Joan has been married to husband Jerry for 32 years and they own their own business, Unique Images, Awards & Embroidery. After 37 years of teaching, Jerry recently retired from the L'Anse Area Schools. They have 3 children, all graduates of L'Anse High School and 5 grandchildren, 2 of whom attend the C.J. Sullivan Elementary School.

BETH DIX
I am a native to the L'Anse area, graduating from LHS in 1984. I completed four years of college education and later worked in the real estate business for 12 years. My husband Dave and I have four children, Jordan 16, Cassie 13, Samuel 10 and Sarah 8. Before becoming a school board member, I was active in the school, substitute teaching and volunteering. The interaction with the students was a highlight for me. I continue to be active in the elementary PTO and serve as the organization's president. Pursuing a seat on the school board was important to me because of the interest that I have in the education of my children. It is a privilege to be working towards a common goal of quality education with the fine teachers, staff, administration, parents, students, and fellow school board members of L'Anse Area Schools.

LESTER DRIFT
Mr. Drift has been a member of the L'Anse Area Schools Board of Education since July of 2004, and is the Board representative to the Library Advisory Board and a member of the Educational Resource Committee. He is the owner of Drift Roofing Company. He and his wife, Frances have numerous children who have attended and graduated from the L'Anse Area Schools. He participates in Native American Pow-wow activities both locally and regionally as a dancer in full regalia. Mr. Drift is a proponent of the Ojibwe Language and Culture and brings with him an understanding of that culture to the L'Anse Area Schools Board of Education.

ANNE KOSKI
My husband Steve and I have been life long residents of L'Anse. We have three children one of whom is still within the L'Anse School system and the older two have graduated. We own and run our own sporting goods business in town, Indian Counrty Sports.

Both Steve and I are very active within the community. Volunteering is part of our lifestyle. Becoming a board member was not a hard decision. We all need to support our school system and be involved in the decision process. The only way to do that is to educate oneself and be involved. Getting to know how school systems are run will become an interesting experience.

RENE' LEHTO
I graduated from Negaunee High School in 1968. I worked for the L'Anse Area Schools for over 29 years as the high school secretary. I have always been interested in the education of our young people and look forward to serving the L'Anse Area Schools as a Board of Education member. I am sure it will be a valuable learning experience.

My husband Hugo and I moved to L'Anse in 1969 and raised our four daughters. They all graduated from L'Anse High School, and now all live in L'Anse. L'Anse provided a good, solid education to all of my children. I have nine grandchildren in the L'Anse schools, the oldest granddaughter will graduating with the Class of 2008.

PATRICIA LOOSEMORE
Patricia (Patty) lives in L'Anse with her husband Doug and four children, Aaron 19, Courtney 17, and twins Miles and Nathan 10. She is graduating her second child from LHS in 2005. Patty has an Associates Degree in business and is currently working toward a Bachelors Degree in Accounting. She works full-time as an administrative assistant for the Baraga County Road Commission. She joined the school board in February, 2003. As a school board member, her desire is to see that all students in the L'Anse School District are offered a "well-rounded" education ensuing them success in their endeavors during high school and beyond.

CARRIE LOU THOMAS
We moved to L'Anse 29 years ago from Northern Illinois and have owned and operated Thomas Ford Motor for all of those years. I have been active in various ways in the community as well as in my church. I have been a church organist for 48 years.

I chaired the citizen committee REACH: (Rebuilding Education and Community Hope)that resulted in the passing of a $9 1/2 million dollar bond issue to build and remodel our schools. This is my 3rd year on the L'Anse Area School Board.