The Alma Therese Link Friend of Education Award was presented at the 2008 Annual Convention to Carol Van Ess of Green Bay. The nominating letter, submitted by NWEA member Joan Beyerl Pierner, is printed below:
When I learned that NWEA was seeking nominees for the 2008 Alma Therese Link Education Award, I immediately thought of Carol Van Ess. Carol has helped out in numerous capacities throughout the eight years her two children attended King Elementary School in Green Bay. Carol was present so often that one might have thought she was a regular staff member. For eight years, she was a HUGE help in stuffing news fliers into weekly information envelopes going home to 330 families. For the last five years, she has diligently maintained the marquee in front of our building, changing it almost weekly. Along with announcements and upcoming events, she included thoughtful words of wisdom inspiring staff, students, parents, and community members. As an active member of the PTO, Carol served as treasurer for three years, chaired the Scholastic Book Fair and Popcorn Popping committees, and assisted with various fund raisers, Art Works, Fall Festivals, Teacher Appreciations, and Ice Cream Socials. Assisting in the classroom, she served as room mother and listened to children read. One year when the physical education teacher had knee surgery, Carol conducted the school-wide Field Day... If it hadn't been for her, there would not have been a field day... The physical education teacher states, "Every time I turned around, Carol was helping out with activities. She volunteered to help with our Jump Rope for Heart event each year. It didn't matter where she was needed-from cutting up fruit, pouring drinks, counting money, to helping write out certificates, I could count on Carol and knew the job would be done right." King School is most grateful for the many ways in which Carol was of service to our learning community. Carol has been a tremendous asset to our school, and is very deserving of this award.
