation and training, benefiting fromthe Lower Murray Skills Centre and theIndustrial Kitchen and Cafeteria. Othersof you have undertaken academicsubjects intending to go on to University.Be aware that you are leaving a countryHigh School which has determinedlybuilt these pathways for you. Next yeara $1.7 million Trade Training Centre inElectro–technology will be built to offernew vocational courses. Very fewcountry schools have been able tomaintain, let alone expand, courses forstudents. Leave being proud of yourschool and being proud of yourcommunity, a community which hasgiven so much support to you.

Let me conclude this section byhighlighting this year’s Rock Eisteddfod.This augurs well for 2010 when Murray

Bridge is a Regional Centre of Culture.The school has secured a $40,000ARTSsmart grant to enable professionalartists and technicians to work withstudents.

Presentation Night is a very importantoccasion for Year 12 students. And soespecially to our year 12 students whoare leaving, I trust that the school mottowill serve you well:

Your school motto, from the ancientGreek story of Apollo thousands of yearsold, translated into the Latin language bythe Romans in a book called the Aeneid,brought by the English to theestablishment of Murray Bridge HighSchool in 1913 – the school vision, thestory of generations, the values ofexcellence, of respect, and of workingtogether:

Sic Itur ad Astra

By striving we reach the stars.

And with the wisdom of Ngarrindjericulture, formally added to the motto inreconciliation in 2001:

Ngunangk tuldar witjunggildhur toranTogether we gather the stars.

CHRIS SEARLE RETIRES

Before concluding I want to thank ChrisSearle for a lifetime of dedication to Stateschool students.

Geoff Searle started teaching at Minlatonin 1970. Christine met Geoff when shewas appointed to Minlaton in 1973, theymarried in 1974 and moved to Port Piriein 1975 where they lived for eight years.During this time Darren and Adam wereborn.

Geoff was appointed to Murray BridgeHigh School in 1983. During this timeDarren went to Fraser Park PrimarySchool, Murray Bridge High School andon to University and is now aPharmacist. Adam took a differentdirection into TAFE and works inHorticulture. Chris returned to teachingat Murray Bridge High School in 1986initially as a contract teacher until sheregained permanency in 1990. She hastaught Maths, Humanities (SOSE), WorkEducation, Health Education, History, aRetail VET course and CommunityStudies. For the last five years Chris has,as Assistant Principal responsible forSenior School, been very highly regardedby students and her knowledge andadvice invaluable. For the last ten yearsChris has been a SSABSA (nowSACEBoard) moderator, supportingteachers and assessing student workstate-wide. Chris will be greatly missedby staff and students.

Chris, congratulations for 32 years ofservice to state schools, 24 of thoseyears at Murray Bridge High School.

Krystal McDonald and Jarred Lloyd. Nicholas RollinsKym Addington performs on the night. Jacquilyn Davis

Janelle Traeger and Merilyn Klem.

Phil Nutt and Cassandra Dawson.

Peter Chislett Regional Director presents Chris Searle with her

Certificate of Appreciation.

murrayvalleystandard.com.au The Murray Valley Standard, Thursday, December 10, 2009. Page 57.

MURRAY BRIDGE HIGH SCHOOLNewsletter

Principal ~ Merilyn Klem 8532 1788 Chairperson Governing Council ~ Phil Nutt 0417 885 539 Chairperson Parents & Friends ~ Janelle Traeger 8535 4290

THURSDAY - December 10, 2009 www.murraybridgehs.sa.edu.au ISSUE 16

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Murray Bridge High School can onceagain be very proud of itsachievements this year, despite thecontinuing tough financial conditionsit is compelled to operate under.

The following key points are some ofthe highlights for the 2009 year.

Year 8 Swimming Carnival held on13th February was a success as wasthe School Sports Day on 13 March,with the winning house being Sturt.

Also at this time Ben Dougall wasannounced as the recipient of theAdam Gilchrist Cricket Scholarship forcountry region to England for 6months. Congratulations Ben.

Special Education started the yearwith 120 students. A new Rock &Water program has just started thisterm with regional funding and willform part of the Year 8 PE curriculumfrom 2010. It offers teachers a newway to interact with students physicalexercises constantly linked withmental and social skills.

