Teachers to be honored in virtual ceremony

Fourteen Humboldt County teachers will receive Excellence In Teaching awards in a virtual ceremony tonight at 7 p.m. Colleagues, friends and family members are encouraged to watch online at https://hcoe.org/awards.

The Humboldt County Office of Education has sponsored this annual celebration since 1986, recognizing outstanding educators nominated by colleagues, students, parents or school administrators.

The 2021 Excellence In Teaching Award recipients are Davena Bagnall, Arcata High; Diane Blanchard, Pine Hill School; Sean Curry, McKinleyville High; Jennifer Fowler, Eureka High; Jeweline Huddleston, Walker Elementary; Chanel Leipzig, Morris Elementary; Lynne Mahoney, Glen Paul School, HCOE; Tara Ralulu, Six Rivers Charter High School; Brooke Raven, Fortuna High; Jill Rohn, Pacific Coast High School; Terri Silvers, Washington Elementary; Mauro Staiano, Eureka High; Lisa Stockwell, Scotia Elementary; and Tess Yinger, Peninsula Union Elementary.

Three additional educators will receive a Jean Olson Career Achievement Award, recognizing an exceptional veteran or retired teacher for lifelong contributions to public education, children and the community. This award — established in 1995 — was dedicated in 1998 to the memory of longtime county Board of Education member and president, Jean Olson, who died that year. This year’s winners are Cathy Dickerson, Humboldt County Office of Education; Ann Lawlor, Blue Lake Union School; and Sharon Ross, Scotia Union School District.

Each honoree will have the chance to talk about their acknowledgement. 2020 Humboldt County Teacher of the Year and California 2021 Teacher of the Year Nora Wynne and Humboldt County Superintendent of Schools Chris Hartley will also speak. For more information, go to https://hcoe.org/excellence-in-teaching/.