Auburn School District No. 408
915 4th Street Northeast, Auburn, WA  98002

5/15/07

NEWS RELEASE
Alpac Elementary School's Marni Wilson Wins
Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year Award

On May 10, Marni Wilson, a second grade teacher at Alpac Elementary School, won the outstanding educator award through Wal-Mart’s 12th annual Teacher of the Year program. During a school assembly, two managers from Auburn’s Wal-Mart store presented Ms. Wilson with a $1,000 educational grant from the Wal-Mart/SAM’S CLUB Foundation to benefit Alpac, a $100 gift card for Ms. Wilson to buy classroom supplies and a personalized certificate.

According to Alpac Principal Diane Collier, “Marni Wilson is an amazing teacher who provides her students with a classroom environment that is learning centered, productive and positive so all of her students experience success. I have appreciated the quality of instruction and the leadership that Marni has brought to Alpac over the past four years.” Ms. Wilson was nominated by multiple community members.

More than 4,000 outstanding teachers were recognized nationwide. One teacher was selected by each neighborhood Wal-Mart store, SAM’S CLUB, Neighborhood Market store and Wal-Mart Distribution Center across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

Local-level winners have the opportunity to apply for state and national Teacher of the Year honors. State winners will receive an additional $10,000 educational grant. They also will be entered into the national competition. The national winner will receive an additional $25,000 educational grant for a total of $36,000 to his or her school.

For more information contact Amy Spence, public information officer, at 253-931-4713.