Never having received any notable award in her life, Carol Flannery said she was shocked to learn she was a recipient of the Murray Education Foundation’s Pinnacle Awards.
"It was a big surprise," Flannery said. "My mouth was as wide open as it’s ever been."
—
Tenth annual Pinnacle Awards
Recognition of excellence in education in the Murray City School District
Honorees include four educators, one employee and one volunteer
Recipients receive $500 cash award, statuette and gift basket
Awards ceremony held Thursday, March 28, at Murray High School
 |
Join the Discussion |
 |
Post a Comment |
The Pinnacle Awards are given out to Murray City School District’s educators, employees and volunteers who show excellence and dedication to education. The foundation selected six honorees this year.
Flannery has volunteered at Viewmont Elementary for seven years. In 2005, she retired from being a records clerk at the West Valley City Police Department.
"After I retired, I asked myself, ‘What am I going to do with my life?’ " Flannery said.
Although her professional career didn’t really have to do with education, her role as a mother and grandmother afforded her the chance to instill a passion for reading in the next generation.
"My kids are great readers, and my grandsons are fantastic readers," Flannery said. "Every kid needs to have the best opportunity they can to be good readers."
About three months after retirement, Flannery contacted Viewmont Elementary and asked if anyone needed help. She chose the school because it’s the closest one to her house.
Flannery works particularly with students who tested below reading level. Her goal is to read with them, correct their mistakes and help them learn words so they can improve test scores.
"Second- and third-graders are the best," she said. "They look at you with this wonderment, and they think you’re so smart for knowing these words."
-
Immigration bill heads to full Senate
Published May 22, 2013 06:09:02AM -
West Valley City to alter how it reviews its police
Published May 22, 2013 06:06:12AM -
Mormon movie soundtrack a historical journey for Utah composer Paul Cardall
Published May 22, 2013 05:59:02AM -
Vampire Weekend opens summer at Red Butte Garden with celebratory set
Published May 22, 2013 05:58:37AM
Flannery said she didn’t know about the Pinnacle Awards, so when she walked into the classroom one day and there were several people from the district, she didn’t have the slightest clue they were there to congratulate her.
"I saw all these adults standing in the class, and I thought, ‘But I’m in the right place,’ " she said.
Currently, Flannery works with 12 students. She goes there once a week for two hours. She said it’s fun to interact with the kids.
"They’re so sweet and nice when they come running up to you and hug you," Flannery said.
Seeing the success that the students make in reading really makes it rewarding for her.
"It makes you feel good, and it makes you feel like you’re doing something worthwhile," she said.
Michelle Miller is the third-grade teacher whose class Flannery has been volunteering in, starting last year.
"She has [volunteered] for many, many years without any fanfare," Miller said. "She’s never been solicited or asked, but she just shows up, and that’s when the true recognition comes in."
Miller said the kids enjoy spending time and learning with Flannery.
"She comes faithfully every single week," Miller said. "Our school and these kids at the school have benefited for many years from her and her contribution."
Debbie Parker, who tutors students in second through fourth grade, also is impressed with Flannery’s commitment to help.
Next Page >Copyright 2013 The Salt Lake Tribune. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
