Date: Fri 21-May-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

Gail-Smith-Awards

Full Text:

NYS Honors Three With Gail Smith Awards

(with photos)

BY STEVE BIGHAM

For the ninth year, Newtown Youth Services has presented Gail Smith Awards to

those in the community who have worked to improve the quality of life of the

youth of Newtown. This year's winners, Aggie Burns, Lauren Burkhart and Joe

Sigler of T.C. Cycle were honored in ceremonies Monday night.

Persons and organizations who embody the ideals of the late Gail Smith,

teacher, mentor, and advocate for many youth programs and initiatives in her

lifetime, are nominated for the award annually. Each year the winners have

included an adult, a young person, and since 1994, a business or organization.

This year, the TC Cycle's Joe Sigler was honored for his efforts in helping to

promote cycling among youngsters. According to parent Kris Leebart, who

nominated Mr Sigler, the TC Cycle owner gears his business toward children and

has been supportive of those who have raced competitively -- providing advice

and words of encouragement and often repairing bikes on the spot. Mr Leebart

said Mr Sigler, who recently taught bicycle repair at Youth Services, sets an

"exceptional" example for students.

TC Cycle is located at 151 South Main Street.

Middle Gate School aide Aggie Burns was introduced by teacher Helen Miller,

who called Mrs Burns a fine Newtown resident, mother, teacher and neighbor.

Mrs Burns has been a longtime cub scout leader and cub master who has

consistently organized exciting and educational trips for her pack to attend.

A certified teacher, Mrs Burns has chosen to work as an aide because she feels

her children and the community need her at this time as more than a full-time

teacher. She has spent her own time devising new ways of helping children and

collaborates her efforts with other staff members.

Mrs Miller once taught alongside Gail Smith and compared Mrs Burns to the

woman who this award is named after.

"Aggie, like Gail, is such a hard worker, bringing strength, caring and high

energy to her volunteer work," Mrs Miller said. "She is truly admired and

respected by those who come in contact with her."

Youth award winner Lauren Burkhart was introduced by Newtown High School

student government co-advisers Elaine Schwartz and Jack Quinlan. Lauren was

described as a leader among leaders.

As a DARE role model, she has spoken to local fifth graders about the dangers

of using drugs. She has attended PTSA meetings as the student representative.

She attended leadership seminars through Education Connection and volunteered

her time on the School Scheduling Committee to research and select a new

schedule for NHS. She has also served as student volunteer coordinator, has

given her time to teach religious education to second graders, and tutored

English, math, and Spanish to middle school and high school students. For

three years, Lauren was also the chairman of the Relay for Life, which raises

money for cancer research.

In the winter, the NHS senior volunteers her time as a ski patroller in

Vermont as well as an assistant in the first aid office. A fine athlete, she

played soccer all four years in high school.

"Academically, Lauren has done an excellent job in the most challenging

courses. Most of all, as a person Lauren is one of the most wonderful young

ladies you would ever want to meet. She truly represents what is best about

the youth of today," her nominators said.