Pedal Prix MBHS had 4 teams enteredthis year, with a new elite, senior & 2junior teams. A new logo designcompetition was won by Ryan Hansen.

Street Smart Road Safetydemonstration at the AdelaideEntertainment Centre on 24 Marchwas attended by 90 Year 11 studentsand some Special Education studentswith the assistance of the RAA &MBHS.

School Captains 2009 elected wereJacob Dawson and Krystal McDonald,who have done a fine job in thatcapacity. Vice Captains were BenjaminTraeger, Cassie Brion and PatriciaMafara.

Open Boys Knockout Cricket MBHSteam defeated Victor Harbor HighSchool and Tatachilla Lutheran School

and played the grand final againstBordertown.

Student Car parking also continues tobe a problem to the students, nearbyresidents, the school and the Council.The SAAC, Governing Council andMBHS are exploring strategies toremedy the issue.

Funding Grants MBHS has this yearpunched above its weight and hasbeen fortunate to be successful inwinning numerous grants.

- Building Education Revolution;$200,000 (competitive application)

- Digital Education Revolution ; 157computers in round 2 (to meet ratioof 1 computer to 2 students)

- Trade Training Centre-ElectroTechnology $1.7m

- 2 lifts & various ramps $467,900

- E-Teacher, Secondary MentoringProgram, Trade Schools for theFuture, Future SACE researchproject, Mosaic program, Eat Well BeActive, Green School Grant, EvenStart Program, Aboriginal LanguageConference, Aboriginal SportsAcademy, Language Centre &ARTSsmart.

Careers Expo was held in May at TAFEwith all Years 10, 11 & 12 students ableto attend.

Senior Boys Football competition wasparticipated in May and June this year.

Student Exchange from FunabashiHigh School did not occur this yeardue to global health concerns, but willnow visit from 13 to 25 March 2010. Ifany parents are willing to providebillets, kindly contact the school.

Agriculture Department Due to thereduction in our water allocation,MBHS had to again this year purchaseadditional water for approximately

$6,500 to maintain the agricultureprograms through to the end of June2010. PE and Ag sheds have beendemolished, and new replacementGrounds Shed and machinery storageshed and new fencing at Roper Roadsite have been completed.

About 16 students from Years 10 to 12Agriculture were involved this year atthe Royal Adelaide Show in the LEDsteers and goats sections.

Rock Eistoddfod was held at theAdelaide Entertainment Centreinvolving approximately 60 studentsand 5 staff and was a huge success.

Youth Leadership Trial MBHS wasselected as a high school to implementa youth leadership program into theYear 8/9 SAAC provided by the StrideFoundation.

Year 9 Aquatics Camp held at WalkerFlat from 16 to 18 November.

School Canteen is well managed bythe school and continues to providehealthy food options at modest pricesfor the students, whilst returning apositive financial return. I would liketo thank the canteen manager, DiTsaousis for her dedication.

School Uniform after considerableinput from students, teachers andGoverning Council, a new style shirtand jacket has been selected and willbe phased in from the start of the newschool year.

School Photo Book a new style ofcover has been created with inputfrom students, teachers andGoverning Council.

Materials & Services Fee for 2010 hasbeen adopted at the standard rate of$263, which is only an increase of $4on this year.

School Buildings Improvements.Verandah infills with metal boards,

rendering, painting & new disabledaccess ramps (and soon 2 new lifts)have greatly improved the schoolfunction ability and image for allusers.

Trade Training Centre will take mostof next year to build & is scheduled tobe completed by December 2010.

ICAN Innovative Community ActionNetworks with the help of DECSRegional Director, Peter Chislett,MBHS has been successful in securingICAN funding for 2010, catering forYears 6 to 12, who struggle with issuessuch as homelessness, ill health, drugand alcohol abuse or with family andinterpersonal issues which hamperlearning & result in dis-engagementand dropout.

SAASTA – South AustralianAboriginal Sports Training Academywith the help of Roxanne Rowland,Noel Hartman and Joffre Pearce,MBHS has been selected toparticipate in this innovative programwhich helps young Aboriginal peoplein education, sports and employment.This is exciting for MBHS at a timewhen we have the highest indigenousenrolment ever in the school.

