August 5, 2010 -- The Lorain County JVS Board of Education President, Mary Kathryn Karpus, is being honored by the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) with their Award of Achievement at their spring conference.

The Award of Achievement is given to school board members in recognition of their commitment to training and leadership activities on their boards of education and region and statewide OSBA activities.

In addition, last year Mrs. Karpus was honored with the Master Board Member Award, given to school board members who dedicate themselves to improving their boardmanship skills and knowledge. All Master Board Members must first earn OSBA's Award of Achievement. The Master Board Member is only awarded once to an individual and is recognized for life.

Mrs. Karpus, who has been an 8-year member of both the JVS and Elyria Boards of Education, has also held additional community leadership positions including Chairman of the Lorain County Salvation Army Advisory Board; past Lieutenant Governor of the Ohio District Kiwanis Club; and past president of the Elyria City Schools Endowment Board.

"Professionally developed board members can be more effective in the advancement of policies that remove barriers to education and encourage more individuals to seek out educational opportunities," stated Karpus. "Education is the foundation for the future of Lorain County and Northeast Ohio and we must demonstrate leadership that will position our educational institutions to capitalize on emerging opportunities in our region. The emphasis of our schools must remain on raising the bar for academic achievement and workforce development."

Mrs. Karpus resides in Elyria with her husband Howard, and sons Joshua and Jonathan.