Karen Bedells is a familiar face at her children’s schools,overseeing student volunteers and actively serving on PTOs.And this year, she was named the Clinton Public SchoolDistrict’s Parent of the Year for the 2011-12 school year. She was given theaward in a surprise presentation at Clinton High School.

 

Bedells has been active for many years in her children’sschools. This year, she is the Parent of the Year at CHS, and she has also beenPOY at Clinton Junior High and Eastside Elementary in recent years.

 

“Karen is always active and involved in her children’s lives,”said Dr. Eddie Peasant, CHS principal. “She works full time and runs a family,but makes time to support her children in the clubs and activities they areinvolved in.”

 

She and her husband Barry have two children currentlyenrolled in CPSD, Kaitlyn at Sumner Hill and Natalie at CHS. Her two olderdaughters, Megan and Sydney, are CHS graduates.

 

“Clinton is blessed to have a high level of parentinvolvement in our schools, and it’s parents like Karen who make our districtone of the very best in the state,” said Dr. Phil Burchfield, superintendent ofschools.

 

Bedells was chosen from among the Parents of the Year ateach school. School winners include:

• Clinton Park Elementary School, Beth Raney and MelissaMcCleese

• Northside Elementary School, Lynn McKee

• Eastside Elementary School, Dena Steen

• Lovett Elementary School, Missy Washam

• Clinton Junior High School, Karen Godfrey

• Sumner Hill Junior High School, Teresa Mosely

 

Bedells will go on to represent the Clinton Public SchoolDistrict in the state Parent of the Year program sponsored by the MississippiDepartment of Education.