Graduates of Distinction
Contacts
Mark Higgins, Director of Communications
509-526-6716
mhiggins@wwps.org
Susie Golden, Administrative Assistant
509-526-6715
sgolden@wwps.org
Downloads
Purpose of the Award
The Walla Walla Public Schools Graduates of Distinction program provides an avenue for recognizing high school graduates of Walla Walla Public Schools who have distinguished themselves in their communities, professions, or careers; and to honor the Walla Walla Public Schools staff members who were the most inspirational in the lives of those individuals.
Eligibility for Nomination
- The individual must have graduated from high school in the Walla Walla Public Schools at least 10 years prior to nomination.
- The individual need not be a current resident of Walla Walla.
- The individual need not be present to accept the award, but will make a concerted effort to be present or send a representative to accept the award.
How to Nominate
- Fillable PDF nomination and supporting letter forms are available online at: www.wwps.org (Graduates of Distinction page) or in hard copy at the District Office, 364 S. Park St. - Walla Walla, WA 99362
- Mail or hand deliver the completed hard copy nomination form and three supporting letters by March 15 to:
Walla Walla Public Schools
Attn: Mark Higgins, Director of Communications
364 S. Park Street
Walla Walla, WA 99362
Selection Criteria
Recognition is intended to honor Walla Walla Public Schools graduates for outstanding achievement. Selection is based on service to humanity, contributions to career or profession, and/or other accomplishments including awards & honors.
- No Selection Committee member shall make a nomination.
- Selection shall be made by the entire committee, and the process must remain confidential.
- Nominations will be held for five years, and will automatically be included for consideration.
Selection Committee
The selection committee shall consist of at least nine voting members, with one member being a Board of Director. The Director of Communications and Community Relations will serve as the Chairperson (non-voting).
Past Honorees
2024 Graduates of Distinction
Doug Gwinn | Class of 1932 |
Karen Hedine | Class of 1972 |
Bill Fleenor |
Class of 1969 |
Tricia Copeland Lubach | Class of 1985 |
Dean Lodmell | Class of 1952 |
2023 Graduates of Distinction
Norm Passmore | Class of 1972 |
Mary Vixie Sandy | Class of 1978 |
Steve Bughi |
Class of 1978 |
Tera Watts Davis | Class of 1998 |
2022 Graduates of Distinction
Russ Colombo | Class of 1974 |
Deborah Underwood | Class of 1979 |
Mark Thompson |
Class of 1970 |
J.P. (Jack) Fredrickson | Class of 1952 |
2021 Graduates of Distinction
Elizabeth "Libby" Frazier | Class of 1973 |
Judith Ann Huntington | Class of 1964 |
Garth Lindsey |
Class of 1962 |
Mike Monahan | Class of 1960 |
Allison Bingham, PhD | Class of 1977 |
Kathy Covey |
Class of 1973 |
2019 Graduates of Distinction
Peggy Blize Needham | Class of 1982 |
Scott Krivoshein | Class of 1983 |
Mary Lux Stumph |
Class of 1983 |
Dr. Tony Billingsley |
Class of 1993 |
2018 Graduates of Distinction
Terry Atchison | Class of 1966 |
Dr. Randall Barton | Class of 1971 |
Dr. Elizabeth MacDonald |
Class of 1995 |
2017 Graduates of Distinction
Bruce Hunt | Class of 1974 |
Jeanne Eggart Helfer | Class of 1977 |
Dr. Richard Simon |
Class of 1968 |
2016 Graduates of Distinction
Jerry Zahl | Class of 1962 |
Gary Hanson | Class of 1976 |
Mark Kajita |
Class of 1987 |
2015 Graduates of Distinction
Judy Chamberlain Holloway | Class of 1962 |
Richard “Dick” Moeller | Class of 1963 |
Carol M. Barker |
Class of 1974 |
2014 Graduates of Distinction
Thomas L. Copeland | Class of 1942 |
Daniel J. Hess | Class of 1968 |
Paul H. Schneidmiller |
Class of 1970 |
David Wagner |
Class of 1993 |
2013 Graduates of Distinction
Carol Minnick Santa | Class of 1962 |
Dan Reid | Class of 1974 |
Craig Nelson | Class of 1981 |
2012 Graduates of Distinction
John P. Folsom | Class of 1962 |
Jill A. Largent, M.D. | Class of 1968 |
Megan Ferguson Clubb | Class of 1974 |
2011 Graduates of Distinction
Edward Aliverti | Class of 1950 |
Lt. Gen. (Ret) Robert D. Beckel | Class of 1955 |
Larry B. Siegel | Class of 1968 |
Drew M. Bledsoe | Class of 1990 |
2010 Graduates of Distinction
Dr. Richard K. Knuth | Class of 1969 |
Mary Jane Towner-Glaser | Class of 1971 |
Tim Donaldson | Class of 1979 |
2009 Graduates of Distinction
Dr. Philip Phillips | Class of 1975 |
Greg Ralston Pepin | Class of 1968 |
Daniel DeSiga | Class of 1967 |
R. F. "Dick" Monahan | Class of 1958 |
2008 Graduates of Distinction
John E. "Jack" Pelo | Class of 1974 |
Gretchen Miller Kafoury | Class of 1959 |
Claro E. Bergevin | Class of 1941 |
2007 Graduates of Distinction
Barbara D. Johnson | Class of 1967 |
Dr. Neil V. Follett | Class of 1944 |
2006 Graduates of Distinction
AnnRené Joseph | Class of 1973 |
Dr. Stephen A. Hayner | Class of 1966 |
Val Jensen | Class of 1947 |
2005 Graduates of Distinction
Dr. George Cole Williams Jr. | Class of 1947 |
Michael Maiden | Class of 1968 |
Gerwyn A. Jones | Class of 1928 |
2004 Graduates of Distinction
Ned Shafer | Class of 1961 |
Harold R. Frank | Class of 1941 |
Jeffrey Frank Ray | Class of 1978 |
2003 Graduates of Distinction
Irene Gonzales | Class of 1980 |
Gene Frank | Class of 1946 |
Mark Anderson | Class of 1973 |
2002 Graduates of Distinction
Robert I. Brunton | Class of 1953 |
James K. Hayner | Class of 1968 |
Charlotte Wirth | Class of 1944 |
2001 Graduates of Distinction
Vickie Anderson VanZandt | Class of 1972 |
Jeanne Parker-Miller | Class of 1969 |
H. Eugene Blattman | Class of 1954 |
Edward N. “Ned” Lange | Class of 1952 |
Gordon L. Jaynes | Class of 1946 |
2000 Graduates of Distinction
Bruce T. Bjerke | Class of 1968 |
Dr. William C. Dement | Class of 1947 |
Philip N. Lane, Jr. | Class of 1962 |
Gordon S. Riess | Class of 1944 |
Wilber Pribilsky | Class of 1951 |
1999 Graduates of Distinction
James F. Aylward | Class of 1946 |
Karen E. Glover | Class of 1968 |
Eric Johnson | Class of 1968 |
Michael M. Murr | Class of 1969 |
Richard P. Neher | Class of 1949 |