Two Lynden Teachers Nominated for Inaugural Countywide Award

The first-ever Brown & Brown Excellence in Education Award Program recognizes six finalists, two coming from Lynden Schools. Both Bria Henthorn of Lynden High School and Meagan Shelley of Bernice Vossbeck Elementary join four other county educators in being honored as top educators, all as finalists for the $5,000 award. 

The award solicited nominations from the public before selecting the finalists. Henthorn has taught agriculture the last two years at Lynden High School. In addition to classroom teaching, she is the school’s FFA advisor for more than 100 students, coaches four teams for agricultural competitions and is an assistant coach for the school’s trap-shooting team. 

“Her leadership and collaborative spirit have not only enriched the educational experience for students but have also inspired her colleagues and earned the respect and admiration of the entire faculty,” a fellow staff member wrote in a nomination. 

Shelley is a three-year special education teacher finishing her first year with transitional kindergarten students at Vossbeck. “Miss Meagan’s patience and understanding foster a safe and supportive learning environment,” a parent wrote in a nomination. “The dedication to each student’s success is truly inspiring.” 

The six finalists are invited, with the public, to an ice cream social from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22 at the Jansen Art Center. The winning teacher will be announced during a presentation that starts at 5 p.m.