Congratulations to the 2011 B.E.S.T. Kids!

For the last 18 years, the Northern Nevada Chamber of Commerce (formerly the Sparks Chamber of Commerce) and their Business Education Skills Training Committee have honored students from the four Sparks middle schools.  This year, we are included four middle schools from Reno.

The kids are selected based on attitude and behavior, not popularity, athletic talent or academic ability.  They reflect a broad base of students including those that volunteer, are helpful, are overcoming odds, and so forth.  The selection is done by the entire staff:  bus drivers, cafeteria personnel, crossing guards, librarians . . . all involved in that child’s everyday routine, not just their teachers.

The goal of the B.E.S.T. Kids program is to encourage traits that will make these students invaluable to their employers, their communities and their country.

The nominees will receive certificates at our annual B.E.S.T. Kids Reception and Barbeque. This Barbeque, which is provided by Terrible’s Rail City Casino, was attended by the student and their parents. They also received prizes and gifts from many of our sponsors.

In addition, this year the B.E.S.T. Kids had the opportunity to meet the high school students that will be awarded Northern Nevada Chamber of Commerce scholarships for their university studies – an experience we believe will enhance their desire to keep up with their school work, become a graduate and look forward to becoming a proud professional.

We are very proud of this program and appreciate the participation we receive from the Washoe County School District, the community and, most importantly, the parents.  We look forward every year to helping make this event memorable for the students and their families.

Len Stevens
Executive Director, Northern
Nevada Chamber of Commerce