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April 30, 2001Kurtz wins 2001 Golden Pen Award- Students nominated TC Central High School journalism teacher for award of excellenceBy SHELLEY R. BURGESSRecord-Eagle staff writer TRAVERSE CITY - Ask Central High School teacher Christine Kurtz what kept her teaching journalism, newspaper and yearbook classes for the past 14 years. "Seeing the pleasure those kids take in what they do" is what she'll answer. Recently, Kurtz's students decided it was her turn for recognition, and they nominated her for an award to celebrate her success. Kurtz was named the 2001 Golden Pen Award winner by the Michigan Interscholastic Press Association on April 10. The Golden Pen Award is given to the teacher or adviser of a publications program that shows excellence in a school newspaper, yearbook or magazine; longevity and contributing to scholastic journalism beyond school. Erin Waineo, editor of the "Pines" yearbook and Jeff Johns, editor-in-chief of the "Black & Gold" school newspaper, gathered letters from staff, students and administrators, as well as photographs and documentation of awards for a portfolio to submit. "I read all the wonderful letters, and it made me feel like I did have an impression on their young lives," Kurtz said. "I'm very grateful because that's what teaching is all about." Waineo said she and Johns decided to nominate her for the award to "show how much she means to the students." "She's so dedicated to the students," said Waineo, a senior at Central High School. "She knows what she's doing, and she does it so well." Although the student newspaper was already in place, Kurtz started the journalism class at Central High School in 1988. Kurtz changed the yearbook schedule so it came out in the spring instead of fall, while the seniors were still in school. She also started taking the students to national conferences and entering their work in contests. "We quite often won awards," Kurtz said. "There have been many years where we've won the top awards." This was the third time Kurtz was nominated for the Golden Pen Award. She was a finalist in 1991 and 1995. Over the years, she has dealt with the stress of deadlines, fighting censorship, and deciding what is and is not appropriate to print. Kurtz decided she will take a leave of absence next year. "For 10 years at least, I've said I'm quitting," she laughed. "I dearly love this job. I wouldn't want any other job in education. It's difficult to do for so many years." Being nominated for the award and seeing the letters from her students were highlights for Kurtz. "That makes me feel really good," Kurtz said. "The person they talked about in the letters is someone I'd like to be, and it's someone they already think I am." Shelley Burgess is the reporter for education. She can be reached at (231) 933-1476, or at sburgess@record-eagle.com |