Dill named Chamber Educator of the Year

Walla Walla High School Sports Medicine Teacher and Athletic Trainer Kelsey Dill was named Educator of the Year by the Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce during its 136^th Annual Community Awards Banquet. Kelsey graduated from Monroe High School and attended New Mexico State where she competed in volleyball and track and field. She is in her fifth year at Walla Walla High School.

“Kelsey is a tireless and devoted employee,” said Human Resources Director Liz Campeau. “She is bright, energetic, honest and always doing what is best for students.”

Kelsey brings her curriculum to life with a multifaceted approach, engaging students about the science behind injury prevention, intervention, and recovery. She educates students about state and federal laws, the history of Sports Medicine, and common sense practices. Kelsey continues her work as an educator in her role as athletic trainer. She connects the work in the classroom with the work on the fields and in the gym. Kelsey’s sports medicine students are able to serve as sports medicine student aides, providing them with hands-on experience and real world application of what they are learning in the classroom.

Kelsey is credited with starting Wa-Hi’s free Physical Round-up to allow students to obtain the necessary medical clearances needed to participate in sports. In her nomination packet, fellow Wa-Hi teachers and coaches had a plethora of accolades to share about Kelsey Dill. Amy Hisaw appreciates Kelsey’s communication skills and says she loves kids and does everything in her power to get them back playing as quickly as she can. John Golden said Kelsey is an excellent listener and in-tune with what student-athletes tell her about their injuries.   For Tracy Rotert, it is Kelsey’s devotion that stands out. Tracy notes that Kelsey is always present and engaged. She also said Kelsey takes time to follow-up with athletes after their injuries have healed to determine if additional after-care is needed.

In April a Wa-Hi student athlete experienced a cardiac emergency following his event at the Blue Devil Invitational Track Meet. Kelsey’s quick and decisive actions saved this young man’s life. His condition was worsening despite the first aid actions being implemented when she decided to use the school’s AED to resuscitate him. It worked and soon local emergency personnel were on the scene to provide additional support and aftercare. He is now back in class and resuming his school experience.

“Kelsey Dill is an outstanding educator and a hero, and Walla Walla Public Schools is proud to call her one of our own,” said Campeau.