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Nation's Foremost Education Reformers Recognized for Contributions
CER Press Release
Washington, DC
October 29,2003
 Tonight the Center for Education Reform presented awards to several distinguished local, state and national leaders and organizations to recognize their efforts to bring quality education to all children. The "Best of Education Reform" awards were presented at a Gala dinner as part of CER’s 10th Anniversary celebration.
Recipients were chosen from dozens of possibilities and represent those that most exemplify progress and success in the major areas that make up education reform: choice, charter schools, standards and teacher quality initiatives.
The awards and honorees are:
 "Persistence Will Pay" – Awarded to Jim and Fawn Spady for their unswerving persistence in pursuit of a charter school law in their state. Presented by Education Undersecretary Eugene Hickok.
"Uncommon Valor" – Awarded to New Hampshire Senator, and Chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Judd Gregg for his courageous work in securing better educational opportunities and freedoms for parents and children throughout the country. Presented by John Walton, President, True North Partners.
"Head of the Class" – Awarded to the State of Florida and Governor Jeb Bush, on behalf of all Floridians. For the state’s successful implementation of the four core pillars of reform: Choice, charters, standards and accountability. Presented by U.S. Education Secretary Rod Paige.
 "On Common Sense" – Awarded to the Teacher Advancement Program, of the Milken Family Foundation, for its design, advocacy and implementation of the Teacher Advancement Program, a teacher quality program that provides new and better professional rewards and incentives for teachers. Presented by Luke Gordy, of the Arkansas State Board of Education.
"Stick-to-it-ness" – Awarded to the State of Massachusetts and James Peyser, Chairman of the Massachusetts State Board of Education. For unswerving adherence to high standards resulting in dramatically increased learning and a narrowing of the performance gap in the Bay State. Presented by Deborah McGriff, Chief Communications Officer, Edison Schools, Inc.
 "Be True to your School" – Awarded to Donald Hense, President and CEO, Friendship-Edison Charter Schools in Washington, DC for his leadership in creating highly successful schools in the Nation’s capital and a burgeoning charter movement there. Presented by District of Columbia City Council member Kevin Chavous.
"Magnificent Obsession" -- Awarded to Cleveland City Councilwoman Fannie Lewis for her dedication to advancing the Cleveland Scholarship Program there and nationally. Presented by Clint Bolick, Vice President of the Institute for Justice.
"Voice of Reason" – Awarded to Colbert King, columnist, The Washington Post. For consistently demonstrating integrity and principle in his coverage of educational efforts both locally and nationally, with an eye towards how programs and policies really affect children.
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Click here for more about CER's 10th Anniversary Gala and Conference.
See also:
Agitator for Choice Leaves Her Mark, profile of The Center for Education Reform and founder Jeanne Allen, by Jeff Archer, Education Week, November 12, 2003.
Schools of Choice Invited to Perform in Washington, DC at CER's 10th Anniversary Gala
CER's 10th Anniversary Sponsors.
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The Center for Education Reform is the leading authority for information on innovative reforms in education and works in states and communities across the country to advance the cause of educational excellence. For more information, contact CER at (202) 822-9000 or send us email.
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