FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Richard L. and Diane M. Block Foundation
Jennifer Green, Executive Director
(907) 868-2977
jennifer@akblockfoundation.com
THE RICHARD L. AND DIANE M. BLOCK FOUNDATION AWARDS 2025 WEST HIGH SCHOOL EXCEPTIONAL TEACHER AWARD RECIPIENTS
Anchorage, AK – Six educators from West Anchorage High School were awarded the Richard L. and Diane M. Block Foundation’s Exceptional Teacher Award (ETAF) on Thursday, May 22, 2025.
Beth Ann Brogan- English Language Arts
From her nominators: She is committed to not only academic excellence, but to the growth and well-being of every student she teachers. Her presence is constant, her encouragement unwavering, and her belief in her students is powerful.
Mark Elfstrom- Mathematics
From his nominators: He knows that when it comes to teaching kids, the content we teach is secondary. He cares about his students and they know he cares. He prepares his students for life after graduation by building their foundational math knowledge, challenging them to be the best versions of themselves, have confidence and holds them accountable.
Kate Corwith- Natural Sciences
From her nominators: Her classroom is a place of curiosity, rigor, and discovery where students are not only taught the content of Chemistry, but also how to become analytical thinkers and problem solvers – skills that are essential for both college and life.
May Roberts, ROTC, Physical Education & Health, Career Technology, SPED
From her nominators: She’s a terrific advocate for the students in the program, and they are being equipped to leave school with a high school diploma, a strong literacy and numeracy base, and the social-emotional ability to navigate adult life.
Benny Figgs- Social Sciences
From his nominators: He deeply cares about teaching students history and teaching them life lessons that can be applied long after students leave the classroom. His commitment to equity, cultural understanding, and student empowerment is evident in everything he does.
Dawn Spyker, Visual & Performing Arts, Music & World Languages
From her nominators: This class didn’t just teach me pottery, it taught me how to be creative, problem solve and trust myself. My art teacher didn’t just teach art, she taught me life skills through lessons I’ll carry with me beyond graduation.
Established in 2015, the award was created to recognize those teachers (in up to each of the six academic departments) demonstrating an exceptional contribution to the preparation of students for life after graduation. Teachers are nominated by students, parents and peers and the awards are granted annually at the completion of the school year. Teachers were presented with a monetary award of $2,500 for the 2024-25 school year and will be listed on a plaque in the West Anchorage High School foyer.
For a full list of previous award winners and more information on the award, visit www.westhighteacheraward.com.
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