Parent recognized by school board

Some parents just stand out and seem to not only make an impression on their children, but on others around them.

Green River parent Marsha Harris is one of those parents, although she may be too humble to admit it.

Throughout the years, not only has Marsha and Joseph Harris’ children stood out, but so have their parenting skills. Both Marsha and Joseph are used to attending Sweetwater County School District No 2 Board of Trustees meetings to support their children who received honors at those meetings.

For Marsha, the last school board meeting was different because it was her turn to be honored. She received the district’s first “Power Parenting Award.”

Assistant superintendent Jamie Christensen presented Marsha with the district’s first power parenting award.

Christensen said the board asked if there was a way to recognize an outstanding community parent for her contributions she has made through her children over the years in Green River. The answer was the power parenting award.

“I know you probably know her family better than I do,” he said. “I’ve only been here nine years.”

Those who have ever been at a Young Authors awards night know how much her children stand out. They are also involved in a lot of activities as well.

“They are just highly, highly involved,” he said.

“Stuff doesn’t happen by accident with these kids,” Christensen said. “The amount of volunteer service that these kids get involved with is an absolute result of outstanding parenting.”

“It’s a real honor for me to receive it,” Marsha said. “I was the first to receive it. I’m not very comfortable with it, but it was an honor.”

So far, 10 out of the Harris’ 12 children have graduated from Green River High School.

Marsha was quick to give credit were credit it due. She said her youngest, Lilly, who is now in fourth grader, started out with Cindy Brandjord as a kindergarten teacher.

Marsha said she really saw her youngest excel under Brandjord, but that’s not the only great teacher her children had.

“We’ve had excellent teachers all the way through high school,” she said. “I think they allowed for excellent instruction of our children and they have a good rapport with them.”

Marsha also credits her children for her and her husband’s parenting success.

“They are remarkable. They really are. Each of our children has been such a blessing,” Marsha said. “They help us as parents to do our best.”

Marsha and Joseph’s children have been apart of the school district for about 28 years.

Their oldest son, Joseph, is now 33 working as a public administrator in Colorado.

Marsha said when she heard about the award, she wasn’t quite sure what is was all about. Nor did anyone else.

“I think because it’s new and the first time it’s been given,” she said.

Once she found out about the award, it meant even more to her.

“It was really, very kind,” she said.