You’ve got to get with the program if you want to succeed, and that means being computer literate.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a warehouseman or a rocket scientist, there’s a computer program for everything and it’s never too early to log on and discover the world that lies beyond the screen.
Knowing this – and all too aware that money is tight at Schenck Elementary School – Lola Salazar provided the money for her alma mater to purchase 100 computers with Smart Tutor software. The Schenck family thanked her by naming its new computer literacy lab after her.
In the Lola Lit Lab, students will use the computer software to improve their reading and writing skills. “It’s a fun, individualized and interactive way for them to learn,” observed technology teacher Ian Yates at a recent thank-you celebration in Salazar’s honor.
Salazar is president of the Salazar Family Foundation and a member of the School Partners Program administered by the Denver Public Schools Foundation. With her husband, Rob, she has long been active in helping children from low-income families receive the best education possible.
The celebration included a dedication of the Lola Lit Lab, conducted by principal Kristin Nelson-Steinhoff and Yates, followed by mariachi music and a tamale and enchilada luncheon prepared by faculty, staff and parents. A framed photo of Schenck students spelling out “Thank You Lola” was given to her.
The School Partners Program began in 21 schools during the 2006-07 school year; it has now expanded to 43 schools and is underwritten by the Qwest Foundation.
Also noteworthyThe Junior League Holiday Mart runs Friday through Sunday at the Denver Merchandise Mart. Tickets can be purchased at the door … Volunteers of America benefits from the Dec. 1 MAX Fashion Show held at Exdo Event Center, 3500 Walnut St. Co-chairs Kathy Gallion and Diane Jacobson say that all of the $250 front-row seats have been sold, but others at lower price points remain. Learn more at … “Outstanding Youthful Voices” is the theme for Opera on a Dec. 4 brunch put on by Denver Lyric Opera Guild. Tickets for the 10 a.m. event at Glenmoor Country Club are $26, and reservations can be made by sending checks for that amount, payable to DLOG, to Karen Mohr, 6226 W. Jefferson Ave., Denver 80235 … Drag Queen Bingo returns to Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret on Dec. 7, with proceeds going to the Rocky Mountain Multiple Sclerosis Center. Tickets are $35, and there are two seatings, one at 6 p.m. and the other at 9 p.m., according to the sponsoring MS Young Professionals Network … Jackie Norris, executive director of Metro Volunteers, was honored as the Outstanding Professional in Philanthropy at the National Philanthropy Day Luncheon last week. One thousand people were on hand to see additional honors given to Alpine Bank of Colorado, InsureMe, the Bonfils-Stanton Foundation, Kathy Loo, John McConnell, Shirley Bradsby, Danielle Graham and the B.I.O.N.I.C. Team from Green Mountain High School in Lakewood.
Society editor Joanne Davidson: 303-809-1314 or jdavidson@denverpost.com; also davidson.
