The Bruce Oliver Leadership Awards

Former Thoreau Middle School principal Bruce Oliver established an exceptional Fairfax County Public Schools business partnership program. At Thoreau Middle School, Oliver built a dynamic and lasting partnership with Navy Federal Credit Union–a partnership recognized nationally for its valuable achievements. Following Oliver’s retirement, Navy Federal Credit Union honored his dedication and leadership with annual awards.

These awards honor Fairfax County Public Schools staff members and businesspeople who are directly involved in partnerships. Honorees have been chosen by their peers as exceptional leaders, committed to improving student achievement. Photos

The 2010 Bruce Oliver Leadership Award recipients are:

Maria Kappel, West Potomac Academy (Educator)

Maria has made a huge difference in the lives of students at West Potomac Academy.
Her efforts over the last three years has led to over 7 formal business partnerships that reflect the school’s diverse student population.
She has sought out partnerships with small businesses, minority and female owned businesses, and groups that are traditionally not approached as business partners.
Once she gets the employees into the school, they just can’t say “no”. Now, they have a better understanding of our education system.

Leonard Forkas, Milestone Corporation partnered with Sunrise Valley ES (Business)

Len earned this award for many reasons. In 2000, it was Len who approached Sunrise Valley Elementary and asked what his small, four-person firm could do to help the school.
With Len’s background in land development and his connections in the field, he extended the science curriculum for the students including field trips to the Reston Wetlands and raising funds for the weather stations for 4th graders.
Additionally, for the last 10 years, Len’s company has hosted the Make-A-Wish Foundation 5K Walk/Run that has raised over $75,000 dollars. The partnership now donates part of the race funds to a charity he founded when his son was diagnosed with cancer called Hopecam, Inc. that connects homebound children, with cancer, to their classmates via laptop and webcams.

Finalists - Bruce Oliver Educator Leadership Award

Evan Glazer

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Nominated by Mary McDowell, TJHSST

James V Holcombe

Stuart High School
Nominated by Pamela Ann Jones, Stuart High School

James J. Kacur

Chantilly High School
Nominated by Doug Wright, Chantilly Academy

Christine Lyons

Jackson Middle School
Nominated by Louise H. Porter, Jackson Middle School
Carol Robinson, Robinson Secondary School

Jan McKee

Bryant Alternative High School
Nominated by Zelma Pierce Chamberlain, Bryant Alternative High School

Finalists - Bruce Oliver Business Leadership Award

Christine Ritenour

Raytheon Company
Partnered with and nominated by Lynbrook Elementary School

Julie Strategos

Lockheed Martin
Partnered with and nominated by Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology