Education foundation honors Rogich, McKinney-James

The Public Education Foundation held its 15th annual awards dinner Sept. 24 at the Mandarin Oriental and paid tribute to two powerful advocates for education in our community: Sig Rogich and Rose McKinney-James.

Rogich, chairman of the foundation's board, was given the Education Hero Award, and McKinney-James received the Lifetime Education Achievement Award.

The sold-out event began with greetings by students from Valley High School as guests entered a reception that offered an extensive silent auction.

Guests included Miriam and Sheldon Adelson, Frank Schreck and Leslie Frisbee, Karen and Morgan Cashman, Lori Rogich, Kathy and Ed Rogich, Amy Ayoub, Sharon and Jay Brown, Lisa Heck, Dina Titus and Tom Wright, Patricia and Michael Morrissey, Nancy and Kell Houssels, Jeff Silver and Cindy Jazzard, Rep. Shelley Berkley, and Larry Lehrner, state Sen. Steven Horsford, Jaki Baskow, Be-Be Adams, Elaine and Tony Sanchez, Melinda and Bob Brown, Brenda and Michael Hengel, and Clark County School Superintendent Dwight D. Jones and his wife, Jenifer. Dinner committee members were Robert Forbuss, Myra Greenspun, Jan Jones, Larry Ruvo and Public Education Foundation president Judi Steele.

Masters of ceremonies were Sue Manteris and Kendall Tenney.

The past Education Heroes in Education Achievement Award recipients in attendance were Ann Lynch, Bill Martin, Lois Tarkanian, Bob Bailey and Myrna Torme Williams.

Entertainment was provided by students representing various area high schools, Clark County School District Showcase of the Arts and the Rogich Middle School Choir.

The evening's speakers and two videos showcased the two honorees, who have led very interesting lives, earning numerous honors along the way, and have always been committed to improving the quality of education in Southern Nevada.

Christian Kolberg conducted a live auction for seven packages that included joining Metro's SWAT unit for a day, which sold twice for a total of $10,000.

Michael J. Brown, representing Barrick Mining, presented a check for $50,000 that will be matched by a check from Newmount Mining Corp. The event raised $650,000.

Other guests in attendance included Mel Wolinger, Denise Martin, Carol and Richard Deglman, Selma Bartlett, Susan and Thomas Schoeman, Fred James, Marla and Tom Letizia, Karen Meyer, Rob Dondero, Linda and Bob Faiss, and Terri and Kevin Janison.