Iowa School for the Deaf interpreter honored

From: Council Bluffs Daily Nonpareil - Council Bluffs,IA,USA - Dec 17, 2004

BRIEN T. BOYCE, Staff Writer
12/17/2004

AMES - An interpreter with the Iowa School for the Deaf was awarded the Iowa Board of Regents' Staff Excellence Award Wednesday evening.

Karene Christenson, a communication specialist and educational interpreter with ISD, was one of five individuals recognized from each of the Regents' institutions at a special banquet.

Christenson was recognized for her willingness to take on additional responsibilities, and does so with pleasure, said Principal Rebecca Stafford.

"Karene's enthusiasm for doing what is best for our students is what makes her stand out," Stafford said. "She has gone out of her way to keep both the elementary and high school libraries open and running efficiently."

Stafford added Christenson's efficiency is seen as she maintains both libraries on ISD's campus in addition to keeping up her interpreter job.

Outside of her duties with ISD, Christenson maintains many community affiliations, including positions with the Iowa Western Community College Interpreter Training Board and a support service provider for the American Association of the Deaf-Blind. She is also a co-sponsor of ISD's senior class.

If her involvement in the community wasn't enough, Christenson is also a student. She is currently attending Peru State College working toward her bachelor's degree in K-9 education. She has also expressed an interest in obtaining another degree to become a media specialist, and even becoming ISD's librarian.

©Daily Nonpareil 2004