Doris Anderson named as Champion of Education
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At a ceremony in Ten Sleep on Tuesday, Dec. 19, Washakie County School District No. 2 Superintendent Annie Griffin said, “At Ten Sleep Schools, we believe that it is important to recognize people in our community that continue to positively impact the lives of our students and community.” Because of this, Griffin and the Ten Sleep school board nominated community member and former front office and business manager Doris Anderson for the Champion of Education award.
According to the Wyoming Association of School Administrators website, The Von Dahl Champion of Education award, “is the highest non-member award presented by our association. It is given to an individual/individuals that have made a significant positive difference in Wyoming K-12 education.”
Demonstrating how Anderson was deserving of the award, Board Chairman Erin Blutt said in the board’s nomination letter, “Mrs. Doris Anderson, a dedicated employee of WCSD#2 for an impressive span of 45 years, has left an indelible mark on our district’s educational and financial landscape. Over the course of her career, she assumed the pivotal roles of Business Manager and District Administrative Secretary, demonstrating unwavering commitment and making significant contributions.” Anderson said she started working at Ten Sleep School in August 1964 and retired in June 2009 and throughout those 45 years, Anderson said she loved the kids. “They really made [the job] special,” she said.
According to Griffin, Anderson’s support to the school has continued even into her retirement, as she attends school events, started the Gene and Doris Anderson Memorial Scholarship for FFA students and regularly helps Ten Sleep School students in a variety of ways. Because of this continual support into retirement, Anderson has nearly 60 years of supporting Ten Sleep School under her belt.
Griffin went on to say, “I know there are many things that [Doris] is doing behind the scenes in support of our students and we are more than grateful for her.”
While the board was nominating Anderson for this award, Anderson said she had no clue it was happening. “A few weeks ago, [Griffin and Blutt] said they were stopping by because they had something for me.” To her surprise, Anderson learned that she was nominated for and won the Champion of Education award.
“I was completely overwhelmed and flabbergasted,” said Anderson about finding out she won. Griffin said they were notified that Anderson had won during the annual Wyoming School Board Association Conference in November, and she and Blutt shared the same excitement when hearing about the win.
Ten Sleep School hosted an award reception for Anderson on Dec. 19, open to those who wanted to share the special moment with Anderson and fellow community members. Anderson received a plaque to commemorate the award and celebrated with family and friends alike.
In a written statement, Anderson’s close friend, Georgia Stocklin said, “There is no one more deserving of this award as she really is a champion of education as she continues to teach by sharing her wealth of knowledge with young and old in her quiet and unassuming way.”
