Milken Award stuns popular Las Vegas teacher

By Emily Richmond

Thursday, Oct. 17, 2002 | 9:30 a.m.

Las Vegas elementary school teacher Bonnie Murray was having a terrific day Wednesday, and that was before she was surprised with a check for $25,000 in recognition of her on-the-job excellence.

It was exciting enough, Murray thought, to have football legend Rosie Grier turn up at her school for a special assembly Wednesday. But the real purpose behind Grier's visit was as a board member of the Milken Family Foundation, which hands out checks for $25,000 each year to stellar educators across the country.

And this time the winner was Murray, a 15-year veteran of the Clark County School District teaching at Tony Alamo Elementary School.

"I'm practically speechless, and that never happens to me," said Murray, who wiped tears from her face and struggled for composure after her name was called. "What a tremendous honor."

Murray hesitated to call her self a role model for other teachers.

"I just put in the long hours, like we all do, and I love training new teachers and being with the kids," Murray said. "That's everything to me."

The foundation, created in 1982 by brothers Lowell and Michael Milken, chooses teachers based on their demonstration of exceptional educational talent, outstanding accomplishments and their impact on the community.

A selection committee appointed by the Nevada Department of Education makes recommendations to the foundation. There is no formal application process and the members of the panel are not identified.

The recipients' names are kept secret until the last possible moment in order to heighten the surprise, said the foundation's chairman, Lowell Milken.

The foundation will hand out 100 awards in 46 states this year, including a second prize going to a Nevada teacher.

"You can't apply for this award," Milken said. "We find you, you don't find us."

Murray was singled out for the significant impact she has had not only on students but on other teachers, said Allen Coles, superintendent of the district's southwest region.

"She embodies the qualities we hope for most in our educators," Coles said. "She's a dedicated professional who truly cares about the welfare of her students."

Murray, who holds a bachelor's degree in music from the University of Tampa in 1983, earned her her master's degree in instruction and curriculum in 1991 from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. She became a teacher 15 years ago after a career as a vocalist and actress.

Since her second year in the district, Murray has helped with orientation for more than 600 new first grade teachers, and all but five are still working in the district.

Murray's assignments in the district have included orientation for new first grade teachers, helping bilingual and early childhood teachers with the licensing process and writing training materials used district wide. She said she returned to the classroom this year because she missed working directly with children.

It took three people to do Murray's job when she left her last assignment training mentors, said teacher Robyn Covely, one of her trainees.

"She's tireless," Covely said. "She never stops learning, never stops being interested in new approaches and new ways to reach children."

Shay Cookingham, a student in Murray's fifth grade class, also thought his teacher's honor was well-deserved.

"She's nice, she makes school fun," Shay said. "And she never yells."

Grier, who attends about 15 of the ceremonies each year on behalf of the foundation, said he considered it a privilege to meet teachers like Murray.

"We entrust teachers with our most critical resource, our children," Grier said. "We need to do a better job showing our appreciation for all these men and women do for all of us."

Murray said she was thrilled by Grier's visit because her late father had been one of biggest fans of the member of the Los Angeles Rams' famed Fearsome Foursome defensive line.

"My dad would have loved to have been here today," said Murray, her voice breaking. "He would be so proud."

Murray said she hasn't decided how she'll spend the money yet, although she dropped a hint for one possible purchase.

"One of my students said $25,000 could buy a lot of books for our school library," Murray said. "And he's right."

Murray's mother, who lives in Las Vegas, was in the audience, as was her sister who was flown in from Longmont, Colo., for the event. Also present were Jack McLaughlin, Nevada state superintendent for public instruction; Clark County School Board President Sheila Moulton and board member Susan Brager.