Patty and Mike Schend were presented with the award “Friends in Education” by the Oregon Retired Educators Association at their annual state convention, held May 6-7, this year in Hood River. Making the presentation was Sue Hukari, Unit 20, OREA member.

Hukari cited Patty Schend’s educational experience, spanning 35 years of teaching: As a teacher for the North Dakota School for the Blind, special education teacher in East Forks, Minn., Hood River County School District special needs, and third and fourth grade teacher at both Mid Valley and May Street elementary schools. She retired in 2010 and has been involved with the Hood River Lions Club and has performed in the Lions Follies, in the Hood River Elks Club and St. Mary’s Altar Society and choir. She was additionally given the Oregon Lions Vision and Fellowship Award.