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53 °F 5 Day Forecast Monday, October 20, 2003 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | eSouthernOregon | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find a Rental Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Email Story to a Friend October 7, 2003 Eagle Point High School Principal Mari Brabbin � dressed for a homecoming assembly skit about the �60s � reacts Monday to the news that she has won a National Education Award. Nanci Schneider of the Oregon Department of Education is at right. Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell A surprise honor Eagle point High principal wins $25,000 National Education Award By JILL BRISKEY Mail Tribune EAGLE POINT — She may have been dressed like a blast from the past, but Mari Brabbin made a speedy return to reality Monday when she became the surprised recipient of a National Education Award. "I don’t know what to say," the tearful Eagle Point High School principal told students and staff during the homecoming assembly at which the check was presented. "There isn’t any reason my name would be on there but because of a great staff and a great school." Advertisement Brabbin was just one of several Eagle Point staff members decked out in 1960s attire as part of a musical skit that revisited Woodstock on Monday morning. But before the music rolled, Superintendent Bill Feusahrens and officials from the Oregon Department of Education interrupted with news that Brabbin had won the national award. "We’re deeply honored for a colleague to receive such a prestigious award," said Feusahrens, who was part of a team that kept the award a secret for more than a week. "This mirrors what she’s been doing for 25 years." The annual award is given to educators across the nation in recognition of their achievement on behalf of students. In addition to the title, winners receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., in May. Each receives a check for $25,000. "I was totally, totally surprised. I’m deeply honored," Brabbin said. "My greatest skill is that I hire good people, and those people are the reason why I have this award." Brabbin came to Eagle Point High School as an assistant principal in 1994 and took over as principal a year later. She has overhauled the Eagle Center Advising Program, which has helped students receive more than $1.7 million in scholarships. She oversaw the creation of Options, an alternative school that includes classes for teen parents and a work partnership program with the Veterans Affairs domiciliary in White City. "Mari Brabbin is an outstanding example of how educators make a difference in the lives of their students," said state schools Superintendent Susan Castillo of Salem. Brabbin also has weathered a storm of controversy surrounding Eagle Point High School. Last year a fire gutted Eagle Point Middle School, forcing youngsters to share the halls with high school students in a highly criticized double-shift schedule. In 2000, racially charged incidents erupted between Latino and Anglo students, prompting the district to reach out to the Hispanic community and promote cultural awareness through a series of programs. Despite the ups and downs, Brabbin said she loves her job and is thrilled to live and work in Eagle Point. "As soon I came to Eagle Point, I began a love affair with the kids and the school," she said. "I love it here." The National Education Award was established in 1985 by Lowell Milken, chairman and co-founder of the Milken Family Foundation in Los Angeles. State education department officials nominate educators for the award. Since 1985, nearly 2,000 elementary and secondary teachers and administrators in 47 states have received the award. Since 1990, 61 Oregon educators have received the National Education Award. Locally, winners have included Steve Boyarsky of North Medford High School; Jeffrey Nafie of Crater High School; Bill LePore of Crater; Bill Jones, former Eagle Point superintendent; and Robert Wille of Eagle Point High School. Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Mari Brabbin Home: Eagle Point Title: Principal, Eagle Point High School Age: 52 Education: Bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Southern Oregon University Experience: Former Grants Pass High School teacher, former instructor at SOU and former director of the Mary Phipps Center in Medford Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback 3 WEEKS FREE! ADVERTISERS SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times