McKenzie & Marcola win awards

The Community Credit Union's 13th annual celebration of outstanding education is granting $2,000 Community Builder Awards to the McKenzie Community School and the Marcola Elementary School.

The McKenzie District's Fire Recovery and Art Therapy Project supports student recovery from the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire through art and music. Funds will be used to purchase art supplies to provide mental health resources to students.

The Marcola Elementary School's Playground Improvement Project supports upgrades or replacement of playground equipment including a broken slide, basketball hoop, and tetherball poles.

In addition to announcing its Community Builder awards, OnPoint also revealed its six finalists for the 2022 Educator of the Year. They include Jennifer Krebs, Kindergarten teacher at Marcola Elementary. The prize winner will receive mortgage or rent payments for one year and a $2,500 donation to their school for resources and supplies.

Jennifer Kreb was cited for her unique curriculum and passion for ensuring students are ready for their next step in education. Half her Kindergarteners reached a first-grade reading level in the first five months of school.

She says her secret to success is creating individualized lesson plans rather than teaching the entire class at once. Krebs utilizes songs, props, movement, and storytelling. She also teaches financial literacy to her students, understanding the importance of engaging children at a young age about money management.

Her methods were so successful that the Marcola superintendent asked her to assist develop a preschool program for the elementary school. She also serves as a teacher mentor and supervisor to new teachers.

The winners will be announced live on KGW 8 during the 7 p.m. broadcast on Thursday, May 26.

"When students have access to a quality education, our entire community thrives," said Rob Stuart, President, and CEO, OnPoint Community Credit Union. "From reducing the wealth gap and fostering inclusion to inspiring innovation, education enables us to tackle the biggest challenges we face. We are proud to honor these five schools and six teachers making a substantial impact on their students and communities."

In its 12-year history, the contest has awarded more than $562,000 to 296 educators and schools. Up to $150,000 more will go to deserving K-12 teachers and schools this year.