Picture Source: King5.com

“He doesn’t walk over people to succeed—he carries them with him.” This is how Zillah High School chemistry and physics teacher Jeff Charbonneau was described by his former high school baseball coach.

I bet most of us can name a teacher or two who have had a significant impact on our lives and on the shaping of our futures—teachers who have “carried” us to success in one way or another. This is certainly how Mr. Charbonneau is embraced in the community of Zillah and I’m thrilled he’s been honored nationally for his outstanding dedication, talent and passion for inspiring students to reach higher.

Click to read a great article in the Yakima Valley Herald that celebrates Mr. Charbonneau’s achievement of National Teacher of the Year.

In his relatively short 11-year tenure at Zillah High School, Mr. Charbonneau has transformed the science and engineering programs, revitalized the yearbook and runs a statewide robotics competition. Mr. Charbonneau was flown to Washington D.C. and awarded the honor by President Obama in the Rose Garden earlier this week. The transcript of the President’s glowing remarks can be found here, or you can watch a video from the White House.

Congratulations, Mr. Charbonneau! No award can fully capture the difference you’ve made in the lives of our precious young people, but I’m thrilled it at least shines a brighter light on your dedicated and innovative work. I hope you continue to have many more years of rewarding work ahead of you.

Agricultural Industry: Eastern WA’s Boeing?

I recently read a great article about the Yakima Valley’s economic history and its leaders’ efforts to find “Yakima’s version of Boeing.” Although certainly not without its ups and downs, the agricultural industry is, in many ways, Eastern Washington’s Boeing.  Our local agriculture is in fact vital to the whole state’s economy.

I’m proud to represent a district with such a rich agricultural heritage and a resilient economy. With the right policies that allow and encourage continued innovation in our region’s food and agriculture industry, Central Washington can lead the state’s economy over the next 10 years.

Sincerely,

Bruce