In recognition of their support of veterans in the community, Joint Operation Mariposa (JOM) presented the Meritorious School Award to Noxon Schools at last week's school board meeting. JOM vice president Heather Allen presented the award to Noxon School Board Chairman David Pafford and Superintendent Dave Whitesell.

"We intended to award the school last spring, but because of COVID, we had to wait," said JOM president Dave Williams. "The award is for upholding and exhibiting the values of our organization. It's also for supporting us and our mission."

Williams says the award also shows gratitude for the school's support in JOM's columbarium project for the veterans of Sanders County. "The school reached out to help us on that project and we really appreciated their support and all the hard work they've done and we wanted to recognize that," Williams said.

The inaugural Meritorious School Award was created to honor Noxon Schools and also served as the board's first time being able to show their appreciation for all the support they've received from the faculty and students.

"We were very honored to be the recipient of such a prestigious award," Whitesell said. "It goes hand in hand with our work on suicide prevention and awareness."

JOM was created to help veterans in the county through various ways, including art. With the help and collaboration from Noxon Schools during the last three years, Williams says he's been overwhelmed with their participation in helping with his endeavor. "This is our way of saying thank you," he said. "I've painted at every school in the county and Noxon was the one school that asked me to come back."

Pafford appreciated the award from the standpoint as the school's board chairman as well as a member of the Noxon community. "As a community member, to have your local public school recognized for anything, especially an award such as this, goes a long way," Pafford said. "It's a reflection of our students and that reflects the community they are in. Any positive recognition for the kids is a good thing for the community to see." Pafford continued, "As a board chair, I want to be the school of choice and this award is positive news. This is an example for parents to trust us with their kids and to make a school worthy of their education."

The award now paves way for JOM to carry on the acknowledgement to those around the county who have and continue to support their mission. "As the organization grows, if more schools want to participate in our program we would honor them as well," Williams said.

While Pafford currently has the award in his possession and plans to show it off around town, Whitesell says the award will be placed in the front office for everyone to see.

For more information on participating in JOM's programs email, [email protected] or call 406-826-5890.