RPA board member named Redmond Citizen of the Year
The Redmond Proficiency Academy announced Thursday that Diana Barker, who serves on the RPA Board of Directors, was named the Redmond Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year for 2017.
The Redmond Chamber of Commerce honored outstanding individuals and businesses for 2018 during its annual banquet on Friday, January 12 at Eagle Crest. Barker has served on the Redmond Proficiency Academy Board of Directors since October 2013.
“I could not agree more with this decision by the Redmond Chamber of Commerce,” said RPA Board President John Esa. “Since Diana joined the Board she has been a constant voice of support; championing efforts made by our school and students. Her ability to work seamlessly with so many different groups makes her invaluable to us as we serve the youth and now we are glad to see that she is being recognized in this capacity for the great value that she brings to the entire city of Redmond.”
Barker’s dedication to community service is extensive. She volunteers her time locally to raise money for important scholarships, including the Redmond Realtor Scholarship and the Redmond Community Concert Scholarship, for the benefit of students from the Redmond community.
“This is an unexpected honor, to say the least, said Barker. “I’ve been inspired my whole life by the many Citizens of the Year who have gone before me and I’m extremely honored to receive this award. My dad risked it all in 1956 to move our family from Portland to Redmond and I’ve always been grateful to have grown up here. Citizen involvement is what makes Redmond shine, and I’m proud to join many others who make a difference every day.”
In addition to working with local organizations and serving on boards, Barker can be seen in the audience supporting students in the community at performing arts and musical productions.
The Oregon School Boards Association has set aside the month of January to honor School Board Members, with the theme of “Superheroes.” She is a community Superhero and will be recognized during the next Board of Directors meeting in front of her peers.
About Redmond Proficiency Academy
The Redmond Proficiency Academy (RPA) is a public charter school operating in the Redmond School District. In its ninth year of operation, RPA serves over 900 students in grades 6-12 from throughout Central Oregon. Using a proficiency-based instructional methodology in a personalized learning environment, RPA strives to prepare all students for success in college and in life.
