Pinnacle School Earns IYI 2007 Youth Achievement Award

This year’s Pumpkin Palooza was even more exciting when it was announced that Pinnacle School had received the 2007 Youth Investment Award from the Indiana Youth Institute. IYI President and CEO Bill Stanczykiewicz presented the award to Pinnacle Director Denise Lessow in front of the hundreds of Pinnacle supporters gathered to enjoy this year’s Pumpkin Palooza.

"The school's staff is extremely committed to helping students get the most out of their abilities," Stanczykiewicz said. "It's not uncommon to hear parents of students say, 'They gave me my child back.' "And when someone like Tom Valkyrie uses nine of his 11 vacation days to volunteer at the school, you know the school also is changing the lives of parents and getting them more involved with their children. It's an example of youth work at its finest."

Pinnacle School is one of 10 recipients of a 2007 Indiana Youth Investment Award and was selected from nearly 200 nominees. In addition to the $5,000 check, award winners will receive free admission to the Indiana Youth Institute's 2007 Kids Count in Indiana Conference, December 5 and 6. Read the story from IYI.

Joining in the celebration were members of the Pinnacle Board of Trustees, Monroe County Commission President Iris Kiesling, IYI Southern Indiana Field Representative Linda Henderson, IU American Humanics Director Peg Stice, Community Foundation President Shari Woodbury, and United Way Executive Director Barry Lessow. In honor of the IYI award, Mayor Mark Kruzan issued a proclamation naming October 13th “Pinnacle School Day” in the City of Bloomington.

Dr. Denise Lessow expressed Pinnacle’s appreciation to the Indiana Youth Institute for this award and reminded everyone that their contributions made the school strong. “Everyone here -- parents, students, volunteers, and donors -- has made the investment that our friends at IYI are recognizing today. We are proud of all you do, proud of this award, and proud to be associated with the Indiana Youth Institute.”

The Indiana Youth Institute promotes the healthy development of children and youth by serving the institutions and people of Indiana who work on their behalf. For more information about the Indiana Youth Institute, visit www.iyi.org.

For more information about Pinnacle School, call us at (812) 339-8141.