Oct. 13, 2004

The Michigan Historical Center Foundation today announced that it will honor four exceptional Michigan history teachers during "Odyssey," a special event on Friday, Oct. 22.  The public is invited to join the annual celebration, whose proceeds support the Michigan Historical Center's efforts to help Michigan children explore their state's history.

The program, which takes places from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Michigan Historical Center (702 W. Kalamazoo St. in downtown Lansing), includes a reception and dinner as well as the award presentation program hosted by Sheri Jones of WLNS Newscenter 6.  The evening's guest speaker will be the Honorable Clifford Taylor, Michigan Supreme Court justice.

This year's Odyssey Award winners are:

·         Kristie Clark - Floyd Elementary School in Midland;

·         Rosemary Claus - Crescentwood Elementary School in Eastpointe;

·         Angela Kava - Kalamazoo Academy in Portage; and

·         Ellie O'Donnell - Franklin Elementary School in Escanaba.
 

Odyssey 2004 is open to everyone interested in supporting Michigan history educational opportunities.  The cost is $45 per person, and reservations can be made by calling the Michigan Historical Center Foundation office at (517) 373-2565.

Odyssey, now in its fifth year, supports the Michigan Historical Center's education programs and recognizes the contributions of outstanding teachers and their commitment to our children. Thanks to those who support Odyssey, the Michigan Historical Center has significantly expanded its education programs and now offers a broad range of learning experiences, such as the weeklong BIG History Lesson and after-school programs for at-risk children.

Odyssey 2004 patron sponsors include AAA Michigan, Mid-Michigan MRI, General Motors - Lansing Operations, and Ingham Regional Medical Center.  Other sponsors include the Michigan Historical Center Foundation, the Michigan Historical Museum Store, The Grand Hotel, Engineering Graphics, Happy and Bill Rands, Steven Hamp, Bear Lake Manor B&B, Hampton Inn, Fairfield Inn and Suites, SpringHill Suites, TownePlace Suites, Fabiano's Homemade Candies, Lansing IMAX Theater, The English Inn, Michigan Athletic Club, The Cadillac Club, Canada Dry Bottling Company of Lansing, Gilbert and Blakes, the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council, Impression 5 Science Center, and Villegas.

The Michigan Historical Center Foundation is the private, not-for-profit organization that supports the work of the Michigan Historical Center, an agency of the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).  Dedicated to enriching the quality of life for Michigan residents by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity, HAL also includes the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Library of Michigan, the Michigan Film Office and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.

For more information about HAL, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries.