Melching receives Gerald Bader Award
Evergreen School District Superintendent Richard (Rick) Melching was recognized for his commitment to children when he received the Gerald Bader Award June 17.
As the head of Evergreen School District for more than nine years, Melching knows what kids need to succeed. While his professional credentials have won him both regional and national praise, it is his heart for kids that won him the Bader Award for 2005. The ‘signature’ recipient of the award, Dr. Gerald Bader presented the award during a ceremony and anniversary celebration of the Patricia Nierenberg Childcare and Early Learning Center. In addition to the presentation of the 2005 Gerald Bader Award to Melching, the Southwest Washington Hospital Employee Giving program was acknowledged for giving over $50,000 to the Center.
“He is an extraordinary leader, has managed an outstanding school district, but his dedication to kids is unsurpassed,” said Greg Kubicek, who nominated Melching. This is the second year of the award, presented in collaboration among ESD 112, the Community Foundation and the Southwest Washington Medical Center Foundation. Criteria for candidates include demonstrated commitment to the health and wellness, and success of children. It is named for Dr. Gerald Bader, local pediatrician who is acknowledged for his outstanding care for young children.
Dr. Bader said recently of the award. "This award was set up to recognize persons or organizations that have been exceptional in pursuing the individual needs of children in the county. I’m very happy to pass this distinction to Rick Melching.”
David Nierenberg, former president of the Evergreen School District Foundation, and contributor to many educational causes, including the Patricia Nierenberg Childcare and Early Learning Center, announced the creation of a fund to better prepare young children for their school years. The Clark County Early Learning Fund, honoring Rick and Sarah Melching will assist Support for Early Learning and Families (SELF), a coalition of 15 agencies that support school preparation programs for children. The Foundation for Early Learning, in partnership with SELF, will offer up to $500,000 in matching funds to support local contributions made to the fund over its first three years.
Jodi Thomas - June 2005