Plymouth State Educators Honored at 2014 EDies Award Ceremony

PLYMOUTH — 11 educators with affiliation to Plymouth State University were honored June 7 at the New Hampshire EDie Awards, which recognize New Hampshire schools and individuals who meet high standards of educational excellence. Esther Asbell, Donna Ciocca, Christina Flanders, '00, Carl Ladd, '05CAGS, Judith Lavoie, Joseph Lee, '06, Bill Marston, '54,'64G, Pearl Sandy, Thomas Stevens, '01, Jonas Taub and Barbara Wirth, '09CAGS, received awards at a ceremony attended by Plymouth State University President Sara Jayne Steen, University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Julie Bernier and Marianne True, Chair of PSU's Elementary Education and Childhood Studies Department.

"It is a joy to attend the EDies and see the extraordinary work being done on behalf of New Hampshire's children," said Steen. "I'm pleased that Plymouth State educators have a strong role in that excellence."

Plymouth State alum Bill Marston, '54,'64G, who has more than 50 years' experience as a teacher, principal, athletic director and university faculty member, received the Doris Barnes Retired Educator Lifetime Achievement Award. The award states, "He has made significant contributions to improving the quality of education from pre-K through college levels."

Marston, a Bristol native, is active in Plymouth State's Alumni Association and is also a member of Plymouth State's Athletic Hall of Fame for his achievements in basketball and baseball. He formerly served on the USNH Board of Trustees and the PSU President's Council.

Christina Flanders, '00, was awarded the School Psychologist of the Year by the New Hampshire Association of School Psychologists. Flanders has been the Laconia School District school psychologist since June, 2005. She is also a faculty member at Plymouth State University.