May 24, 2011

For more information:

Mary Waggoner, 425-385-4049

Everett educators earn Outstanding Educator awards from PTSA

Dr. Gary Cohn and Louise Uriu honored for their work for students

At the Everett Council PTSA Awards Banquet on May 18, the Everett Council PTSA was able to

surprise two individuals with Outstanding Educator awards.

The first award was presented to Dr. Gary Cohn, who is in his second year as superintendent of

Everett Public Schools.

“Dr. Cohn is honored for his exceptional ability to educate people throughout our community about

the importance of focusing on each student's success in our schools. His award is based on his ability

to connect with students and adults, his unparalleled work ethic, his focus on efforts all across the

district to optimize the achievement of each of our students, and his consummate ability to leverage

what is happening on the state and national level to the benefit of the district. Though he does not

work daily with students, Dr. Cohn is recognized by the PTA members as an educator of excellence,”

said Karen Madsen, former school board member and winner of multiple PTA awards herself.

Madsen presented the awards during the annual PTSA banquet last week.

The second Outstanding Educator honored that evening was Louise Uriu, celebrated for her never-

ending commitment to providing experiences in the arts for students all across the district. She has

been directly instrumental in providing opportunities for kids in drama, visual arts and music at View

Ridge Elementary, Evergreen Middle and Everett High schools. In addition, she has been involved for

many, many years with the PTA Reflections program which encourages and enables students

districtwide to submit projects in visual arts, literature, music and dance. “She has been a true gift to

students and staff across the district as she has been a truly outstanding arts educator,” praised

Madsen.

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