New Website www.murraybridgehs.sa.edu.auMatt Long and Brian Davis haveconstructed a new and excitingwebsite which is very user friendlyand interactive. Please visit the sitesoon and check it out for yourselves.

I would like to sincerely thank myfellow councillors, and in particularthe Parents and Friends group whojoined us to bolster membershipnumbers.

I strongly encourage all interestedparents to become involved inGoverning Council in the future. Thisenables you to have a say in yourchild’s education.

The Murray Bridge High School Community sincerely thank the McLaren family and the Schultz family for the significant scholarships made available toencourage students to strive for Year 12 and Tertiary study.

SCHOLARSHIPS

It has again been a pleasure to be involved with theCommittee this year. Members attended GoverningCouncil meetings throughout the year and wereinvolved in the discussions of the new uniform andthe changes to school photos.

Thank you to the parents who attended themeetings. It has been great to represent you overthe years. To the parents of the Year 12‘s, thank youfor your contributions over the years.

As I finish my time as a school parent it is a chanceto reflect on all the years of being involved inschools. It is like a journey to an unknowndestination. We start out with the excitement andanticipation that the young 5 year old feels about

going to school and leaving the security of home.Parents experience the fear of how the child willcope but the joy of that freedom to get our life backwithout the little ones being constantly around.This then moves on to the child’s joy or hatred ofthe teachers, the subjects, homework and school ingeneral. Over the years I have been impressed withthe opportunities that students are given and thevast range of activities that they experience. Hownew and different it is since you or I went to school!Now as the students finish their schooling it againbecomes an unknown as they await results forfurther study or jobs. It can be a joyous time butalso an uncertain time and as parents we are onceagain the main support for them.

We, at Murray Bridge High, are able to see many ofthe activities highlighted in the newsletters. Alsowe have seen our students feature prominently inall aspects of the Community.

To the teachers, thank you for organising activitiesthroughout the year. Thank you also for yoursupport and encouragement of all students. Tothose leaving to go to other schools, we wish you allthe best. To those retiring, thank you for yourcommitment to Murray Bridge High School and ourchildren’s learning over the years.

Finally, to the students, congratulations on yourefforts this year. Be proud of your achievements. Tothe Year 12 students, good luck in whatever you do.

JANELLE TRAEGER Parents and Friends Chairperson

PHIL NUTT Chairperson, Murray Bridge High School Governing Council

Anthony Pahl presents Jacob Dawson with theMasonic Lodges Award.

Peter McCulloch, Rotary Club of Murray Bridge presentsPatricia Mafara with the Rotary Leadership Award.

Guest Speaker Joe Hoad, Ben Traeger and Lynton Hall.

Merilyn and Gordon Schultz with Zhenzhen Huang, the winner ofthe Schultz family scholarship. The scholarship was intiated by

Adam Schultz, a MBHS student 1988-93, now an Engineer.

Mr Harold McLaren presents Annalisa Mertin, Year 11, withthe Geoff and Beryl McLaren scholarship. Sadly, Mrs Beryl

McLaren passed away this year

Mr Harold McLaren presents Sam Margetts, Year 11, withthe Harold and Douglas McLaren Scholarship.

Steve Dunning presents Yuanting Xiao with theLong Tan award.

Page 58. The Murray Valley Standard, Thursday, December 10, 2009. murrayvalleystandard.com.au

MURRAY BRIDGE HIGH SCHOOLNewsletter

Principal ~ Merilyn Klem 8532 1788 Chairperson Governing Council ~ Phil Nutt 0417 885 539 Chairperson Parents & Friends ~ Janelle Traeger 8535 4290

THURSDAY - December 10, 2009 www.murraybridgehs.sa.edu.au ISSUE 16

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AWARD WINNERS

Ngarrindjeri Award – Year 8(donated by Murray Bridge High School)

Vicky Elliott

Ngarrindjeri Award – Year 9(donated by Murray Bridge High School)

Danielle Horrocks

German Continuers(donated by Rotary Club of Mobilong)

Benjamin Traeger

Chinese Continuers(donated by Daish Irrigation)

Vivien Vo

English Studies(donated by Ms Wendy Wells)

Jennifer Brown

English Communications(donated by Koh Architects)

Cassandra Brion

English as a Second Language(donated by Koh Architects)

