thedrifter
10-04-06, 08:19 AM
Inspiration to all who pass
BY MARY WILDS
Times Correspondent
Lake Ridge school officials remembered one of their own Tuesday at the rededication of Lake Ridge Middle School.
Marine Sgt. Jeannette Winters, 25, a Lake Ridge graduate, and six other Marines died Jan. 9, 2002, when their plane crashed near an air base in Pakistan. Winters was the first female Marine to die in a combat zone.
On Tuesday, school officials dedicated the entrance of the renovated school to Winters, Principal Robert Mastej said. The district first honored Winters in April 2003 when a plaque was placed in the school entrance.
"Jeannette displayed courage and dedication, and we hope that her spirit will serve as an inspiration to everyone who passes through these doors," Mastej said.
The day's events also included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, performances by the Lake Ridge Middle School Band and a presentation of colors by members of American Legion Post 66, of Griffith.
The district began renovating the 50-year-old school, on 41st Avenue in unincorporated Calumet Township, in June 2004, and work proceeded while students were in the building.
Technology was a priority. Workers added more outlets in classrooms, making computers and other audio-visual equipment easier to use. A library and media center also were added.
"A quality education is all we want for (students), and now (they) have the kind of quality facility in which to make it happen," Superintendent Sharon Johnson-Shirley said.
Ellie
BY MARY WILDS
Times Correspondent
Lake Ridge school officials remembered one of their own Tuesday at the rededication of Lake Ridge Middle School.
Marine Sgt. Jeannette Winters, 25, a Lake Ridge graduate, and six other Marines died Jan. 9, 2002, when their plane crashed near an air base in Pakistan. Winters was the first female Marine to die in a combat zone.
On Tuesday, school officials dedicated the entrance of the renovated school to Winters, Principal Robert Mastej said. The district first honored Winters in April 2003 when a plaque was placed in the school entrance.
"Jeannette displayed courage and dedication, and we hope that her spirit will serve as an inspiration to everyone who passes through these doors," Mastej said.
The day's events also included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, performances by the Lake Ridge Middle School Band and a presentation of colors by members of American Legion Post 66, of Griffith.
The district began renovating the 50-year-old school, on 41st Avenue in unincorporated Calumet Township, in June 2004, and work proceeded while students were in the building.
Technology was a priority. Workers added more outlets in classrooms, making computers and other audio-visual equipment easier to use. A library and media center also were added.
"A quality education is all we want for (students), and now (they) have the kind of quality facility in which to make it happen," Superintendent Sharon Johnson-Shirley said.
Ellie