Lighting the Way for Others, our third “Teachers Make a Difference” book, is now available for purchase. All proceeds from the sale of the book will go toward another scholarship for a student with a goal and passion for teaching.

Students from districts in Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan counties, as well as community members, have written inspiring stories, telling how their lives were blessed by a teacher who cares.

Included are stories from Okanogan, Brewster, Manson, Eastmont, Wenatchee, Mansfield, Methow Valley, and Lake Chelan School Districts. Teachers from other areas of the state and nation are also featured, including Riverside and Marysville School Districts, as well as a school in Miami, Florida. Stories from Anna Johnson’s English class at Eastmont Junior High are also part of our book.

Proceeds from the second Teachers Make a Difference book, published in 2003, funded scholarships for two graduating seniors, Kristi Greenaway from Okanogan School District and Ryne Phillips from Brewster School District.

Also featured in the book is a letter written to 2005 Regional Teacher of the Year Rosemary Tiffany from Lewis & Clark Elementary in Wenatchee School District by one of her former students, as well as a story by 2004 Regional Teacher of the Year Vicki Taylor from Lake Chelan School District. An article about U.S. Army Colonel Chauncey Veatch, 2002 National Teacher of the Year, is also included. Chauncey became an educator after retiring from the Army.

Other highlights of the book include an inspiring story by speaker/author and former educator Dan Miller, as well as a story written by North Central ESD Superintendent Rich McBride, who was 2002 NAEOP Administrator of the Year. Ed Michael, Staples District Manager Designate, also features a story about his high school coach.

Lighting the Way for Others will be ready for delivery the first part of January. The book is sponsored by North Central ESD and the Community Foundation of North Central Washington. If you have questions or would like to order a book ($10), please call Eldene Wall at (509) 665-2629; e-mail eldenew@ncesd.org; or send a check made out to Teachers Make a Difference.