Yuanting Xiao

Middle School ESL(donated by T & R)

Jingjie Li

ESL – Encouragement Award(donated by T & R)

Zulin Huang

Chinese Background Speakers Award(donated by T & R)

Zhaoxia Zhang

Year 10 English(donated by Peter Semmler QC)

Nicole Rumbelow

Middle School Special Education Award(donated by Impress Promotions)

Nicholas Rollins

Senior School Special Education Award(donated by Impress Promotions)

Jacquilyn Davis

Specialist Mathematics(donated by Adrian Pederick MP)

Jacob Dawson

Mathematical Studies(donated by Dr & Mrs R Thompson)

Tom Schultz

Mathematical Applications(donated by Murdoch InsureInvest Pty Ltd)

Emily Hurford

Clair Harrop Memorial (Year 10 Maths)(donated by Mr G Harrop)

Daniel Watts

Physics(donated by Graham Quast Home Loans)

Honor Nutt

Chemistry(donated by Warner Financial Services)

Jacob Dawson

Biology(donated by Brian Smyth Car & Camping)

Jacob Dawson

Agricultural & Horticultural Science(donated by Mr & Mrs H Stephen)

Rebecca Hefford

Cattle Handling(donated by Murray Bridge Veterinary Clinic)

Rebecca Hefford

Information Technology(donated by Murray Computer & Office Shop)

Jake McCue

Information Processing & Publishing(donated by The Murray Valley Standard)

Caitlin Liebich

JH Homburg Memorial History(donated by Mr P Homburg)

Gemma Asser

Business Studies(donated by Murray Bridge Business & Tourism Inc)

Chloe Buddle

Legal Studies(donated by Mason, Westover, Homburg)

Nathaniel Spurrier

Justice in Society(donated by Andersons Solicitors)

Patricia Mafara

Performing Arts(donated by Murray Bridge Players’ & Singers’)

Bridget Roberts

Year 12 Music(donated by Murray Bridge Players’ & Singers’)

Jacob Dawson

Drama Studies(donated by Murray Bridge Players’ & Singers’)

Sophie Dedes

Visual Art Studies (donated by Premier Art Supplies)

Caitlin Liebich

Craft Practical(McCue’s Bakery)

Alycia Andrae

Art Practical(donated by Artworks Framing & Gallery)

Nathaniel Spurrier

Year 12 Media Award(donated by Artworks Framing & Gallery)

Sally Smith

The Tessa Whitworth Memorial Prize for Year 11 Fine Arts

(donated by Mr & Mrs J Twigden)Kaine Jakaitis

Physical Education(donated by Hughes and Loveday)

Melissa Edwards

Food and Hospitality(donated by Rainey Insurance Agencies Pty Ltd)

Tanya Haskell

TAFE SA Building FuturesPaige Gower

School & BeyondJahcinda Sutton

ALOP(donated by Futures Connect)

David Graham

ALOP(donated by Futures Connect)

Duke Vlaanderen

Certificate 1 Kitchen Operations(donated by Futures Connect)

Jesse Deionno

Doorways to Construction(donated by Futures Connect)

William Lipp

Australian National Chemistry Analysis Competition

National Finals – Highly CommendedShane Martin, Mitchell O’Neil & Eric Schulz

Nicole BartlettAxel BeckmannCourtney Bown

Brianna BurtTamara Clayton

Krystal Dean-Neale Jesse DeionnoPaige GowerAlex Hobbs

Caitlin HobbsZhenzhen HuangJasmin Isaacson

Raslan JafaarAaron JakaitisKaine Jakaitis

Travis KeyAlicia KluskeEmma Kluske

Tom KluskeTom Lang

Josh LehmannJade Lewis

Shelby LucasJennifer Magerkorth

Kate McFeeSuhaila Mehio

Annalisa Mertin

Kirstyn MottashedLeo PenascozaRenay PerselloThomas Pratt

Natasha PurscheMeghan Rayson

Xiuting RenSimon RendallBrandon Roe

Jessica SchellenEbony Story

Chelsea VansonNicole WhiteheadYasmine WikblomAdrienne Williams

Amy Wynne

Mayor's Service Award(donated by Rural City of Murray Bridge)

Cassie Brion

School Captain's Award(donated by Rotary Club of Tailem Bend)

