12/1 Education Digest

Teacher appointed to committee

A language arts and math teacher from Texico was appointed in mid-November to the Governmental Affairs Committee of the National Association of State Boards of Education, according to a New Mexico Public Education Department news release.

Dennis Roch, elected in 2004 to a four-year term on the Public Education Commission, was invited to serve on the committee by its director, David Griffith. The main focus of the Governmental Affairs Committee will be the funding requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act, the release said.

Former Clovis student awarded scholarship

Kansas State University student William David Greig, a former Clovis resident, received a $3,000 Legacy Scholarship for 2005-2006, according to a Kansas State University press release.

KSU students received $7 million in scholarship funds for the 2005-2006 school year, according to the release.

The funds are made possible through donations and gifts to the university, the release said.

Retired teacher honored in Who’s Who

Former James Bickley kindergarten teacher Joyce Pollard has been honored — for the fourth time — in the Who’s Who Among America’s Teacher’s list. Pollard was nominated for the 2004-2005 list, though she retired in 2001.

The list is compiled annually by students honored for above-average academic performance. The Clovis resident said she worked to show students she cared about them throughout her teaching career, which spanned 30 years.

“It’s about letting them know they can succeed. They are all winners,” Pollard said.

Adjusting to retirement hasn’t been easy for the long-time teacher. “I really miss the students,” Pollard said.

CCC president search accepting applications

The search for a Clovis Community College president is ongoing, according to CCC Board of Trustees President Russell Muffley. Muffley said the college will accept applications for the position until Jan. 15.

The presidential search committee, comprised of community and college members, will then begin to narrow down a pool of applicants.

Former CCC Executive Vice President Becky Rowley is serving as interim president. She previously said she would apply for the presidential position.

Rowley began her interim service after former college president Beverlee McClure accepted a position with the state as New Mexico’s first secretary of higher education.

Education Digest is compiled by CNJ staff writer Marlena Hartz. She may be contacted at 763-6991, or by e-mail: [email protected]