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District inducts 2017 Graduates of Distinction

Walla Walla Public Schools honored Bruce Hunt - Class of 1974 (his mother Roberta is in the photo), Dr. Richard Simon - Class of 1968 and Jeanne Eggart Helfer - Class of 1977 as Graduates of Distinction for the 2016-2017 school year. Superintendent Wade Smith served as Master of Ceremonies during the June 6 Induction Ceremony. Congratulations to our new recipients!

Photo L-R: Roberta Hunt (mother of Bruce Hunt), Dr. Richard Simon and Jeanne Eggart Helfer.

Richard “Dick” Simon, Jr., Class of 1968
Richard “Dick” Simon, Jr., MD is passionate about family, community, music and medicine. He moved to Walla Walla in sixth grade before graduating from Walla Walla High School in 1968. Dr. Simon earned a Chemistry degree from Whitman College, then was accepted into the Pritzker School of Medicine at the University of Chicago.

After moving back to Walla Walla, he founded the Kathryn Severyns Sleep Disorders Center in 1994 to honor the mother of his mentor and friend, Dr. William Dement. He is also a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington in addition to his duties at Providence Medical Center.

Dr. Simon is a talented musician who has been involved in countless summer musicals and enjoys playing in jazz groups. He served on the Walla Walla Symphony Board of Directors for many years. His nomination was coordinated by Larry Siegel, with help from Jim McCarthy and Dan Hess.

Most Inspirational Staff Member
· Wa-Hi Band Director Russell Larson

Bruce Hunt, Class of 1974
Bruce Hunt is a self-described “Historian of science.” After graduating in 1974 from Walla Walla High School, Hunt earned bachelor’s degrees in both History and Physics from the University of Washington. He attended Johns Hopkins University and received his Ph.D. in 1984.

Mr. Hunt is an Associate Professor at the University of Texas. He has published several books and numerous scholarly articles. Hunt is also a founding member of the longstanding Lone Star History of Science Group, a statewide organization meeting annually to bring together historians of science, technology and medicine.

In recognition of his study of electromagnetism in the 19th century, Bruce was elected to Fellowship in the American Physical (Physics) Society. This honor is given to less than one percent of Society members.

His nomination was coordinated by Joanne Dimock, with help from Connie Bosley, Richard Neher, Lynn Waldron and Kathy Covey.

Most Inspirational Staff Member:
· Tom Barbour, Junior High history teacher and High School psychology teacher

Jeanne Eggart Helfer, Class of 1977

Jeanne Eggart Helfer has been a “pioneer” in creating more opportunities for women in athletics. She helped lead Walla Walla High School’s girls’ basketball team to a 56-6 record over three years while she also competed in javelin and had a record throw in her senior year. She received the first female athletic scholarship at Washington State University and was an all-American in basketball and track.

She coached the Mead High School girls’ basketball program from 1983 to 1997. Under her leadership, Mead went to state seven times with a combined 24-4 record and won the state title three times. She is a member of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association Hall of Fame as a student-athlete and coach. Jeanne still teaches high school physical education and uses her “pioneering” skills to positively influence the lives of countless students.

Jeanne’s nomination was coordinated by her brother Don, with help from Bill Bieloh, Judy Holloway and Rod Commons.

Most Inspirational Staff Member:
· Harvey Wellington, Teacher, Young Life leader, mentor and friend

WALLA WALLA PUBLIC SCHOOLS • 364 South Park St. • Walla Walla, WA 99362 • Phone: 509-527-3000 • Fax: 509.529.7713

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