On August 11th, Bandleader David Schommer was named 2010 Outstanding Educator by Parents for Public Schools of Greater Jackson & The Community Foundation of Greater Jackson. The award was given for fostering student success, for dedication to teaching, for demonstrating a high commitment to student achievement, for engaging students in challenging and meaningful work, for interacting with parents as partners in the education...all in the interest to better Jackson Public Schools. Mr. Schommer, as well as three other JPS educators were saluted and presented cash awards at the PPS Lunch Bunch Wednesday, September 1st in the Jackson Medical Mall Community Room.  In addition to his regular responsibilities at Watkins Elementary,  Mr. Schommer serves as Project Leader for the Watkins Playground Project, which received the 2010 Governor's Award for building Outstanding Community Partnerships at the elementary level. Watkins was the only elementary school in the state selected for the honor. To date, Schommer has raised over $70,000 to provide the children a new playground.  Mr. Schommer was named a Grey Ferris Scholar for his effort. The award was presented by Doug Boone, President/CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater Jackson and Susan P Womack, Executive Director Parents for Public Schools - Greater Jackson.

On behalf of myself and the Watkins Elementary School PTA, Congratulations. You are so much deserving of this prestigious award.
Aireca Lewis, Watkins PTA

CONGRATULATIONS, Mr. Schommer!!! You're well deserving of such an award! : )
Laurie Walker, Watkins PTA

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Dr. Michelle P. King, Assistant Superintendent, Elementary Education

David, you are amazing and those kids at Watkins are lucky to have you on their side!!!! Congratulations!
Jackie Bailey, Chief Operating Officer, Community Foundation of Greater Jackson

No one and I mean NO ONE deserves it more than you! Congratulations and thanks again for your help.
Lulu Maness, Marketing Director
Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum

Congratulations, David!
Liz Brister, Entergy

Congratulations and keep up the good work!
Debra McGee, BankPlus

Congratulations!!!!! David this is well deserved because I know the amount of work that you have put in for the children at your school. Thanks for letting us be part of such a worthwhile project. Again CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!
Craig Struthers, JA Dawson

Congratulations and it is a pleasure working with you. I know you are doing it for the kids and the community.
Claudia Henderson, EATON

Thanks for sharing this good news! I can't think of a more deserving individual!!!
Peggy Hampton, Direction of Public Relations, Jackson Public Schools

Congratulations!! They made a very good choice!
Sally Bennett, EATON 

Outstanding David!!! I can’t think of a person who deserves it more! Congratulations!!!
John A. Poe, J.A. Dawson & Co

David, congratulations on your Teacher of the Year award. I know you so deserve it after all the wonderful work you did for Watkins. You have set a shining example of the accomplishment that can be had with a commitment on the part of our teachers.
Suzanne Hemleben
Gumdrop Books Representative

Mississippi Swing! and The Jackson All-Stars
Receive "Key to the City"!

For making quality big band, jazz and Dixieland music accessible to their community, the City of Richland has presented Mississippi Swing! and The Jackson All-Stars the "Key to the City." The award was presented on December 7, 2009.

• • • Shelby Breedlove
    • Russellville, AR
    • Oct 29, 2009 @ 10:16 AM

  • That Cary Breedlove is REALLY special! Of course, I'm his mom.