EMPIRE Growth

December 2000 – January 2001

EMPIRE was chosen by the National Association for Multicultural Education (NAME) to receive their annual award for best multicultural program. EMPIRE's Executive Director, Dr. Randie Gottlieb, traveled with a small delegation to Orlando, Florida, to receive the award, which was presented on Nov. 18th during NAME's annual conference. "The reason this award means so much," said Dr. Gottlieb, "is because EMPIRE matters so much. It is a program that affects not only the classroom, but the heart."

In presenting the award on behalf of NAME, Francisco Rios lauded EMPIRE's vision, breadth of activities and collaborative spirit. The award plaque read, "For outstanding multicultural program that advances the field of multicultural education."

Mona Foundation is, and will continue to be a proud supporter of this program.

October – November 2000

This worthwhile project, which trains teachers from 24 schools in multicultural education practices, enjoys a number of corporate supporters in addition to Mona Foundation. We are pleased to share that the project is in the process of adding several new schools for this year. They have also been notified of two very prestigious awards: KCTS - TV (PBS in Seattle) has chosen EMPIRE for their annual award for excellence in education. They will videotape some of our activities this fall for broadcast during their awards presentation after the first of the year. EMPIRE will also be the recipient of the annual program award from the National Association for Multicultural Education. This award will be presented on Nov. 18th in Orlando. Congratulations to Dr. Randie Gottlieb, director of EMPIRE for her exemplary service to the educational needs of the greater Yakima Valley community.

April – May 2000

The board of Mona Foundation approved a $1,000 grant towards partial support of one school in this worthy initiative. As you know, EMPIRE is a consortium of elementary and secondary schools from many districts in the Yakima Valley. Guided by a leadership team from Heritage College, EMPIRE brings together educators, students, parents and community members in a collaborative network to encourage positive multicultural change. The Yakima Valley, with its rich mix of cultures, represents a microcosm of our larger society. The pioneering efforts of EMPIRE offer valuable experience for others in their efforts to reduce prejudice and build bridges of understanding among people. We are very pleased to be a part of this vision.

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