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Steamboat Springs — Mary Labor was barely able to hold the five bouquets of flowers given to her by friends and family Monday night, after she was recognized as one of the two 2008-09 Steamboat Springs School District Friends of Education.

"I just thought it was a sweet gesture from a great group of friends and family," Labor said. "And how appropriate for the flower lady."

Labor and Fred Gardner were honored in a ceremony before the Steamboat Springs School Board meeting at Centennial Hall.

Labor was honored for her role with the district's spring flower sale since 1998, the last eight as its organizer. The sale raises money for district groups that aren't covered in the budget. This year, she estimated that each of the six groups she worked with earned between $2,000 and $3,000. Board President Robin Crossan read a statement written by board member Laura Anderson, who nominated Labor but couldn't attend the ceremony.

She keeps records, selects the flowers, creates brochures, organizes volunteers, unloads the flowers on the pick-up day and distributes the money to each group involved, Anderson wrote.

"From uniforms for the girls soccer team to teacher requests at the elementary schools, not only do these efforts support our youth, it also beautifies our community," she wrote.

Gardner and his wife, Denise, started the 5th Quarter program after moving to Steamboat four-and-a-half years ago. The program provides drug- and alcohol-free parties to high school kids after sporting events and extracurricular activities.

Working with the high school's leadership class, Gardner finds volunteers and solicits donations for the program that costs about $6,000 a year.

Board member Denise Connelly said some of those activities have included a night at Excel Gymnastics of Steamboat with sumo wrestling, a coed kickball tournament with a mechanical bull and late-night bowling.

"These are all events that provide a safe place where kids want to be," she said. "We are very grateful to Fred Gardner for all the time and energy he gives to our young people."

After the ceremony, Gardner said he and his wife are stepping away from the program but would like it to continue and will help transition it into new hands. Anyone interested in helping organize the program, assisting with grant writing or making a financial contribution can e-mail Gardner at fgardner@msn.com.

Having received the honor, Labor said she's still flabbergasted. Gardner said he was humbled.

"I don't think I should be singled out because so many people do things in this community," he said.

In other action, board members:

- Approved and adopted the more than $31 million budget.

- Heard a monitoring report from Superintendent Shalee Cunningham about an anonymous survey given to district staff members about hiring and treatment.

- Were told the district's administration requested that any possible salary increases given to them were not done so until after the final student count in October and after staff salaries had been decided. All staff received a step increase, but other salary increases won't be determined until after the final student count.

Cunningham said she was pleased with the results, because they were "so positive."

- Were told by Cunningham that she's still trying to find staff volunteers to work on the district's logistical plan update. Cunningham already has heard from eight members of the community who have expressed interest in being on a staff/community member committee.

- Were told by Cunningham that she's working with a consultant on the district's facility master plan, which will continue through the school year. After it's complete a committee of staff and members of the public will be formed to help dictate the future of some of the district's facilities.

The board doesn't meet again until its two-day workshop Aug. 12 and 13.

- To reach Jack Weinstein, call 871-4203 or e-mail jweinstein@steamboatpilot.com.