Gillespie Golden Onion recipients named

Gillespie Golden Onion recipients named
Berney Elementary physical education teacher Ryan Van Dyke, Pioneer Explorer Program teacher Dan Calzaretta, and Walla Walla High School science teacher Pamela McBride recently received 2011-2012 Gillespie Golden Onion awards as recognition for their outstanding service to Walla Walla students.

Longtime Walla Walla residents Dr. Mike Gillespie and his wife Sue recently established the "Golden Onion Award" to provide school supplies, equipment and professional development funds to Walla Walla educators.

The "Golden Onion Award" is presented annually to three district teachers representing elementary (P-5), middle school (6-8) and high school (9-12) grade levels. Each recipient will receive $500 for use in their classroom or to better their teaching skills.

The awards are peer nominated and peer judged. These outstanding staff were honored at the Back to School All Staff meeting August 30. The Gillespie Teacher Development Fund is a component fund of the Blue Mountain Community Foundation with underlying investment at Edward Jones.