Chamber of Commerce Educator of the Year

The Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce named Garrison Middle School Counselor Angie Gardea Middle School Educator of the Year. Last school year Gardea was named Washington’s counselor of the Year. Gardea has established a comprehensive school counseling program based on relationships, best practices, research and her 19 years of experience focused on serving all students and families.

Her counseling program includes student check-ins, mental health assessments and referrals, academic monitoring and promoting a positive school climate. She has trained extensively with national crisis response expert Cheri Lovre. She has also supported development of a new suicide prevention policy and procedures which focus on reporting, recognizing and referring. Her expertise has landed her a position as the district-wide crisis response leader. 

PHOTO L-R: Principal Robert Elizondo, Superintendent Wade Smith and Angie Gardea