LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / May 9, 2000

BATON ROUGE – St. Rose Primary School principal Melinda Bernard was one of21 finalists for the Outstanding Character Education Awards presented by Gov. Foster.As a honorable mention recipient, Bernard accepted a $1,000 award Thursday for the school.

The top award winner received $5,000, the second-place winner received $3,000 and other finalists received $1,000 each.

The fund was derived from Gov. Foster forgoing his own salary since January1998, dedicating part of that salary to fund this awards program, which is aimed at recognizing teachers and others in the public school system who have implemented and have plans on expanding character education programs, curriculum and other activities at their schools.

Awards were based on program goals, evidence of success, involvement of parents, faculty and community members and future expansion plans of programs.

More than 180 applications were submitted, and Bernard was the only finalist in the River Parishes.

It wasn’t Bernard’s only award.

Tuesday in Indianapolis, Ind., Bernard received on behalf of the school a Title IDistinguished School Award from the National Association of State Title I Directors.

Assisting her in that recognition were Vincent Fouchi and Julia Woodward.

That program recognizes Title I schools which score at least 92 percent on standardized tests, addressing the needs of children of adverse socio- economic conditions.

“We were offered the opportunity to apply,” Bernard commented, “and we were questioned on what makes our school unique and how we promote high academic standards.”That was followed by an on-site visit and interview with Bernard by a representative from the state Department of Education, and the school was one of only three in Louisiana so recognized with this award.

“It was phenomenal,” Bernard said. “It’s exciting to know we are making adifference, and what makes me most proud is that we’re accomplishing our mission and vision.”Bernard concluded, “We don’t look at socio-economic barriers. If you canbelieve it, you can achieve it.”

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