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 2026 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, April 30, 2026.
Brian Malta- English Language Arts
From his nominators: “He does not do the minimum, he does not do just what is necessary, he does more and cares more than almost anyone I have ever met in the school system. I wish every teacher did what he does, which is to be straight up, and to cut through to make sure it gets done or at a minimum that it’s known.”
Catherine Allison- Mathematics
From her nominators: “She prepares them for life after graduation by making sure they know hard things are possible if they know they have one person in their corner believing they have what it takes.”
Shannon Hendricks- Natural Sciences
From her nominators: “She has an ability to meet both spectrums of students in one classroom through preparation and delivery of content in both a classroom setting and through real world application.”
Sven Berglund- ROTC, Physical Education & Health, Career Technology, SPED
From his nominators: “He embodies what it means to be an excellent teacher: dedication, creativity, authenticity, and willingness to go above and beyond.”
Stephanie Meek- Social Sciences
From her nominators: A parent explained that in her class, their student rediscovered their curiosity and love for learning and how they view themselves in the world. One direct quote from a nomination said “She doesn’t just teach; she transforms lives, and that is the mark of an extraordinary educator.”
Anaely Hernandez- Visual & Performing Arts, Music & World Languages
From her nominators: “I am her colleague now, but I was her student first, and I can speak to experience that Anaely prepared me for life after graduation in a way that is truly exemplary. She taught me to be tough and creative; to find meaning and purpose in the way that modern life and cultural traditions intersect; she taught me that good food makes everything better; and she taught me that laughter and humor go a really long way. Now, as a colleague, she reminds me every day that you have a choice in how you show up, no matter what is going on in your world, and she makes me want to show up happy because it looks like more fun.”
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 $2,700 for the 2025-26 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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