Camp Sherman honors Jon Sheldahl

The Camp Sherman Community Association (CSCA) honored Jon Sheldahl as the Camp Sherman Volunteer of the Year for 2006-07 at its annual meeting on July 1.

The association chose Sheldahl because of his "consistent and dedicated service to the Camp Sherman community," according to Bruce Shaull, Treasurer of the Camp Sherman Community Association Board of Directors.

"He has been a member of the Black Butte School Board since 1990, serves on the CSCA Board, has put in months of service in the renovation of the Community Hall and the Pioneer Ford CCC Shelter and has volunteered for the Transfer Center, the Fire District Budget Committee and the Historical Society. Jon is one of those people who will get something done. I think everyone in Camp Sherman knows Jon."

Sheldahl's first career in Camp Sherman was as Postmaster, from 1988 until his retirement in 1999. He was elected to the school board in 1990, when there was not a single computer in the school. With an advanced degree in education, Sheldahl recognized how important it was for a small, rural school to be technologically up-to-date.

"Now," he said, "each student has a computer. We use distance learning for subjects like languages and higher math. Students use the school's resources to produce award-winning DVDs, and we're installing interactive technology to increase the effectiveness of our teachers."

Sheldahl says that he continues to volunteer because he enjoys seeing projects from start to finish.

"Without volunteers," he said, "much work in Camp Sherman couldn't be done."