Mat-Su Borough School District wins ‘Pacesetter Award’

PALMER — The Mat-Su Borough School District was honored with this year’s Pacesetter Award from the United Way of Mat-Su.

The annual award honors community volunteers and organizations that contribute to the goals of improving their community in the areas of education, income, health and human services.

On hand to accept the award at the March 27 Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce meeting were Superintendent Deana Paramo and Assistant Superintendent Gene Stone.

United Way of Mat-Su works closely with schools, providing volunteer readers to assist young students and supporting early childhood learning. At the presentation, the district’s innovations, successful reading scores and low dropout rate were all recognized.

Former Teacher of the Year Linda Jo Klapperich accepted a check on behalf of Palmer Junior Middle School from United Way of Mat-Su. The school may use the funds to purchase educational supplies. The check was an acknowledgement of the school’s high percentage of staff that made contributions to the United Way of Mat-Su’s annual giving campaign.