Events

Bruce Woodbury and Lois Tarkanian honored at
2007 Education Hero Award Dinner

The Public Education Foundation honored Bruce Woodbury and Lois Tarkanian at its 2007 Education Hero Award Dinner on Saturday, Sept. 15, at the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas. 

Woodbury, born and raised in Las Vegas, received the prestigious Education Hero Award from the Foundation.  With a strong vision for Southern Nevada, he has directly impacted Southern Nevada residents for many years with his leadership and determination to find solutions to major community issues including education, transportation, air quality improvement and flood control. 

“There is not a major quality of life issue in Southern Nevada that has not been impacted by Bruce Woodbury,” said Sig Rogich, chairman of the Foundation’s board of directors.  “He is an extraordinary man who has been a driving force in this community for many years.  It’s a great privilege for us to honor him.”

The Foundation also honored Dr. Lois Tarkanian with its Lifetime Education Achievement Award in recognition of her lifetime commitment to the educational needs of all children.

“As a teacher and community leader, Lois Tarkanian has been a tireless advocate for children,” said Judi Steele, president of the Foundation.  “We are proud to recognize her for her lifetime of service to teaching and learning.”

More than 500 guests attended the annual event which raised $600,000 for The Public Education Foundation.  The proceeds will be used by The Foundation to improve the quality of teaching and learning in Southern Nevada’s public schools. 

Following a musical tribute by students from Palo Verde High School, Green Valley High School, and Sig Rogich Middle School, Steele presented Woodbury with a children’s book published by The Public Education Foundation Press called “A Hero Named Bruce.”  Copies of the books were distributed to elementary and middle school libraries and public libraries in Clark County.

“Wow, you really know how to make a guy feel good,” said Woodbury during his acceptance speech.  “I’m grateful for all the kind words spoken here tonight.”

Woodbury became the 11th Education Hero joining past recipients Thalia Dondero, Larry Ruvo, Siegfried and Roy, Tony Alamo, Sen. Harry Reid, Chancellor Jim Rogers, Barbara Greenspun and the Greenspun family, Gov. Kenny Guinn, William Vassiliadis and R&R Parnters, and John L. Goolsby.

Previous Lifetime Education Achievement Award recipients include Earvin “Magic” Johnson, William E. Martin, Claudine Williams, and Ann Lynch.