Russell VanDenheuvel of Bertha receives a $100 check and an award from Judy Pokorney, Early Childhood Education Coordinator, left, and Kathleen Schwantz-Dahl, Head Start teacher.

Russell Van Denheuvel of Bertha has been recognized by the National Head Start Association for his achievements in education and contributions to the community. He and his wife Nancy are recognized as active parent volunteers in the Bertha Head Start Center. Their children, Sarah, 10, Kathryn, 8, and Joseph, 6, participated in Head Start. Erica, age 1 ½, may follow the Head Start path when she reaches age three.

Russell is a graduate of Central Lakes College where he majored in Machine Tool Trades. He is employed by Diamond Tool and Engineering in Bertha.

His recognition came in the form of a $100 check and a plaque commemorating Ann Phipps, a champion of Head Start who encouraged families to further their education and contribute to their communities. The award recognizes individuals who model the ways Head Start leads to a lifetime of learning.

The VanDenheuvel children attended Head Start, an early childhood education program offered through Tri-County Community Action Program, Inc. (TCC) from 1996 to 1999. Head Start has been offered to Todd County families since 1965. In Bertha, Head Start classrooms were in a community church. In 2001 the Head Start program moved to the Bertha Family Center.

Because parent involvement is such an important part of Head Start, Russell was cited for his work as a parent volunteer and as a community advocate for Head Start in the community. He was instrumental in the acquisition of a much-needed outdoor storage shed. With the cooperation of the local Lions organization, funds were secured for supplies. He then went to work building and painting the shed.

In the award nomination Russell was recognized for his involvement and leadership in the Bertha Community. He is a member of the volunteer fire department, co-chief of the ambulance service and a church board member. He is described by as a wonderful role model, a father involved in the lives of his children and the youth of the community. As a Head Start parent, he would read to the children, accompany the class on field trips, grill hot dogs at outings, and help with fund raising. He led tours and talked to the children about the ambulance, the fire hall and truck, and police vehicle.

Russell's personal goals were cited by the Ann Phipps Award Selection committee. He said, "I want to make an adequate living to provide a better life for my family. I hope to play an important part in my children's lives by being a positive role model and positive influence in their lives and in the lives of their friends. I want to be an asset to my employer by providing dedicated service. I hope to remain actively involved in my community through volunteering my time and efforts to improve what we have to offer."

TCC is a private non-profit corporation serving Todd, Crow Wing and Morrison counties. Its mission is to work with community partners creating opportunities for self-sufficiency.

Jill Dolezal of Bertha receives a $100 check and an award from her Head Start teachers Judy Pokorney, left, and Kathleen Schwantz-Dahl.

Jill's recognition came in the form of a $100 check and a plaque commemorating Phyllis J. Jones, a champion of Head Start who encouraged families to further their education and contribute to their communities. The award recognizes individuals who model the ways Head Start leads to a lifetime of learning.

She attended Head Start, an early childhood education program offered through Tri-County Community Action Program, Inc. (TCC) for two years in the mid-eighties. Head Start has been offered to Todd County families since 1965. In Bertha, Head Start classrooms were in a community church. In 2001 the preschool program moved to the Bertha Family Center.

She said, "I feel that Head Start played a big part in shaping where I am at today. Head Start helped me associate with other kids and adults. It gave me a better love for school and learning. Head Start helped me with the transition from home to school. It helped me with the learning process in a fun way."

In the award nomination Jill was recognized for her involvement and leadership in sports, music and extra-curricular activities. Her work ethic and desire to learn resulted in academic achievement and included summer employment on a strawberry farm and at an irrigation research center of the University of Minnesota. She enjoys helping on the family farm. In the community she is an active member of her church and volunteers by helping the elderly with yard work.

Her teachers describe Jill as an "exemplary role model" who is a positive influence on those around her. Her Head Start teacher was Judy Pokorney, who is now coordinates all Head Start and early childhood education collaborative work in Todd County. When Jill was a Head Start student Judy's assistant was Kathleen Schwantz-Dahl, who is now the teacher in the Bertha Family Center.

TCC is a private non-profit corporation serving Todd, Crow Wing and Morrison counties. Its mission is to work with community partners creating opportunities for self-sufficiency.