The Parkland Education Association recently honored its first Friend of Education - Robert E. Bold.

The honor was bestowed at a dinner of the Lehigh-Northampton Counties local association of the Pennsylvania State Education Association.

Bold has been a member of the Parkland School Board since 1999.

He served as president of the board five terms and vice- president three terms.

He leads the Buildings and Grounds Committee and is the legislative liaison for Region 8. He was a founding school board representative to the Parkland Education Foundation for six years.

Bold received the honor Master School Board Director from the Pennsylvania State Education Association.

Bold is president of the Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit 21 board, a position he has held for several years.

After working in private industry, Bold began his career in education at the Harrison Morton print shop in 1968.

He then moved on to William Allen High School where he spent most of his teaching years.

He retired in 1998 after 30 years of service with the Allentown School District.

At the May 15 board meeting, Parkland Education Association President Sandi Gackenbach commented on Bold’s accomplishments.

“Bob is not just a friend of education, he is a champion for children,” Gackenbach said. “Bob has been busy but he has never been too busy for children.

“He puts the children of our school district first and supports them by supporting the administration and educators in the Parkland School District, which makes me proud to honor Mr. Robert E. Bold as Parkland Education Association’s first Friend of Education,” said Gackenbach.

Board president David Kennedy joined in the kudos to Bold.

“Congratulations, Bob,” Kennedy said. “It’s well deserved.”

Business Manager John Vignone echoed the sentiments.

“Bob, you’re one of a kind,” Vignone said.

Bold offered his thoughts.

“I hope I can continue serving children in Parkland School District for awhile yet,” Bold said.