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Meeting Date:
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2/28/2019 - 6:30 PM
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Category:
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Awards and Commendations
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Type:
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Info
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Subject:
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1. Excellence in Education Award - Helen J. Wallace
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Strategic Plan Compatibility Statement:
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Goal 2 Student, Family and Community Engagement
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Attachments
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File Attachment:
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Background:
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Each month, the Milwaukee Board of School Directors recognizes an outstanding school, student, staff member, parent, or community member for a display of excellence, achievement, and innovation that may serve as an example to our school district and the entire Milwaukee community.
This month, the Milwaukee Board of School Directors is pleased to present the “Excellence in Education Award” to:
Helen J. Wallace
Helen J. Wallace had a full and productive career as a dedicated employee of Milwaukee Public Schools with 35 years of service. Ms. Wallace is a proud MPS product, having graduated from West Division High School (now Milwaukee High School of the Arts). In addition to her education at Milwaukee Area Technical College, she received a bachelor’s degree from the Milwaukee Theological Institute.
Ms. Wallace’s strong work ethic, intelligence, and ability to work effectively with all people caught the attention of many in the professional world, starting with a work-study program at the Pabst Brewery that she participated in during her senior year at West Division. After graduation, she was the first African American student hired as an administrative assistant by Pabst. The company was so impressed with Helen’s hard work that they agreed to pay for her tuition at Milwaukee Area Technical College.
In 1967, she was recruited by MPS to serve as an assistant to the librarian at Rufus King High School. When Pabst learned of her impending career move, one of the company vice presidents offered her a promotion as well as her own office and staff. Helen decided that MPS was the better career move for her and she has never regretted her decision. Milwaukee Public Schools has always been near and dear to Helen’s heart.
Helen was promoted many times as an employee of MPS and accomplished many firsts during her career. In 1987, she was asked to apply for and was hired as the first African American woman to serve in the Office of the Superintendent at MPS Central Service as the Executive Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent. Helen served under a total of eight school superintendents until 2001. Her final assignment with MPS before retirement in 2002 was as an administrative assistant in the Department of Student Services.
Ms. Wallace has also been an active community member. She has been a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church since she was 12, volunteering with the youth department, the children’s choir, the usher board, the adult choir, youth director, new member orientation, and Sunday school and Vacation Bible School facilitator among many other activities. She has also done extensive volunteer work within the community serving as an officer of Top Ladies of Distinction, a member of Common Ground, the Sherman Park Community Association, and the Breast Cancer Society’s “Reach to Recovery Program.” She is a three-time cancer survivor and a world traveler.
The Milwaukee Board of School Directors recognize and honor Helen J. Wallace, for her dedication, outstanding leadership, and commitment to excellence on behalf of the students of the Milwaukee Public Schools.
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Fiscal Impact Statement:
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Implementation and Assessment Plan
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Recommendation:
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Approvals:
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Recommended By:
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Signed By:
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Keith Posley, Ed.D. - Superintendent
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