Oakdale Junior High School’s final staff meeting was highlighted with the announcement of the recipients of the Joyce Reed Living Memorial Sunshine Citizen of the Year Award. The award this year was doubled with honorees Anne Whitman and Mary Ann Fisher both being chosen by their peers.

Anne Whitman has been a math teacher with OJHS for many years. She began her career with the Oakdale District in 1996. She grew up in the Modesto area, attended Davis High School and Stanislaus State University. Whitman has worked in the Oasis Program and assisted with the lunch programs. Her hobbies include painting and drawing. She is married to Ron and she has two daughters and two step-sons. She is also blessed with four grandchildren. She will be retiring from OJHS this year and has plans which include enjoying family and friends.

Mary Ann Fisher, OJHS Attendance Clerk of 22 years, is the second recipient. During her tenure she has kept accurate accounts of students’ attendance, and reports to County and State offices. Fisher has worked with the Oakdale District since 1997. She grew up in the Oakdale area and is a graduate of Oakdale High School. She is married to John Fisher and her children are Kelly and Brandon, and Michelle, Zachary. She is blessed with grandchildren Harper, Ade, Charlotte and Jeremiah. She is looking forward in retirement to traveling and enjoying family and friends.

The Joyce Reed Living Memorial Sunshine Citizen of the Year Award was established in 2000, when Reed retired, as a symbol of those that follow to engage in teaching excellence, student service, campus leadership, and community youth involvement. The award has been awarded since to teachers, staff members, custodial staff, office, educational support persons and whomever the staff votes to receive the honor.

The recipients receive their name engraved on the plaque, which is on the wall at the junior high office, a memento gift and a $50 cash gift.