Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Wright Earns Top Citizen Honors

(Above) Prescott Superintendent Ron Wright was named citizen of the year.

It was Vandiver night at the Prescott-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce Banquet Monday, March 26.

Carl "Bud" Vandiver was named "Treasure of Gold," for his contributions to the community, while Terri Vandiver was named Prescott Teacher of the Year at the banquet.

Bud Vandiver wasn't on hand to accept his award, due to surgery, but the plaque was accepted by his daughters.

Terri Vandiver, the alternative education instructor for Prescott High School, said it was tough to follow the other winners on the night, but being so named was an honor and privilege.

She told how, on her first day of teaching, she was stopped for speeding because of being excited to start work. Vandiver added the fire of teaching still burns and she's still excited about going to work each day.

Traci Jones was named Emmet Teacher of the Year.

Jones, the girls basketball coach, has turned the program around, taking the Lady Eagles to the regional playoffs for the first time in years and posting winning seasons the last two years. The junior girls won their district tourney. Under Jones' leadership, Emmet is fielding its first girls softball team ever.

"I can't imagine doing anything else with my life," Jones said, "but teaching."

Linda Lively was Nevada's Teacher of the Year.

Lively works with seniors at Nevada High School, helping them prepare for life after high school, along with getting them ready for graduation.

This will be the first graduating class of NHS to have started in kindergarten at Nevada.

Lively said working with young people makes the job fun, and she's been blessed throughout her life.

Another educator was honored at the banquet, though in a different capacity. Prescott Superintendent Ron Wright was named Citizen of the Year.

Wright came to Prescott three years ago, and has worked hard to turn things around in the district.

He spearheaded a millage vote to renovate all three schools and build a new gymnasium for the Curley Wolf and Wolverette basketball teams.

Under his leadership, Prescott Middle School's name was changed to McRae Middle School, and the MMS gym was completely renovated. In fact, dedication ceremonies for the MMS gym will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 14.

"You don't know how much this means to me," Wright said. "I had no idea."

The accomplishments done, he said, were made because the people of Prescott were ready to move.

"I want to do the best I can for every child we're entrusted to teach," he said.

The Nevada County Farm Family of the Year, Charles and Jane Purtle, were also honored at the banquet.

Charles Purtle took advantage of the recognition to discuss the importance of tree farming and agriculture.

Agriculture, he said, is important to this part of the state, as settlers cleared the land for crops and cattle originally.

The circle, though, he said, has been completed as people have returned to timber.

Purtle's father provided leadership for the transition from row crop farming to cattle in the 1940s, and encouraged farm related business.

Purtle praised his father as believing in higher education, being a former Chamber president, and teaching the family the value of the land.

"I thank the Chamber for having this award," he said, "and am pleased to receive it."

The awards didn't end with this, though, as the Business Leader of the Year Award went to Floyd and Sandy Harlow.

Sandy Harlow owns and operates the Fashion Shop, while Floyd runs the Broadway Cafi.

"This proves what I've always thought about Prescott," Sandy Harlow said. "I knew the spirit was here and I wanted to be part of bringing it back. I love it here."