Salute to Teachers and Tribute to Ms. Barbara Whaley

by Senator Ross Romero
Senate Minority Whip

As the school year winds down, I want to take this opportunity to thank Utah’s teachers and educators for making a difference in the lives of their students.  I am amazed and impressed with the dedicated educators who have undertaken the critical assignment of preparing the next generation of Utah’s and America’s leaders.

My second grade teacher Barbara Whaley passed away June 1 at the age of 61 in Salt Lake City.  She was one of those teachers of whom I speak.  She was a teacher at Indian Hills Elementary School for 39 years, impacting the lives of thousands of first and second graders just like me.  My classmates and I adored her, and to this day, I feel a kinship with her and carry the memories of a wonderful school year as a young boy.  I attended her funeral recently and learned of her love for the 4th of July, buying tee shirts for family members to celebrate the occasion, her fondness of chocolate kisses, and her commitment to family.  I only knew her as a great teacher and appreciated hearing about her love in action.  She will be missed.

Many teachers perform their work in a system deficient in textbooks, supplies, professional development time, and appropriate classroom size.  Teachers spend many additional hours and dollars of their own to provide an education for our children.  Despite these challenges, teachers continue to be dedicated to their students.  The work they do in the classroom is deserving of the highest praise.  They serve as mothers, fathers, counselors, friends, nurses, disciplinarians, and finally as teachers.

Teachers, and especially at this time, Ms. Whaley, thank you for all you do for our community and our future.

Thanks for the Invitation, Camp Kostopulos

by Senator Ross Romero
Senate Minority Whip

On Saturday, June 5, I attended an open house at Camp Kostopulos in Emigration Canyon.  Camp Kostopulos is sponsored by the Kostopulos Dream Foundation, an agency dedicated to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities.  Camp Kostopulos is a week-long residential summer camp where kids, teens, and adults with disabilities are able to socialize and enjoy numerous recreational activities.  It’s fun for the participants and, at the same time,  provides a reprieve for their full-time care givers.

At the camp, participants engage in various recreational activities such as fishing, swimming, camping, singing, arts and crafts, horseback riding, ropes course, etc.  They make new friends and renew their friendships from previous summers.  Participants stay on site for a full week in the capable hands of full-time staff members who provide 24-hour supervision.  I have included some photos I took of this wonderful facility in my Senate District.

I would like to thank Cheryl Smith, Development Director of the Kostopulos Dream Foundation, who escorted my family and me at the Camp Kostopulos open house.

In addition to summer camp, the Kostopulos Dream Foundation also offers year-round recreational programs for kids, teens, and adults.  For further information about Kostopulos, visit their website at www.campk.org and as always, donations are appreciated.

Finally, on July 10, 2010, the Kostopulos Dream Foundation is hosting the Wasatch Wheelchair Rally, a fundraising event which will showcase runners and walkers pushing empty wheelchairs in a race around Liberty Park.  For more information, visit www.campk.org/wasatch-wheelchair-rally.

Ropes Course

Horseback Riding

 
Senator Romero with his son and Cheryl Smith

Playground