Welcome - Kay Mehas, 4J Wallace LEAD Director; Honorable Jim Torrey, Mayor, City of Eugene; George Russell, Superintendent Eugene 4J School District; M Christine De Vita, President, The Wallace Foundation)

 

Signs made by Eugene elementary school students welcome conference participants - what a nice reminder of why were are all here: success for all kids.	Tthe registration desk gives you more than a name tag - a collection of conference materials, and a "Trailblazers in Education" backpack!	Materials were shared, including a collaboration of the Eugene School District and the University of Oregon on a tool for administrator leadership improvement.
Eugene Superintendent George Russell greets people at the conference social hour.	One of the highlights of the social time was listening to a local school string trio.	Eugene Wallace Grant Director Kay Mehas welcomes participants.
Many attendees have gone to other Wallace conferences, and look forward to seeing colleagues they've met.	And it's just a great time to be able to talk with your own team members - who has time during the school year?!	Sabrina Hope King, Senior Program Officer, and M. Christine DeVita, President, from the Wallace Foundation confer before the formal welcome.
Kay Mehas welcome attendees and introduces Eugene's mayor, a "Curious George" who walks his talk.	Mayor Jim Torrey tells the group about his experiences in reading to Kindergartners and talking with school kids.	George Russell appreciates the mayor's efforts in promoting city funding for music and after school programs for area students.
Christine DeVita welcomes conference participants, and reminds them of the guiding questions for the conference.	Ed Villanueva's group of talented local students entertained us with vivacious songs.	Christine honors Mary Lee Fitzgerald, former Director of Education for the Wallace Foundation.