2006 Oregon Community Educator Association’s Award
Program Nominee: Mr. Bob Chicken

Valley Harald Special Section May 26, 2006

Nominated for Community Volunteer of the Year.
Bob chicken is being nominated for recognition at the 2006 Oregon Community Education Association’s awards program. Bob is being nominated for his enthusiastic and wide spread support for Service Learning and other contextual learning in Northeastern Oregon. His most recent project is being the community partner with the City of Milton-Freewater, the Milton-Freewater School District, and various citizens to turn a creek and property adjacent to Ferndale Elementary School into an outdoor science lab that can be used by school classes and citizens in the Milton-Freewater area.

Bob has a Bachelors degree in Forestry from the University of Idaho and postgraduate work and silviculture certification from the University of Idaho, University of Montana, and Washington State University. But, Bob’s true gift is that of service to the community through creating and facilitating youth education by allowing the textbooks to “come alive” when the student interacts with the environment by applying what is learned in the classroom. One of the goals is to give students a glimpse of various careers. Bob is exposing the youth to careers in math, science and communications by proving patience and his gift of positive encouragement!

Statements of Bob’s Contributions:
Walla Walla Basin Watershed Council
Bob has worked tirelessly to create interesting hands-on watershed, science, forestry, history, math, and career development lessons for the Milton-Freewater school students. He works with teachers to plan activities in class and on field trips that fit in with the Oregon State Curriculum Standards. He spends many hours preparing for classes and convincing volunteers from various agencies and groups to come and share their expertise with students.

Marilyn McBride – Superintendent of Milton-Freewater Schools
Bob chicken is so “a breast” of things related to natural science! In my experiences with him over numerous years, he is so resourceful. What a great resource for our staff and students.

Ferndale Teacher
Bob chicken has been instrumental in helping us create a Natural Science Land lab on Ferndale School property. In the fall of 2003, Mr. Chicken met with teachers to help create goals and objectives. He then led small groups of 4th, 5th and 6th grade students, and adults, while clearing land of noxious weeds and blackberries. In 2004-2005, he is talking small groups of students and planting native species and mapping the area. He also started Ferndale’s Science Club.

Heather – Ferndale Student
I am a student at Ferndale Elementary School. I have worked with Mr. Chicken in science and in math. He is a great teacher. He has taught us grids, measurements, plants, and about the ecosystem. He’s also taught us about animals, skeletons, native plants, and technology – like how to do spreadsheets, water quality and temperature probs.

Note: Bob Chicken was awarded in May of 2006.