Three Whatcom County educators win $5,000 awards

Whatcom County teachers Chifundo Vis and Beverly Williams received Educator of the Year Awards and $5,000 prizes May 27 from the third-annual Brown & Brown Excellence in Education Award Program.

Also, band director Kenneth Quehrn was presented with a special $5,000 award for his dedication and perseverance despite flooding that damaged his home twice in the last four years.

The $5,000 awards are split with half going to the educators and half for use in their schools. All three honorees exemplify the reasons for launching the awards in 2024, said Alex Bogaard, president of the Seattle and Lynden offices of Brown & Brown Insurance Services.

“This award program is a forum, together with students and parents, to celebrate brave and inspiring educators,” Bogaard said.

“Thank you to all the students and parents who responded to the call for recognition with passion and amazing creativity. It is gratifying to see that each year the nominations get stronger and stronger. Job well done! I can’t wait to see what next year brings.”

Vis, a fifth-grade teacher at Lynden’s Isom Elementary School, was presented the public-school teacher award in a ceremony at Jansen Art Center in Lynden.

“Every child in her care is seen, valued, and respected,” a nominating parent said. “She understands that children come from different backgrounds, carry different burdens and learn at different paces. Rather than allowing these differences to become barriers, she turns them into opportunities for growth.”

Vis and four other finalists from Whatcom County public K-12 schools were honored during the program. The other finalists were: Tammy Branvold, a teacher for agriculture, career and technical education at Lynden High School; Matt Johnson of the Student Support Center at Lummi Nation School; Anna Marie Peach, second-grade teacher at Bernice Vossbeck Elementary School, Lynden; and Dena Riccobene, third-grade teacher at Fisher Elementary School in Lynden.

Williams was selected the winner among private-school nominees by a panel of community leaders. She teaches third grade at Assumption Catholic School in Bellingham and has 22 years of experience in education with a focus on literacy.

“Her classroom is not just a place where lessons are taught; it is an experience,” a nominating parent said. “She is fully engaged with her students, often theming units and celebrations in ways that make learning unforgettable.”

The other K-12 private-school finalists were: Chad Fakkema, assistant principal and teacher, Lynden Christian Middle School; Kenneth Quehrn, band director at Lynden Christian Middle School and High School; Traci Smit, second-grade teacher at Ebenezer Christian School, Lynden; Elizabeth Snyder, sixth-grade teacher at Lynden Christian Middle School.

The special award for Quehrn came after Brown & Brown learned about the adversity he faced this year.

“He always goes above and beyond with his students, encouraging them, inspiring them, and pushing them to be their best,” said one nomination. “… He has had hard times, losing his house not once but twice with the flooding, and through it all, he keeps his students eyes fixed on what is important.”

“Mr. Q., we at Brown & Brown applaud you for your dedication to your craft and to the kids you continued to bring even during moments of intense personal pressure,” Bogaard added. “In so doing, you deliver exceptional impact beyond the four walls of the classroom.”

Teachers were nominated for the awards by students, parents and school staff members. Nominations for the fourth-annual Brown & Brown Excellence in Education Awards are now being accepted. More information may be found at https://bbrownexcellenceineducation.org.

Brown & Brown’s Lynden office at 501 Front St., Lynden, is open weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. For more information, please call (360) 354-4488.

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