At its annual fall meeting, Merrill Area Public Schools superintendent Don Stevens was presented with the Rural Advocacy Award.

The award is presented by the Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance of which Stevens was a founding member and also served as president. The alliance was created to meet the unique needs of rural schools throughout the state. It is supported by CESA districts, UW-Oshkosh, the UW System and rural school districts in the state.

In a letter of nomination written by the Lodi superintendent, Charles Pursell talked about the leadership exhibited by Stevens on behalf of rural schools. Pursell said, “ (Don) worked diligently and fought hard to provide quality programs and opportunities for youth in his districts.”

This is the first Rural Advocacy Award and Pursell said it is appropriate that Stevens get the first honor.