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Our Lifetime Education Achievement Honorees

	2009 Dr. William H. “Bob” Bailey Las Vegas would be a much different city today if it weren’t for the fateful day in 1955 when Dr. William H. “Bob” Bailey arrived in our small desert town and decided to make it his home. While he came to entertain the crowds at the Moulin Rouge, he would soon use his powerful voice to lead many to equality by opening front doors, advocating for education, providing job training, creating new career opportunities and fighting for much-needed civil rights laws. Bob’s passion for justice, commitment for change and deep appreciation of education has inspired generations of people.
	2008 Dr. Brian Cram Director of Educational and Community Initiatives, Greenspun Family Foundation Hundreds of thousands of students in Clark County have been influenced by Dr. Brian Cram’s steadfast leadership and educational magic. For eleven years, Brian was at the helm of the Clark County School District, steering it through a period of unprecedented growth and new challenges. Today, he continues to be a champion of education, harnessing the power of collaboration between public entities and dedicated corporate citizens.
	2007 Dr. Lois Tarkanian Councilwoman, City of Las Vegas Dr. Lois Tarkanian has devoted her life to public education. She has served as a classroom teacher, administrator, school board trustee and community leader for more than half a century. She has committed much of her energy, time and resources to ensuring children with special needs receive appropriate educational services. Lois has created many innovative and nationally recognized programs such as the first early childhood inclusion program at the College of Southern Nevada and the Espanol para ti FLES video program for the Clark County School District. She was a founding member of The Public Education Foundation and serves on its board of directors.
	2006 Earvin “Magic” Johnson Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Magic Johnson Enterprises For more than 20 years, Earvin “Magic” Johnson has spent countless hours bridging the gap in inner-city communities across the nation. As chairman and founder of the Magic Johnson Foundation, he has developed innovative programs that are improving urban conditions in communities in the areas of education, health and the social needs of children and young adults. Since 1991, more than 800 college scholarships have been distributed to deserving minority students by the Magic Johnson Foundation’s Taylor Michaels Scholarship Program.
	2005 William E. Martin Vice Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, Service1st Bank of Nevada With a clear vision of the future and strong sense of community, William E. “Bill” Martin has spent a lifetime creating programs and initiatives that have enriched the lives of our public school children. He was an original member of the School-Community Partnership Program advisory board and served as its chairman for 14 years. In 1988, Bill led a successful campaign for passage of the second largest school bond issue in the history of the United States allowing the construction of 79 new schools in Clark County. He has served on the board of directors of The Public Education Foundation since 1999 and organized the Stay-in-School Mentoring Program.
	2004 Claudine Williams Former Chairman, Community Affairs, Harrah’s Las Vegas Claudine Williams was a remarkable woman whose leadership and generosity will be associated forever with the best of Las Vegas. The path Claudine paved throughout her life has opened doors for women and inspired them to succeed, not only in the gaming industry, but also in other arenas perceived impenetrable. Her lifelong support of education included service on many boards, including the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Foundation board of trustees and The Public Education Foundation. She was a founding member of St. Jude’s Ranch for Children and donated major funds to UNLV for its dormitory construction project. An extraordinary woman, Claudine Williams built a legacy of unparalleled commitment to the successful education of Clark County’s children.
	2003 Ann Lynch Vice President, Government Relations, Sunrise Health System Throughout her life and career, Ann Lynch has been actively involved in education and worked with unwavering purpose for the children of our community and our nation. She was the former president of the National PTA and past member of President George H. W. Bush’s Education Advisory Commission. A founding member of The Public Education Foundation, Ann was responsible for establishing and growing the Foundation’s grant programs. These grants benefit teachers, administrators and support staff and touch the lives of thousands of children. Her educational impact was formally acknowledged in 1990 when the Ann T. Lynch Elementary School opened in Las Vegas.