Connecting With Kids Presents Leadership Awards

Seven dedicated members of the Edina community were recently honored as part of Connecting with Kids' annual Leadership Breakfast.

The honorees were presented with Leadership Awards for their direct, positive impact on the youth of Edina. According to Heather Haen Anderson, executive director of Connecting With Kids, their efforts help increase the number of developmental assets for children.

The 2012 recipients are:

• Dr. David Henderson, Choir Director at , for his passion in joining high school students and community members together in song through the Edina Men’s Choir.
  Asset: Creative Activities
• Emily Johnson, senior, for her work with ’s Homework Help program and for organizing a book drive that collected more than 600 books for children living in a local apartment complex.
  Asset: Reading for Pleasure
• Police Chief Jeff Long, for his collaboration between the and other community organizations to promote safe driving, reduce substance use by our youth, and foster improved relationships among citizens.
  Asset: Safety
• Tom Balke, senior, for his efforts to increase multi-cultural inclusion in high school and the community and for his role modeling for younger students and teammates.
  Asset: Cultural Competence
• Carol McPheeters, Edina Public Schools volunteer, for her decades-long zeal in sharing Minnesota history of both settlers and Native Americans to some of our youngest learners. Her enthusiasm enhances how the students learn and encourages them to learn more.
  Asset: School Engagement
• Mark Lobben, volunteer coach, for fostering relationships that connect his players and their families more closely while also highlighting each player’s contribution to the team.
  Asset: Positive Adult Relationships
• Heidi Howard, Dean of Students, for reaching out to all students to encourage them to succeed to the best of their abilities and for providing a bridge between community mentors and students.
  Asset: Achievement Motivation

Attendees at the 2012 breakfast donated more than $2,500 to Connecting With Kids. As the organization receives no public funding, Anderson said they are dependent on the community supporting them financially. 

Donations can be made at www.connectingwithkidsedina.org.