PORT ANGELES — High school science teacher John Gallagher has been named the recipient of the Port Angeles Education Foundation’s Distinguished Service Award.
Gallagher received the award at the education foundation’s annual fundraising dinner in April.
“John Gallagher is widely recognized as an outstanding educator,” said Steve Charno, foundation past president.
Among his honors are Washington State Science Teacher of 2009, finalist for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, and KONP Teacher of the Month.
He also serves as the regional representative for the Washington Science Teachers Association.
“In addition to being a classroom maestro, he strives to extend student exposure to and involvement in the fields of geology and astronomy by seeking and securing grants to fund enhancement programs,” Charno said.
“That effort includes half a dozen successful applications to our school and teacher grant program.”
Gallagher also runs educational outreach programs in cooperation with the education foundation, as well as the North Olympic Library System, Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts, Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce, Olympic National Park and NatureBridge (formerly Olympic Park Institute).
“John’s devotion to education is not limited to the sciences,” Charno said.
“He deeply believes in supporting positive student effort and is involved in ensuring that virtually no student achievement or accomplishment goes unrecognized.”
Gallagher “cares deeply about the students with whom he works,” Charno said.
Funds raised
The dinner raised funds through sponsorships, ticket sales and “Pass the Hat” for math.
“Pass the Hat” brought in $3,358 for math education.
Donations were made by longtime supporters. Capt. Ira Hearst Coen Jr. and his wife, Jerolyn, donated $1,000 for science programs.
Robert and Ruth Worley gave $5,000 to the Basic Needs Fund.
The keynote speaker, former astronaut George D. “Pinky” Nelson — who is now program director of science, math and technology education at Western Washington University — talked about his own exploration of science during his presentation “Oh, the Places I’ve Gone, and the Things I’ve Learned.”
“Pinky has been a leader for the past decade of science reform and was instrumental in establishing the current inquiry science program in Washington state based on the life, physical, Earth and space science standards,” Gallagher said.
Sponsors
The Celebrate Education event was sponsored by Andy and Eleanor Geiger, David Rogers, Dr. Joe Corn and Maureen Sandison, Dr. Kara and Mark Urnes, Dr. Larry and Jacki Gordon, Dr. Lynn Geren, Dr. Mary Ann and Gene Unger, Dr. Peter Erickson and Harriet Shafer, Dr. Roger and Maura Oakes, Family Medicine of Port Angeles, Green Crow Timber LLC, Hallet Advisors, Kris and Nola Grier, Laurel Dental Clinic, Leslie Spotkov, Peninsula Children’s Clinic, Port Angeles Clinic Physicians, Ray Gruver State Farm Insurance, Steve Methner State Farm Insurance, Gladys Christopher Pollanz Scholarship Foundation, Judge Steven and Melody Charno, Angeles Composites Technologies, Penney Sanders-Thiemann and Francis Thiemann, First Federal and the Platt Irwin Law Firm.
Major contributors to the Foundation include Robert and Ruth Worley, Albert Haller Foundation, Benjamin N. Phillips Memorial Fund, Gladys Christopher Pollanz Scholarship Foundation, Camaraderie Cellars, Dr. Robert and Kathy Craven, Dr. William and Dr. Katherine Hennessey, Dr. William and Trudy Kindler, Dr. Roger and Maura Oakes, Port Angeles Clinic Physicians, and Capt. Ira Hearst Coen Jr. and wife Jerolyn, Port Angeles High School Classes of 1960 and 1961.
The education foundation funds four major programs: removing individual barriers to education, supporting school and teacher grants, student enrichment sponsorships and scholarship programs.
Through the Student Needs Fund, it assists low-income students.
Last school year, $39,413 was used to help 249 students with medical, dental and counseling services; clothing and basic personal needs; and athletic, art and music fees.
School and teacher grants totaling $12,950 were awarded this school year.
In 2011, it distributed $86,400 for academic, vocational and athletic scholarships.
It also sponsors a variety of student and community enrichment programs.
