There’s a common theme in today’s edition.
Stories detailing the actions of educators can be found throughout these pages, with some being acknowledged for going above and beyond, and others protesting a lack of pay raises from lawmakers.
The debate over the salaries of state workers can be polarizing. Some in the private sector feel overtaxed while many government workers feel under-appreciated.
It’s worth setting the discussion aside, though, to consider the story of Tori Nelson on page Main 3.
The Winlock Miller Elementary School teacher’s act of compassion was nothing short of moving. When a student was mocked for a recent haircut, she promised to let him cut her hair to match his.
The smile on the boy’s face says it all. She took away his embarrassment and taught students of the school lessons not available in the regular curriculum.
“If a kid needs something that’s going to make their day better, then who am I to deny them that?” she asked.
Often, when we’re caught up in political discussions or debates over standardized testing and teacher pay, we fail to contemplate the impact of a great educator.
The boy at Winlock’s elementary school will never forget the actions of his teacher. Similar scenarios unfold each day at schools across Lewis County and the country.
They’re not often met with coverage by regional media outlets, but they help form the lives of the next generation of adults nonetheless.
In the same vein, we were pleased to see acknowledgment for the work of interim Superintendent Steve Warren in the Centralia School District (see the story on page Main 5). There was little reward for willfully wading into a leadership position in the formerly troubled district.
He knew from the start it would be a one-year tour in a district confronting Medicaid fraud allegations.
“Steve is a true example of someone willing to do anything for the betterment of the kids and the Centralia School District,” Board Member Chris Thomas said. “I want to thank him for stepping up and helping … navigate the district through the past year.”
We hope he enjoys his trip to Arizona, which was paid for not with taxpayer dollars, but by colleagues who have grown to respect and admire him.
These are just a couple of examples of quality educators in our midst.
We encourage you to celebrate others by submitting a letter to news@chronline.com or letters@chronline.com.