Jacob Dawson & Krystal McDonald

School Vice Captain's Award(donated by McAllister Painters,

Bridge Office Equippers & Murray Heating and Cooling)

Benjamin Traeger, Patricia Mafara & Cassie Brion

Rotary Award (Leadership)(donated by Rotary Club of Murray Bridge)

Patricia Mafara

Rotary Award - (Service)(donated by Rotary Club of Murray Bridge)

Jennifer Brown

Rotary Award (Service)(donated by Rotary Club of Murray Bridge)

Nikky-May Mounce

Achievement Award(donated by Murray Bridge Auto Parts)

Aaron Jakaitis

SPORTS AWARDSSportswoman of the Year(donated by Mr R Nance)

Kim Buchanan

Lower Murray Harriers AwardShaka Gollan

Frank Clarke Memorial AwardMonique Thompson

YEAR LEVEL DUXYear 8 - (donated Carpet Court)

Josh Margetts & Michaela Zadow

Year 9 - (donated by Devon Clothing)Nicola Lannan & Steven Herbig

Year 10 - (donated by Southern Cross Cleaning Pty Ltd)Madeleine Binney & Elliot Daniels

IBMYP Personal Project(donated by Southern Cross Cleaning Pty Ltd)

Minmin Huang

Year 11 - (donated by Link SA)Elyse Waltrovitz & Ben Hindle

GOVERNING COUNCIL ACADEMIC AWARDS

(donated by Murray Bridge High School Governing Council)

Year 8 - Jasmin Story & Flynn Watson

Year 9 - Cassandra Dawson & Kayla Schultz

Year 10 - Nathan Margetts & Ning Zhi

Year 11 - Jarred Lloyd & Sam Margetts

PARENTS' & FRIENDS'ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS(donated by Murray Bridge High School

Parents & Friends)

Middle School - Mikajla Bjelovarac

Senior School - Aliik Chol

Megan BlacketEmily Edwards

Emma Fullgrabe

Sam HaggerEmma Johnston

Jarred Lloyd

Laura Johns Sam Margetts

Melinda Meharry

Ashlee RossiterJahcinda SuttonElyse Waltrovitz

Christine Xiao

SUBJECT PRIZES

IBMYP RECORD OF ACHIEVEMENT CERTIFICATES

FULL IBMYP CERTIFICATES

Mayor Alan Arbon and Cassie Brion.

Elyse Waltrovitz, Maren Yakas, Franziska Weitkampand Ivan Detoya perform on the night.

Jo Pfeiffer and Madeleine Binney. Phil Fitzsimons, Ruth Hicks and Tom Lang. Steve Ide and Ivan Detoya.

SPECIAL PRIZESDux of School

(donated by Drs M & F Altmann)Jacob Dawson and Sophie Dedes

Liebelt Award of Excellence(donated by Mr & Mrs R G Peake)

Benjamin Traeger

McLaren Scholarship(donated by Mrs B & Mr G McLaren)

Sam Margetts

McLaren Scholarship(donated by Mr H & Mr D McLaren)

Annalisa Mertin

Adam Schultz Scholarship(donated by Adam Schultz)

Zhenzhen Huang

Long Tan Scholarships(donated by Australian Defence Forces)

Year 10 – Katie SuttonYear 11 – Yuanting XiaoYear 12 – Jacob Dawson

Clair Harrop Memorial Award(donated by Gary Harrop)

Floyd Rehn

Masonic Lodges Scholarship(donated by the Lodges of Sincerity,

Murray Bridge & Mypolonga)Jacob Dawson

Rotary Education Scholarship(donated by the Rotary Club of Murray Bridge)

Caitlin Hobbs

Marj Byerlee Encouragement Award(donated by the Ministry in Schools Task group)

Ben Gogel

Future Leaders Indigenous Award(donated Future Leaders)

Ebony Story

Walpaara Anpa Award(donated by the Department of Transport,

Energy & Infrastructure)Alfie Gollan

Environmental Awards(donated by SA Murray-Darling Basin

Natural Resources Management Board)Madeleine Binney & Haylee Daniel

Glad Bonsor Memorial Award(donated by the Soroptomists Club)

Ivan Detoya

SERVICE AWARDS