WILLOW WOOD – She’s only been on the job for four days, but Carrie Cheek has already eased into her new role as the education coordinator at the Lawrence Soil and Water Conservation District.

Thursday, June 14, 2001

WILLOW WOOD – She’s only been on the job for four days, but Carrie Cheek has already eased into her new role as the education coordinator at the Lawrence Soil and Water Conservation District.

"So far," Cheek said, "it’s been interesting." She said this week that she and other staff members have been working on the agency’s booth for the county’s fair. In addition to preparing for the fair, she’s been working on the district’s newsletter, "The Hillsider."

She’s also looking forward to her work this fall when area school’s go back in session. This is when Cheek will have time to break in her skills at teaching. With her position, she will have the opportunity to speak to the county’s schools on a range of conservation topics.

She said that one of her main goals for the upcoming school year is to get more school involvement in programs sponsored by the agency.

Her background will come in handy at her new job. Cheek is a 2000 graduate of the University of Rio Grande in Rio Grande, Ohio, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in biology. Even though this marks the first job she’s had in the field, Cheek isn’t a stranger to Lawrence County. Her mother, Barb, is a biology teacher at Rock Hill High School and her aunt, Patty, works at the courthouse in the assessor’s office.

Cheek filled the position formerly held by Matthew Capper.

Capper recently stepped up to the district technician’s position after that job became vacant. Capper has worked as the education coordinator for the district since 1996.