Local Rotary Club presents outstanding teacher and senior awards

Most people go through life without expecting accolades for what they do. Nevertheless, the Carson City Noon Rotary Club recognized two members of the community Tuesday for their contributions.

"We want teachers to know that what they do with our most prized possession, our children, is important," said former club president Brian Colodny. "It is also important to recognize senior citizens because they are a vital part of our society."

The club named Carson High School Spanish teacher Joan Chacon as teacher of the year and Lara Lee as senior citizen of the year.

Chacon has taught 17 years in the district and speaks only Spanish in the classroom.

Principal Glen Adair said students at first dread taking her classes.

"They come running into my office screaming, 'I don't understand a word she's saying,'" he said.

However, Adair said Chacon wins them over in the end and teaches them Spanish along the way.

"She does an absolutely marvelous job," Adair said.

Chacon was awarded the "golden apple" earlier in the year by the employees association for her long-time service as a teacher.

"This was definitely a beautiful year," Chacon said. "I was overjoyed (to be named teacher of the year) because there are so many good teachers in the district."

Lee came to Carson City in 1982 with her late husband, Jim Kalkwarf.

"Within two weeks, Lara was involved with the senior center," said rotary member Bob Kennedy, who also serves on the governing board of the center.

Lee was one of the first to operate the radio system as the transportation dispatcher at the center. She helped with the campaign to raise support for the new center and volunteered for 13 years as the bridge club leader.

"Her motto has always been, 'We come here to have fun,'" Kennedy said.

Lee lost her husband in 1988 and then married to Stan Lee in 1999.

She said she was very honored to receive the award.

"This is a wonderful opportunity," she told rotary members. "I enjoy working with the seniors and I work with the seniors every day unless Stan and I are traveling."

Both recipients received plaques and $300 each.