Graduates of Distinction recipients praise community

(L-R) 2015 Graduates of Distinction Judy Chamberlain Holloway (Class of 1962), Carol Barker (Class of 1974), and Richard “Dick” Moeller (Class of 1963) celebrate following yesterday’s ceremony. Holloway named Toss Benefiel her most inspirational staff person. Barker selected Charlotte Wirth and Jolynn (McBee) Worth as her staff members, while Moeller chose Dick Neher. All of the recipients said Walla Walla Public Schools provided an outstanding education.

HONOREES

Judy Chamberlain Holloway
In 1969, Judy was hired as the first elementary school physical education teacher in the history of Walla Walla Public Schools. Since retiring in 1999, she has been active in many organizations, and has volunteered countless hours in many capacities for College Place Presbyterian Church. She also is an avid cheerleader and reunion chair for her 1962 graduating class. Her nominator was friend Pam Ray. Her most inspirational staff member is former Prospect Point custodian Toss Benefiel.

Richard “Dick” Moeller
While in high school, Dick took a carpentry class and discovered his life’s passion. After owning a successful construction company for years, he retired in 2001 only to begin a new phase of his life: volunteering. As a longtime board member for Walla Walla Fair and Frontier Days, his contributions include rebuilding the Pavilion and its cupola; and he has been active in the Carpentry Program at Walla Walla Community College. His nominator was Cory Hewitt and his most inspirational staff member is Dick Neher, his physical education teacher at Wa-Hi.

Carol M. Barker
A varsity athlete and student leader, Carol attended Whitman College following her 1974 graduation. One short year later, she suffered a spinal cord injury that left her paralyzed in body, but not spirit. She completed her Whitman education, graduating magna cum laude, then taught school locally for several years before heading to Salem to pursue a law degree at Willamette University. She has now practiced law in the Salem area since the mid 1990’s, in addition to partnering with her Salem Alliance Church pastor to lead bible studies for more than 25 years and co-author nearly 40 Bible study guides. Carol was nominated by her high school physical education teacher Charlotte Worth. She has named Charlotte and Jolynn (McBee) Woods, Wa-Hi’s Dean of Girls in the 1970’s, as her most inspirational staff members.