Photographed from left to right: Savannah Wallwork (NKHS Student Rep), Scott Henden, Bruce Christen, Sorana Nance (KHS Student Rep), Beth Worthington, Theresa Holland-Schmidt, Patty Page, Greg Lynch (OESD Supt.), Cindy Webster-Martinson, Bill Webb, Christy Cole (KHS Principal)
Theresa Holland-Schmid was honored at North Kitsap’s Board meeting on September 24, 2015, for being selected as the 2016 Regional Teacher of the Year. Olympic Educational Service District Superintendent Greg Lynch was joined by the North Kitsap School Board members, Superintendent Patty Page, and Principal Christy Cole, to present Ms. Holland-Schmid with a special plaque commemorating her achievement.
A teacher at Kingston High School who’s passion is to inspire and mentor students so that they can realize their full potential, she states, “Every day, I welcome my students to a new beginning, the next task, a second chance, the following rung. My summit is a metaphorical one: greeting the former student who is a manager at the bank, and in the library, watching another read to her child.” Ms. Holland-Schmid makes it no secret that she is a strong proponent of early learning programs and creating a world of learning equally available to all children of every socio-economic environment.
In addition to her community involvement, which spans volunteering in her own child’s classroom, serving as a Band Booster board member, and chaperoning Boy Scouts activities, her teaching style interlaces high achievers and struggling youth. Her aspirations for teaching and engaging her students in learning is exemplified by Kingston High School Principal Christiana Cole in her letter to the selection committee, “It was immediately clear to me that she has a heart for kids and is passionate about helping students overcome obstacles in order to be successful both in life and in school.” It seems this is one of the many qualities that compelled one of Ms. Holland-Schmid’s former students to nominate her for Teacher of the Year.
Congratulations!Tina Schulz
tschulz@oesd114.org
360-478-6880