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Templeton schools recognize Benny Simons 

-Special from the Soaring Eagle Press-

Benny Simons named 2014 Phi Delta Kappa Lay Person of the Year

Benny Simons

Benny and Sandy Simons. Photo © Soaring Eagle Press 2014 – All rights reserved.

Benny Simons was recognized as the 2014 Phi Delta Kappa Lay Person of the Year at Thursday night’s Templeton school board meeting.

“Benny Simons has been an incredible asset to the community and schools of Templeton Unified School District, giving countless hours of service to multiple programs including TEF (Templeton Education Foundation), FFA, and the [Templeton Eagles] Athletic Boosters Club,” said Superintendent Joe Koski in his prepared information for the board meeting. “What makes his contributions even more impressive is that Benny has done this for many years – long past his children’s time in the schools.” Templeton High School (THS) Principal Andrew Cherry recounted some of Simons many contributions over the years that include in part:

  • Assisted Head Coach Shawn Koehler for at least 6 years with the TMS Girls Varsity and JV Basketball Teams
  • Provided emergency service to Templeton schools facilities when needed
  • Coordinated the purchase, installation, and setup of the Snack Shack at Eagles Volunteer Stadium – taking it from the original tables and warmers set up in the middle of the softball practice field to a professional food preparation and sales area that now grosses an average of $25K per season
  • Coordinated construction of the BBQ used in the food preparation at the Snack Shack at Volunteer Stadium
  • Coordinated the donation and installation of the awning covering the BBQ area
  • Coordinated and installed the Spirit Shack adjacent to the home-side bleachers that provide a protected area to store the clothing and other Templeton spirit type items that are for sale during games
  • Coordinated the installation of bricks purchased by donors for the betterment of Volunteer Stadium
  • Provided personal funding for additional educational scholarships through the Athletic Boosters – beyond those offered by the Boosters
  • Shared in providing funds for the purchase and installation of backboards for the TMS Gym
  • And both Benny and his wife Sandy have worked in the Snack Shack for several years

Cherry also shared that Simons could always be counted on, always arrived with a positive team-oriented attitude, and was always quick to greet others with a smile and a warm welcome. “Benny is the type of man that makes a small community vibrant,” continued Koski’s written comments. “He does not do anything in an effort to seek out personal attention or to attract the limelight for himself.”

“I believe he gives in order to make the community he calls home a better place for all,” concluded Koski. “Thank you Benny! We are proud to honor you as our Phi Delta Kappa Lay Person of the Year.”

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