Champions of Diversity & Equity


Left-to-right at 2009 event: Dan Balón, Joy Kipp, Denise Dunbar,
Jeanné Collins, Wanda Hines, Mayor Bob Kiss, Nimo Girreh


2010 Champions Ceremony to Occur Later This Fall

Our Champions exhibit the A-B-C’s of diversity and equity as reflected in our children-centered district’s Commitment to Diversity & Equity. Our Champions are everyday individuals who represent the most ideal qualities and accomplishments that:

  • AFFIRM the rich social, cultural diversity in our schools;
    • BUILD communities across differences and for common purposes; and
      • CREATE a culture for leadership, action, and social change for our kids.

The Burlington School District, in partnership with the Social Equity Investment Project and the City of Burlington, announces that the 2010 public ceremony will be held later this Fall to honor all of our nominees and award winners. Please stay tuned to this website for more information.

 


Linda Walsleben presents Nimo Girreh as a Champion of Diversity &
Equity award winner in the STAFF category.

 

Inaugural Champions Event a Huge Success!

The Burlington School District, in partnership with the Social Equity Investment Project and the City of Burlington, honored the 2009 Champions of Diversity & Equity in a ceremony at City Hall on Wednesday, June 3, 2009. A standing room crowd of over 200 parents, students, community members attended the event.


2009 Champions of Diversity & Equity:

Student:
Nicole (Knikki) Murphy, Burlington High School

Teacher:
Joy Kipp, Hunt Middle School

Staff:
Nimo Girreh, Bilingual/Bicultural Home School Liaison

Parent or family member:
Michael Wood-Lewis, Champlain Elementary School parent

Community member or agency:
Denise Dunbar, Reading to End Racism of Chittenden County Coordinator

Lifetime Achievement - community:
Patrick Brown, Greater Burlington Multicultural Resource Center Executive Director

Lifetime Achievement - staff:
Nancy Zahniser, former Champlain and Barnes principal

 


Bosnian Lilies perform at the 2009 CDE Awards Ceremony at City Hall.

 

Congratulations to our 2009 winners and special thanks!

CDE Award recipients and their families and supporters were recognized in a public ceremony on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at Burlington City Hall. View the Burlington Free Press story here and watch the ceremony on CCTV here.

The CDE Awards are sponsored by the Diversity & Equity Office of the Burlington School District, in partnership with the Social Equity Investment Project and the City of Burlington. Partnering organizations include: Association of Africans Living in Vermont (AALV), Bosnian Lilies/Bosnia and Herzegovina Family and Youth Association, Fletcher Free Library, Greater Burlington Multicultural Resource Center, King Street Center, RU12? Community Center, Legacy Project, United Way of Chittenden County, Vermont Teacher Diversity Scholarship Program and Statewide Teacher Diversity Initiative, and We All Belong. If your organization is interested in supporting this program and event, please contact Dr. Dan Balón to register your agency!

Special thanks to our committee members, volunteers, agencies, and supporters of our program: Ann Bailey, Dr. Terry Bailey, Amber Collins, Burlington Schools Food Service, Channel 17, Denise Dunbar, Kate Guilmette, International Dance Group, Mediha Jusufagic, Winnie Looby, Dawn Moskowitz, Sara Martinez de Osaba, Brent Sclafani, Sherwood Smith, Vicky Smith, Henri Sparks, Tiffany Tillman, and Jim Woodard. Organizers also would like to acknowledge with a great big show of gratitude Phuket Jennings from the Burlington School District, without whom this event would not be as sassy and organized.

Questions and comments may be directed to: Dr. Dan Balón, Director of Diversity & Equity / 802-864-8494 / dbalon@bsdvt.org / or Mercedes Mack, Equity Education Specialist / 802-316-7122 / mmack@bsdvt.org.

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