FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   March 19, 2008

RFHRHS TEACHER OF THE YEAR SELECTED

KATE OKESON CHOSEN AS TEACHER OF THE YEAR

RFHRHS art teacher and working artist Kate Okeson has been selected as the 2008 Teacher of the Year. Ms. Okeson has been teaching here for six years and has been instrumental in making our Art Department something to be proud of.  She currently teaches Art I, II and III and 2D Studio, an advanced conceptual art class. In her words, she "seeks to introduce both classic and postmodern methodology to students at all levels through a combination of traditional and contemporary art media and approaches."

An accomplished artist, Ms. Okeson shows her art at professional galleries, teaches art courses for children at the Mitchell Sanborn Gallery in Keyport, conducts workshops at Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton and is a professional photographer who specializes in portraits of children and families.

Ms. Okeson was the co-internal coordinator for the RFH Middle States Accreditation process, and worked very hard to make the year-long endeavor go smoothly and end successfully with our unanimous re-accreditation.  She is currently working to develop plans for a photography club that will give students the opportunity to develop skills in both traditional and digital photography. She is also working toward the incorporation of a creative writing group to expand our offerings available for those students who would like to hone their writing skills.

RFH Principal Tracy Handerhan considers that "Ms. Okeson is the quintessential Renaissance Woman.  Her varied interests and abilities enable her to take interdisciplinary education to the next level.  Ms. Okeson imparts a global perspective in all aspects of her career.  She is a role model and advocate for the students and staff of RFH."

RFH Superintendent Dr. Peter Righi said, "To be selected by a committee of administrators, faculty, parents and students is a distinct honor. Kate Okeson is a very special individual and an excellent choice for Teacher of the Year.  She is a conscientious, intelligent and thoughtful educator who is dedicated to the students of RFH.  She is an outstanding individual among a faculty of talented and dedicated people." 

In reaction to being selected as Teacher of the Year, Ms. Okeson said, "The real honor is knowing that my peers chose me, and that it is my privilege to come to work with these people for whom I share the same great respect and admiration."

Congratulations to Ms. Kate Okeson on this well deserved honor!