February 22, 2007

OLYMPIA…Sen. Dale Brandland, R-Whatcom County, yesterday joined local teachers in celebrating the state Senate’s first Civic Educators’ Day.  Lynden High School civics teacher Jennifer Reidel and Meridian High School civics teacher Steve Lawrence came to Olympia to participate in the all-day event at the state Capitol.

Brandland joined the two at a lunch honoring civic educators, where Reidel and Lawrence were each presented with an Outstanding Civic Educator Award. 

“When I visited Jen and Steve’s classrooms last year, I saw how dedicated they are when it comes to educating our kids about government,” Brandland said.  “We’re lucky to have them teaching in our district.”  

Reidel and Lawrence were both selected in 2005 and 2006, respectively, to participate in a one-week Legislative Scholar Program hosted by the Washington Legislature.  The program invites exceptional civics educators to Olympia for an in-depth look at the legislative process, providing teachers with additional tools to teach representative democracy.   

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Sen. Brandland is Republican caucus whip and represents Washington’s 42^nd District, which includes Bellingham, Lynden and Blaine.   

For more information contact Catherine Trinh (360) 786-7503 or trinh.catherine@leg.wa.gov