Granger honored its top citizens and students during the Granger Chamber’s annual banquet Saturday, March 13 at the Granger High School Commons.
Granger School District
Granger School Superintendent Tim Dunn presented awards to Granger Middle School teacher Kathy Klarich and maintenance supervisor Steve Buchanan.
According to Dunn, Klarich does a great job working with Middle School students. In addition to teaching in the classroom, Klarich has served as the head volleyball coach and heads up the K-12 math curriculum for the entire district.
“There are a lot of quality teachers, so this is an honor,” Klarich said while accepting the award. “It is a great time to recognize all the wonderful teachers here in Granger.”
Steve Buchanan has worked for slightly more than a year in the Granger School District’s maintenance department. Dunn said he has heard nothing but praise about Buchanan from his fellow workers, teachers, administrators and the community.
“He is a great liaison for us,” Dunn said. “He always has our schools prepped for school functions and other events. We have 70 acres and lots of buildings to prepare.”
Outstanding Young Man and Woman:
Josh Golob, Granger’s FFA Advisor presented the Jose Garcia and Emily Carpenter with the Outstanding Man and Young Woman for 2010.
Although Garcia’s nomination was writing by a fellow teacher, Golob said it could have been writing by every member of the staff.
“Jose is a responsible, hard-working, cheerful student and a team leader. He always gets his work done and in on time, plus he is always ready to help other students,” Golob said, “He is a great student and a great example to other students.”
Golob described Carpenter as an outstanding student, athlete and person.
“She is a joy to have in the classroom,” Golob said. “She always completes her tasks on time, they are done and done well.”
In addition to Outstanding Young Woman, Carpenter was also named the Granger Chamber’s first scholarship recipient.
City of Granger:
Granger Mayor Ramona Fonseca presented the 2010 City of Employee of the Year to Shane Mortenson.
“We are lucky for Granger to have someone like him,” Fonseca said. “He is always willing to lend a hand, is polite, and always goes above and beyond to help others in need.”
Community Volunteer:
Judy Russell was named the Chamber’s volunteer of the year.
“Vibrant is the word that best describes our volunteer of the year,” Michelle Lee, Granger Chamber president said while presenting the award. “She has been a vital asset to the chamber.”
Business of the Year:
The Granger Travel Plaza, a local business for a year and a half received the top business honor. Lee said the business has become a one-stop shop for locals as well as travelers.
“They quickly identified with the area and became the fabric of the community,” Lee said.
Marva Aguilar accepted the award on behalf of her organization.
Chamber Member of the Year:
Past president Carol Newhouse awarded the chamber member award to 2010 President Michelle Lee.
“When she first joined, she bought an open mind and was ready to learn new things,” Newhouse said. “She is a great person.”
“I love Granger,” Lee said while accepting the award. “It has been a great growth opportunity and I am working with a great group.”