HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Col. Bryan Callahan, 49th Wing vice commander, received the New Mexico School Board Association Student Achievement Award due to his hard work as the ‘ex-officio’ on the Alamogordo Public School Board, May 19, in Alamogordo, New Mexico.
This award, presented by local school boards, recognizes school leaders, staff, and other individuals who have played an important role in student achievement at a local level. Callahan was chosen for this award out of the 99 school districts in the state.
He served as an ambassador between the base and APS school board which proved to be vital in making improvements to Holloman AFB and the local community, including developing a relationship between the APS Board, breaking ground for the new elementary school, and getting the funding for a new middle school at Holloman AFB.
“I’m honored,” said Callahan. “However, it’s the people like the Education Advisory Council and LaurieAnn Goodier, Holloman AFB School Liaison, who are investing whole-heartedly in our kids that earned this award.”
The U.S. Department of Defense’s Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation funds only 50 projects per year. Holloman Middle School was prioritized at number 50 on the Military Installations assessment. The prioritization of schools is assessed on the severity of the condition and capacity deficiencies to award fiscal resources to public schools on military installations.
The approval for a new middle school will not only eliminate the costly upkeep of an aging building, but will also improve the quality of life and educational services for students on Holloman Air Force Base.
“The commitment Col. Callahan had was truly exceptional, “said Angela Cadwallader, APS Board of Directors president. “He was dedicated to the education of the children of APS. It was a privilege to work with him.”