[December 15, 2008]
Rick Curlee of the Ben Barber Career Tech Academy was named the December 2008 recipient of the MISD Heartbeat Award. District Superintendent Vernon Newsom, along with members of his family, campus personnel and students, surprised Rick with a presentation held inside the auto tech coordinator's shop.
Rick has been instrumental in coordinating an effort along with the Automotive Technology students to raise funds to purchase bicycles for needy children through the Bikes for Angels program. This year Bikes for Angels raised over $21,000 and allowed the group to purchase 425 bicycles with more planned.
“I have been teaching for 20 years and I have never seen students get as excited as they do for Bikes for Angels,” said Curlee. “I have had a few of our kids come to me and say that they were angel tree kids when they were younger. We teach many areas in our schools today but I feel one of our most important life skills to teach our kids is the Joy of Giving.”
“Rick is a very tender-hearted person when it comes to kids,” says Jerry Bellows, also with Ben Barber Auto Tech. “It is a pleasure to work with Rick and to be able to say that he is a great friend.”
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The Heartbeat award was established to recognize employees who display heart in their lives and inspire other employees with their actions. |
