During the holiday season, many a public school teacher wishes for a gift that will help inspire students to a new year of higher performance. Recognizing that need, Kern County Superintendent of Schools Larry E. Reider annually awards teachers within his organization with classroom minigrants. Dec. 13, teachers in the Special Education and Student Services divisions received 18 minigrants totaling more than $15,000 from Reider in a reception at the superintendent of schools' Bakersfield office. "I love to be able to do this," Reider told the assembled teachers. "This is one award where you can definitely see the fruits of your labor, knowing that these minigrants will help in the education of a lot of children. A wise person once said, 'you will lose good friends, family and health during your lifetime, but education is a gift that can never be taken away from you.'" More