Four local educators will receive Whatcom County Library System’s 2026 Golden Apple Educator Awards at a special 12:30 p.m. ceremony during the library system’s Open Book: A Festival for Readers, Sunday, Nov. 8 at the Ferndale Events Center.
The honorees are Katie Bell, paraeducator/library, Cascadia Elementary School, Ferndale School District; Nicole Diimmel, English teacher, Blaine High School, Blaine School District; Dan Oliva, fifth grade teacher, Bernice Vossbeck Elementary School, Lynden School District; and Melissa Tillson, English language arts teacher/mult- language learning, Blaine High School, Blaine School District.
WCLS began the Golden Apple Educator Award in 2007 to honor the dedication of local teachers and school staff who connect students with library resources that further their growth and learning. This includes actively promoting ConnectED, a partnership between WCLS and all Whatcom County school districts, Lynden Christian School and Lummi Nation School that enables students to use their student ID as a library account.
“Working with dedicated, generous, and passionate partners like these gets books and stories into the hands and hearts of local kids and teens many of whom would not have access otherwise,” says WCLS Youth Services Manager Thom Barthelmess. “We quite literally could not do it without them.”
ABOUT THE HONOREES
Katie Bell, paraeducator/library, Cascadia Elementary School
Bell is committed to ensuring the curious readers at Cascadia Elementary School have access to information, including the wealth of public library resources available through ConnectED. She skillfully communicates the value of the WCLS partnership program to all stakeholders.
Nicole Diimmel, English teacher, Blaine High School
Diimmel brings a love of reading and appreciation for the written word to her students. She ensures they understand how special literature is, as well as the ways in which it broadens their individual worlds. She is a true champion of the library.
Dan Oliva, fifth grade teacher, Bernice Vossbeck Elementary School
Oliva believes in the power of books and stories. In his classroom, books, student-made crafts, and warm, gentle light reflect an atmosphere shaped by his enthusiasm for stories. He helps students discover literature not only as subjects to study, but as loving lifelong companions.
Melissa Tillson, English language arts teacher/multi-language learning, Blaine High School
Tillson champions the library and reading in her classroom as important tools for learning and enriching students’ lives. In her new role as a multi-language learning teacher, she continues to ensure students connect with library resources.