The Public Education Foundation Releases New Children's Book: "A Hero Named Pat"

The Public Education Foundation released a new children’s book based on the notable life of Pat Mulroy, general manager of the Las Vegas Valley Water District and the Southern Nevada Water Authority. “A Hero Named Pat” is written by Marilyn Dondero Loop. Mike Miller and William Verrill designed and illustrated the book.

The 28-page book made its debut over the weekend at The Public Education Foundation’s 13th annual Education Heroes Award Dinner, where Mulroy was honored. The prestigious Education Hero Award recognizes individuals throughout the State of Nevada who have made significant civic and charitable contributions impacting public education. Also honored at the dinner were international icon Marie Osmond as the Foundation’s first-ever Champion of Children and civil rights pioneer and education advocate Dr. William H. “Bob” Bailey as the Lifetime Education Achievement Award recipient.

The Public Education Foundation began publishing the “Heroes Series” books in 2006 with “A Hero Named Thalia” in honor of the Foundation’s 2006 Education Hero, Thalia Dondero, a former Clark County commissioner and former member of the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents. The Heroes Series is dedicated to telling the stories of the special men and women who have helped shape Nevada and remained steadfast in their commitment to public education. The second book, “A Hero Named Bruce,” was published in honor of Bruce Woodbury, the 2007 Education Hero and Clark County commissioner. Last year’s book, “A Hero Named Jan,” put the spotlight on Jan Jones, former Las Vegas mayor.

“It is rewarding to bring attention to our community’s heroes and expose our children to their accomplishments,” said Judi Steele, president of The Public Education Foundation. “Pat understands the key to our community’s long-term sustainability is education. She has sought ways to teach children about Southern Nevada’s water resources, ecology and history by providing environmental curriculum to our schools and offering schools free field trips to the Springs Preserve among many other endeavors aimed at helping students and teachers. With her leadership, vision and determination, Pat is a remarkable role model for our children.”

As with the other Hero Series books, the Foundation is placing a copy of “A Hero Named Pat” in each Clark County public library and in the libraries of all elementary and middle schools in the Clark County School District.

Copies of all four books in the Hero Series are available for purchase by the public online for $25, including shipping and handling, at www.thepef.org. The book was published by The Public Education Foundation Press and is printed on recycled paper.

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