Awards and Opportunities
R.E.B. Awards for Distinguished Educational Leadership
The R.E.B. Foundation and The Community Foundation announced the first ever recipients of the R.E.B. Awards for Distinguished Educational Leadership during a reception held at Virginia Commonwealth University. One principal from each of the four major school districts in the metro Richmond area (Chesterfield, Hanover, Henrico and Richmond) were awarded grants totaling $15,000 each. Half of the award is an unrestricted cash grant, while the other half will be used for school-based initiatives of the recipient's choosing.
Manchester High School principal Peter Koste believes each of his 2,000-plus students are at risk – for success.
Koste’s commitment to ensuring each student has an equal opportunity to receive a high-quality education in a safe, supportive learning has been felt for years at Manchester. Now the rest of the community is learning about his passion and dedication as well.
At Manchester, Koste works with approximately 2,000 students and 200 staff members. One of his favorite success stories is the SUCCESS program, which provides assistance in the transition from middle to high school as well as mentors to ninth graders identified as at risk for academic, attendance and behavior problems. The failure rate of freshmen participating in the program dropped from 11 to 3 percent during the past six years. In addition, the Standards of Learning pass rate among SUCCESS students is very high and 80 percent of participants go on to college after graduation.
Carver Middle School Principal Don Ashburn was a finalist for the 2008 R.E.B. award for Chesterfield. Other principals nominated were Steve Cunningham (Matoaca High), Sarah Fraher (Falling Creek Middle), David Joyner (Gordon Elementary), Robin Morgan (Bellwood Elementary), Anne O’Toole (Robious Elementary), Alice Rose (Perrymont Middle), Kathy Sefrin (Grange Hall Elementary), Marlene Scott (Watkins Elementary), David Sovine (Monacan High), Patrick Stanfield (Midlothian Middle), Rob Stansberry (Thomas Dale High), Bruce Tetlow (Bon Air Elementary), Christine Wilson (Midlothian High) and Linda Wood (Harrowgate Elementary).
For more information about the R.E.B. Awards for Educational Leadership visit tcfrichmond.org.
