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2012 SYF Teacher of the Year: Katie Burton

Katie Burton Selected as Teacher of the Year by SYF

Clark Pleasant Academy Student Services Coordinator is the 2012 Recipient

From left to right: Dr. J. Michael Durnil (SYF President & CEO),
Julie Carriere (Education Services Coordinator),
Della Lefevers (Admin. Services-Education Services),
Katie Burton (Student Services Coordinator, Clark Pleasant Academy)

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Simon Youth Foundation is proud to announce Katie Burton as the 2012 Teacher of the Year. This honor is bestowed on a professional who has demonstrated excellence in all facets of insuring academic success with academy students. Burton's dedication to helping guide them from high school graduation to college acceptance is remarkable. She wants everyone to realize their potential and works tirelessly to do so. 

"I believe that teaching and counseling requires a tremendous amount of passion and a desire to grow in all aspects of life: mentally, spiritually, emotionally and scholastically," said Burton.  "I am here to set an example to students and instill understanding and love for life."

A graduate of Franklin College and a master's degree in School Counseling from IUPUI, her efforts go beyond the walls of the academy. Burton is the Vice President of KIC-IT (Kids in Crisis Intervention Team) and regularly helps out at their Youth Worker Café, which brings together experts in the field to share best practices, help with interventions and brainstorm problem-solving with youth issues. She is also a member of the American Counselors Association (ASCA) and the Indiana School Counselor Association (ISCA). Burton serves as a presenter for several workshops, master’s degree classes and other Dropout Prevention related conferences.

"We are proud to add Katie Burton to our list of distinguished educators," said Dr. J. Michael Durnil, SYF President & CEO. "She ignites hope to drive student success and has helped to continue positioning the Simon Youth Foundation as a national leader in non-traditional education and student retention."

2012 SYF Administrator of the Year: Seith Bedard

Seith Bedard Selected as Administrator of the Year by SYF
Peabody Learning Academy Director is the 2012 Recipient

From left to right: Julie Carriere (Education Services Coordinator),
Dr. J. Michael Durnil (SYF President & CEO),
Della Lefevers (Admin. Services-Education Services),
Seith Bedard (Director, Peabody Learning Academy)

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Simon Youth Foundation is proud to announce Seith Bedard as the 2012 Administrator of the Year. This honor is bestowed on a professional who has demonstrated excellence in leading an academy towards overall success. Bedard's dedication guiding teachers and students to perform at extraordinary levels speaks volumes of his character. He wants everyone to realize their potential and works tirelessly to do so.

"Often, I am the only role model or parental figure in my students' lives. Therefore, it's imperative that I show my dedication to their success," said Bedard. "Helping these students and providing them with guidance not just in school, but in life, has really empowered them to make better choices and contribute to society in a positive way."

A graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Boston with a master's degree in Special Education from American International College, his efforts go beyond the walls of the academy. Bedard is on the Board of Directors for the North Shore Chapter of the American Red Cross. He also worked with the district to create the Peabody Alternative Night School and works extensively with the Workforce Investment Board of the North Shore. Bedard has been a keynote speaker for the Pearson Publishing Seminar and presented to more than 500 school officials about the work done at the Peabody Learning Academy.

"We are proud to add Seith Bedard to our list of distinguished educators," said Dr. J. Michael Durnil, SYF President & CEO. "He ignites hope to drive student success and has helped to continue positioning the Simon Youth Foundation as a national leader in non-traditional education and student retention."

Sharing Best Practices: 2012 SYF Annual Conference

Teachers and administrators of Simon Youth Academies across the United States have gathered in Orlando, Florida for the 2012 SYF Annual Conference. This works in conjunction with the 24th Annual National Dropout Prevention NetworkConference. Marrying the two organizations gives everyone a unique opportunity to share best practices in both a large and small setting. The three-day event is a comprehensive look at the most important initiatives and issues facing the youth of today.

2012 SYF Annual Conference, Orlando, FL, October 2012

Empowered by Partnerships is the theme of the SYF conference. Working together as one will help the academies work smarter not harder. On Sunday, attendees were welcomed and got to know one another in an intimate setting. The unique ice breaker had each person bring with them a small gift that was representative of where they work. For example, one brought candy from a company based in the area while another brought a sports t-shirt from the professional team in their city. In addition, SYF President and CEO Dr. J. Michael Durnil talked about the key engagement activities, new branding, enhancement grants and much more.

Monday started bright and early as breakfast gave everyone an opportunity to meet experts in residence. The primary goal of this initiative is to pair up academies with individuals who can lend support and guidance not only during the conference but as they go back into their education centers. After some sessions guided by the Dropout Prevention Network, SYF administrators and teachers came back together for two workshops led by Dr. Sylvia Rockwell. A member of Kappa Delta Pi (an international honorary society for educators) and education consultant with Tactical Teaching, Rockwell walked everyone through the hot topics of teaching at-risk learners and how manage “You can’t make me” moments. Her thirty plus years of experience helped these participants through her efforts and other best practices.

The evening events capped off the day and recognized the efforts of those in the field. In addition, two individuals were singled out as the 2012 Administrator of the Year and Teacher of the Year. The Administrator of the Year is Seith Bedard, Director of SimonYouth Peabody Learning Academy at Northshore Mall in Massachusetts. The Teacher of the Year is Katie Burton, Student Services Coordinator at Simon Youth ClarkPleasant Academy in Whiteland, Indiana.

Look for more about the Tuesday and Wednesday wrap-up coming later in the week.

Arsenal Mall's Touch-a-Truck, A Success

More than a dozen vehicles of all makes, models and sizes rolled into Watertown's Arsenal Mall Saturday the 6th for the fourth annual "Touch a Truck" event. It provided residents with an up-close look at a variety of trucks and vehicles.

Vehicles like the Watertown Police Department cruiser, a Massachusetts State Police cruiser, a Pizzeria Regina delivery truck, a WEEI vehicle, an American Red Cross ambulance, a dump truck, a front end loader, a BOND Bros truck, and more, gave attendees a wide array of wheels.

Blinkee the Clown made a special appearance and many got their face painted for the occasion. This year was their best yet with $2845 total dollars collected and 561 wristbands given out. With the split, they raised $1,707 for Franciscan Hospital for Children and $1138 for Simon Youth Foundation.

SYF is very grateful for the support and hard work put forth to make this event happen. It not only raises awareness about what the foundation does, it also will directly affect the students as they pursue their degrees and turn dreams into reality.

Getting Some Color

Have you ever done the Color Run? If your answer is no - why not? There are some upcoming, so if you are in Memphis, Chicago or Nashville get signed up. The Indianapolis episode was great and attracted many from around the state of Indiana. One of these was Amanda Baker of Brownsburg who had heard some good things and decided to give it a try. Not being competitive but looking for some active fun, she and her husband headed to the race. They even attracted a few friends to join them.

"I did the Color Run because I was trying to be healthy this summer and if I am going to run for an extended period of time, I wanted it to be fun," said Amanda. "It also benefited a local charity, SYF. What is more fun than having different colors thrown at you AND giving back for a good cause?"

While she wasn't sure what to expect, any preconceived notions were blown away.

"What a great time. I was literally covered from head to toe in color. They had a good turnout and many people seemed to stick around afterwards for the party. I'll be back next year."

She was adamant that everyone should try this regardless of their fitness level. The whole point is to get outside, be active and have a blast doing it. Learn more about the Color Run and where the crew will be heading next. Follow in Amanda's footsteps - you can probably find them painted on the streets of Indianapolis.