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Beach Party in the Lunchroom - 03/06
PUBLISHED: March 6, 2008; Saline Reporter
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Saline salutes select honorees - 02/14
Marl, Jacobsen and Graden to be receive awards March 6
By Brian Cox, Staff Writer, Saline Reporter
PUBLISHED: February 14, 2008
It was a clean sweep for the Saline Area School District after the Saline Salutes selection committee Tuesday morning chose a first-grade teacher, a retired high school arts teacher and the district's interim superintendent for three prestigious community awards.
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Longtime Woodland Meadows first-grade teacher Betsy Marl was named Citizen of the Year in recognition of more than 30 years' involvement in the community.
The Citizen of the Year is a person chosen because they have contributed a significant amount of time to the community in a volunteer capacity.
"I'm very honored and I was extremely surprised," Marl said. "When they called, I had to ask if it was a joke."
Taylor Jacobsen, a retired art teacher who has remained highly active in the community's artistic and historical pursuits, was chosen to receive the Lifetime Achievement award.
The award is presented to someone in appreciation of their many years of service to the community.
Jacobsen, too, was surprised to learn of the honor.
"I'm pretty humbled by it," he said.
The George A. Anderson Vision award recipient is Scot Graden in recognition of his stewardship of the Cultural, Arts, Recreation, Enrichment and Senior Citizens, or CARES, committee, which oversees funding for recreation programs and facilities intended to enhance the community.
Graden is serving as the district's interim superintendent and is the director of Community Education. He was named Citizen of the Year in 2005.
The vision award is designated for someone who works or serves in a volunteer or advisory capacity to a Saline area government entity.
Nominations for the three awards come from individuals in the Saline Area School District and are chosen by a selection committee comprised of community leaders and past recipients.
Award recipients must live, work or volunteer in the Saline Area School District.
A Youth of the Year award is also presented by the Saline Youth Council.
The 2008 recipients of the Saline Salutes awards will be guests of honor at a special evening sponsored by the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce March 6 at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds.
The event includes entertainment, awards program, buffet dinner and dessert.For more information or to make reservations, contact the chamber at 429-4494.
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Student raises money for needy - 01/31
By Sue G. Collins, Staff Writer, Saline Reporter
PUBLISHED: January 31, 2008
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Isabel Cross saved her pennies all year long and asked friends and relatives to pitch in where they could to support her charity project for families in Guatemala, her birth country.
The Saline third-grader wasn't sure how she could help, but was absolutely determined to tally her coins to do something worthwhile for her world.
When a mass-mailed brochure arrived at the Cross house before Christmas from Heifer International, a charity fighting hunger worldwide, her mother, Roxanne Cross, said the message was, "divine intervention."
"Plus, Isabel had just learned about the Heifer projects in Sunday school and we discovered that Guatemala was one of the countries Heifer serves. It was the answer," said the proud mother.
Isabel graced Roxanne's life eight years ago when she was adopted and brought to Saline from Guatemala. The two recently have been talking about Isabel's birth country and how very different life must be like there for families and girls her age.
"I know the moms carry baskets of food on their head and they make their own clothes," said Isabel, a student at Woodland Meadows Elementary. "I wanted to do something that would help the families and kids."
The Crosses e-mailed members of their church, Shalom Community Church in Ann Arbor, and shared the goals with supportive grandparents and relatives.
"One lady at church gave Isabel a check for $25 and she brought it to me to ask if she should give it back thinking it was way too much to donate," said Roxanne Cross. "I explained people give what they are able. Then, the project took on a life of its own and people were so glad to help."
Isabel and her mom took the change, bills and checks to United Bank and Trust in Saline, where they were given a tour of the bank while the change was counted. The money tallied $1,230.
Through Heifer International, Isabel decided to send rabbits to Guatemalan families. Her fund-raising paid for 20 trios of rabbits that will help impoverished families better their lives.
Rabbits are easy to care for, eat simple foods and produce manure that can be applied directly on gardens without composting.
The gift will help families increase their protein intake and income as they are able to sell the quick-to-reproduce animals.
"It really wasn't that hard to raise the money," Isabel said.
The child's mother said Isabel was never once tempted to spend the savings on herself.
"What a thoughtful young girl," said Sally Straub, who works at the University of Michigan Cancer Center with Roxanne Cross. "I think it's just amazing that Isabel was thinking outside the box -- thinking about others."
Last weekend, the Crosses celebrated, "Gotcha Day," commemorating the day Roxanne "got" baby Gloria, named her Isabel and introduced her to friends and family.
The thoughtful girl will celebrate her ninth birthday April 5. Will she embark on another project sometime soon?
"I might. It wasn't that hard at all. I thought it was fun," she said.
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Parting is always sweet sorrow for Marshall - 01/24
PUBLISHED: January 24, 2008 - Saline Reporter
Name: Mary Marshall
Age: 27 years old
Family: I have been married for more than a year to my best friend and greatest supporter, Justin Marshall. I also have an outstanding younger brother and sister, a mom whom I admire every day, and a huge extended wonderful family.
Education: I graduated from Ypsilanti High School in 1998. I received my bachelor's degree from Eastern Michigan University in the spring of 2004. Currently, I am working on my master's degree from Marygrove College, which will be completed this August.
Native of: Ypsilanti
Teaching Experience: Currently, I am in my third year of teaching second grade at Woodland Meadows Elementary School in the greatest school system ever -- Saline Area Schools. Before teaching in Saline, I taught a multi-age class in Romulus.
School you teach at: Woodland Meadows Elementary
Grade/subject you teach: Second grade
Favorite subject in school: Math
Least favorite subject in school: Honestly, I love school.
Something people would be surprised to know about you: I am crazy about anything Irish.
Most influential person in my life: My 83-year-old Grandpa Throne. I turn to him for advice on everything. He is one of the most special people I know.
Quote to live by: "Life isn't measured by the breaths you take, but rather the moments that take your breath away."
What do you like most about teaching?
I am fascinated by the fact that I am bless to have the opportunity to help shape young children's lives and shape our country's future.
What do you like least about teaching?
Saying goodbye in June. Fortunately, I always encourage the children to come back and visit me.
What is the most challenging part about teaching?
I don't rest until I reach every child. I often say teachers are like magicians because we always have to have another trick or strategy to pull out of our hats. It's hard work, but certainly worth it.
What are some of the goals you set for your students?
To be good role models. To love their community. To always put forth their best effort.
What do you like most about teaching in Saline?
The community's constant support. We are so lucky to have so much pride in our school system.