QUILCENE — The librarian of the 300-student Quilcene School District was honored Wednesday in Olympia as one of eight regional finalists for a statewide award.
Kelly Ingalls wasn’t named the state 2010 Classified School Employee of the Year. That award went to Lori Sanford, office manager at Lea Hill Elementary School in the Auburn School District.
“But she was honored along with seven others,” said Principal Jim Betteley, who attended the cermeony along with two Quilcene teachers.
Ingalls, who has served as the district’s librarian for 11 years, was selected the regional Classified Employee of the Year out of employees in 15 school districts in Jefferson, Clallam, Kitsap and Mason counties — which comprise Educational Service District 114.
That made her one of the finalists for the state award.
“One of Kelly’s most meaningful contributions has been her tireless pursuit of resources to enhance the library and expand learning opportunities,” the state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction said in a written statement.
“In this small district, Kelly has embraced the opportunity to wear many different hats — realizing that she has the ability to transform.”
Betteley had said in his nomination form, “She is a primary reason we are successful as a small district.”
Other finalists were Brian Liberg, West Valley School District, ESD 101; Joy Kaasa, Wahluke School District, ESD 105; Stephanie Ongtooguk, Vancouver Public Schools, ESD 112; Deborah Harbord, Olympia School District, ESD 113; Timmie Linehan, Lake Chelan School District, ESD 171; and Audie Kingma, Lynden School District, ESD 189.