By Daily Press staff
National accolades have arrived at Santa Monica High School. Santa Monica High School teachers Teri Jones and Anita Kemp are two of 15 educators from across the country to receive a 2005 Leavey Award for Excellence in Private Enterprise Education, sponsored by the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge (FFVF).
FFVF established the Leavey Awards through a permanent endowment from the Thomas and Dorothy Leavey Foundation, based on the firm belief that one of America’s most fundamental strengths is its competitive private enterprise economic system. The Leavey Awards seek to recognize educators who excel in teaching the concepts of individual opportunity and incentive in order to foster understanding and enthusiasm among young people for the value of free enterprise in a democracy, according to officials.
Winners, including educators from elementary schools to higher education institutions, receive $7,500 in recognition of their innovative programs or projects. Jones and Kemp’s award-winning entry, “Project ECHO,” was one of only 13 selected from across the country by an independent jury of economic, business and academic leaders.
“Project ECHO” is part of the Regional Occupational Program offered through Los Angeles County and engages 11th and 12th grade students in entrepreneurial learning through the operation of two on-campus businesses: The Vikes’ Inn and the Vikes’ Cafe. The program also involves students in business competitions and conferences, sponsors job shadow days to give students real-world experience and offers scholarships.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 11, 2005. Read the original PDF.