2024 Partners of the Year

Walla Walla Public Schools names the 2024 Partners of the Year

Walla Walla Public Schools has named Communities in Schools of the Blue Mountain Region, the Walla Walla Public Schools Foundation, Whitman College Friends Program and Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Walla Walla its 2024 Partners of the Year. Walla Walla School District established the month of May as Partners in Learning Month 14 years ago. The district's Vision 2030 Strategic Plan challenges WWPS in Goal 4 to maximize the support of our community partners. These agencies, businesses and organizations help Walla Walla Public Schools navigate and support its staff, students and parents to ensure students graduate prepared for today’s competitive world, whether college or career bound.

“It truly takes a village to support our children and affirm the community’s collective expectation for a world-class education for all students,” said Superintendent Dr. Wade Smith. “The support of WWPS partners has helped the district achieve its vision of Developing Washington’s Most Sought-After Graduates.”

Communities in Schools of the Blue Mountain Region
Communities in Schools of the Blue Mountain Region is represented by Executive Director Ruben Alvarado. With a mission to surround students with a community of support, Communities in Schools of the Blue Mountain Region empowers students to stay in school and achieve in life. Communities In Schools brings resources and volunteers into the school to help struggling students get back on track. To provide these services, Communities In Schools assigns a site coordinator in a school to assess needs, make a plan, and coordinate intensive interventions for the kids most at risk for dropping out. The site coordinator also plans events and activities aimed at serving the entire school. The site coordinator works with local community service partners such as social service agencies, businesses, health care providers and volunteers to connect students with needed resources. These services are making a tremendous difference in our schools. Thanks to Communities in Schools for your support!

The Walla Walla Public Schools Foundation
The Walla Walla Public Schools Foundation, led by Executive Director Elsa Watson, has been named a Partner of the Year. The mission of the Walla Walla Public Schools Foundation is to raise funds to enrich and enhance the educational experiences of students in the Walla Walla Public Schools. It's the foundation’s goal to fund a field trip for every K-8 student as well as outdoor, overnight experiences for students at both high schools. Thanks to the Foundation, Walla Walla Public Schools students can explore the great outdoors, spend a day on the farm, and build memories that last a lifetime. Thanks to the Foundation, Into the Blue, a revival of the popular Big Blue Weekend, provided an opportunity for every Wa-Hi 9th grade student to take an overnight trip to Camp Wooten in the scenic Blue Mountains. Students learn about teamwork, make friends and develop positive relationships with staff. Lincoln High School students also visit Camp Wooten for their Leadership Academy. Kindergarten through 8th grade students have had opportunities to visit a variety of exciting local attractions for unique learning opportunities. Thank you for making these memories possible for WWPS students.

Whitman College Friends Program
Whitman College Friends Program, represented by Abby Juhasz, Director for Community Engagement and student Natalie Lundberg, is making a difference in district schools. The Whitman Friends Program, under the student leadership of Natalie Lundberg and Katherine Harris, builds strong and lasting friendships between Whitman students and Walla Walla elementary school students. The program’s mission is planting the seeds of confidence in young students through sustained relationships with Whitman friends. Whitman students join their friend at recess once a week. Friends also visit Whitman College each spring for a day-long carnival called Friends to Campus Day. The Whitman College Friends Program, which is part of the college’s Community Engagement Program, allows students to volunteer and connect to the Walla Walla Community on a regular basis. Each year a cohort of current students lead these programs with support from the Career and Community Engagement Center. Thank you Whitman College Friends Program and congratulations on being named a Partner of the Year.

Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Walla Walla
Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Walla Walla, represented by Joel Olsen, is being honored this year. In 2022, the district was able to bring its Traffic Safety Program back to Walla Walla High School. This course is available, at no cost, during the school year and summer. Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Walla Walla quickly came on board to support the program by offering safe, high quality vehicles for lease. They equip the vehicles with a passenger side safety brake for the instructor. They also service the vehicles as needed to ensure they are reliable and in safe working order. Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Walla Walla also sponsors the Student of the Month video series on Spectrum cable. These well-produced commercials spotlight the accomplishments of the students and showcase the schools they attend. Congratulations to Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Walla Walla for being named a Partner of the Year for 2024.

Thank you to all the 2024 Partners of the Year for supporting Walla Walla Public Schools staff and students. Your contributions are having a positive impact on the school district and the entire community.