Vickii Brock is Duneland Distinguished Woman: Vickii Brock (right), long-time educator, school administrator, Parents As Teachers director and community volunteer, was honored Saturday evening as a Duneland Distinguished Woman. The award was presented at the Duneland Chamber of Commerce annual banquet. Ellen Firme, previous Athena Award winner, presented the award to Brock. (Tribune photo by Dana Gilbertson)

Each year the Duneland Chamber of Commerce honors a woman in the community who has given of herself, both professionally and as a volunteer, to better the community and provide leadership and support for other women.

This year the Chamber has honored Vickii Brock with the Duneland Distinguished Woman Award.

“I am so honored to receive this award,” Brock said today, thanking the committee who made the selection.

“I’m very pleased with the change in the name of it. I think it more accurately reflects our community. It shows the pride we take in our community.”

Brock recently retired, capping her education career with three years as executive director of the Parents As Teachers program.

Brock also previously served as a school librarian at Westchester Middle School for 18 years, then as an administrator at Mentone High School in Mentone, Indiana from 1986 to ’88; as assistant principal from 1988 to ‘94 at Rogers High School in Michigan City and then assistant principal at Barker High School from 1994 to ‘99.

Brock was initially a volunteer in 2001 with PAT, after her retirement. With the funding crisis, after the bankruptcy of Bethlehem Steel, Brock worked with former director Labrine Lucas to keep the program going and then took over the directorship, which she shared with Barb Crumpacker-Niedner.

When Crumpacker-Niedner accepted a position with the Valparaiso University Social Work department for the 2005-06 school year, Brock carried the load alone.

Brock’s philosophy throughout her education career has been one of inclusiveness and supportive instruction. Every parent, no matter what their educational background or financial status, can use some guidance, because, as Brock is fond of saying, “Kids don’t come with instruction manuals.”

Brock’s inventiveness, tenacity and good cheer have also carried her into other volunteer efforts.

Brock is involved in a number of philanthropic community organizations including the Duneland YMCA, the Duneland Teachers Association, the Porter County Retired Teachers Association and the Porter County Recycling and Waste Reduction District Advisory Committee. She is also serving as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, representing neglected children in the Porter County court system.

She has also served as president of the Duneland Exchange Club and as the Exchange Club’s District president.

Posted 1/29/2007