Carson schools worthy of recognition

Congratulations are due Wayne Baker and Maria Batt, who managed to give the Carson City School district both Educator of the Year and Classified Employee of the Year awards this year from the University of Nevada, Reno's education program.

Sgt. Major Baker is a 24-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps who has been teaching Carson High's Naval Junior ROTC program for eight years.

Batt is lead custodian at Mark Twain Elementary School, where she has worked 10 years. In 1999, the Nevada Classified Employees Association had named her employee of the year.

The two awards form a nice symmetry for the school district, because it takes top-notch contributions from both teachers and staff to make it work. They exemplify the kind of dedication expected when parents send off their children every day to be educated in Carson City schools.

It doesn't surprise us that both Baker and Batt reacted modestly to the honors.

"I have a lot of respect for teachers," said Baker, the Marine. "To be put on that platform with them was kind of a humbling experience."

For Batt, who came to the United States from Mexico when she was 18, her bilingual skills add a dimension to her role at the school not usually associated with custodial duties. She helps build a bridge for students and parents going through what she experienced firsthand.

We know there are many hard-working and inspirational people in Carson City's schools. It was nice of UNR to shine a spotlight on two of the best.

While we're on the topic, we must also extend thanks to Carson High Principal Glen Adair, who will be retiring at the end of the year.

After a dozen years at the helm, Adair remains both a coach and a teacher in his job as principal, by turns stern and enthusiastic.

Carson High is at the center of this community, and Adair has been at the center of the school. He can take great pride in what he has shaped there. Although some may not realize it until they step into the outside world, thousands of young people can be proud to call themselves Carson High graduates because of his leadership.