After high school, Barb became a wife and mother. Although it was common in the seventies to send your children outside to play all day, this was not her style. She preferred to join her children in their fun, such as cross-county skiing, badminton, softball, croquet, crafts, baking and, of course, reading. Barb taught her children that education was very important. She volunteered at their school and was involved in helping with homework. She also made it a priority that her children always had wonderful birthdays and holiday celebrations. Vacations included visiting her grandparents in Avola and lots of rustic camping.
As the children got older Barb focused on her career, starting out at her children’s school as a hot dog volunteer, she then helped in the Learning Assistance room. When she became a single parent, she needed to find a way to support her family but also still spend time with her children. She took night classes at the community college and became an Educational Assistant.
At the age of 39 she officially began her 33 year career with the school district. She began by learning sign language and worked with children that were hearing impaired, and then was assigned to work with her beloved Tasha. Breaking all kinds of misconceived notions about children with special needs, Barb and Tasha worked together from kindergarten through to college.
Once Tasha was at college Barb pivoted again and spent close to twenty years working at the high school teaching, guiding, and mentoring her “kids” in the Chefs program. In 2020, and at the age of 72, Barb reluctantly retired.
Criteria:
This scholarship is for students graduating from any secondary school within the School District’s boundaries who have participated in a culinary/cooking program and who intend to pursue post-secondary education or training in any field. Scholarship recipients shall be selected based on demonstrated academic ability, good character, and a record of outstanding leadership.
2025 Award – one scholarship of $500