Last Updated on Tuesday, October 07, 2008 at 5:01 AM
News Release 08-084 - October 6, 2008
(FRANKFORT, Ky.) – Laura McGrail, lead school psychologist for the Henderson County school district, is the recipient of the fifth annual Dr. Samuel Robinson Award, presented today by the Kentucky Board of Education at its meeting in Frankfort.
To honor retiring board member Samuel Robinson and to celebrate the Brown vs. Board of Education decision of 1954, the Kentucky Board of Education established the Dr. Samuel Robinson Award in 2004. The annual award is conferred on an individual or organization in Kentucky for demonstrating outstanding commitment, service and leadership in promoting opportunities to learn at high levels for all Kentucky students.
McGrail has served as school psychologist for more than 20 years. She created the district’s Autism Consultation Team, helped develop a high school Work Transition Program and served as a liaison between the school district and local physicians. McGrail also is a founding member of the West Kentucky Chapter of the Autism Society of America and of the Henderson County Children’s Advocacy Center.
Bonnie Kitchens, Henderson County director of special education, nominated McGrail, saying, “Laura has proven herself to be an outstanding leader with a desire and passion for equity and opportunity in education."
Rob Carroll, principal of South Heights Elementary in Henderson County, said, "I have worked with Laura for 16 years, and I have found her to put students first in every decision that she has been a part of over that time period."
Three Kentucky Board of Education members -- Dorie Combs, Jeanne Ferguson and Austin Moss -- served as this year's selection committee.
Former recipients of the Dr. Samuel Robinson Award are:
2004 (joint recipients) Sen. Gerald A. Neal of Louisville and the One Community, One Voice Achievement and Closing the Gap Community Committee of Fayette County
2005 Robert Smotherman, superintendent of the Bardstown Independent school district
2006 (joint recipients) Marlene Helm, Ed.D, former interim dean of the Eastern Kentucky University College of Education and Rep. Frank Rasche of Paducah
2007 Kathy Reed, member of the Bardstown Independent School Board
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