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| Joan Beardsley Math Teacher, BHS & SqHS | Lori Poad Math Teacher, Shuksan | Paul Skaggs Math Teacher, BHS & SqHS |
Several Whatcom County families are literally changing young lives while honoring the memories of their beloved family member. Bellingham Dollars for Scholars, a local foundation that provides scholarships for graduates of Bellingham’s four high schools, is providing an opportunity for memorializing those whose lives reflected a commitment to learning and education in our community.
In recent times, Bellingham School District lost three very special educators whose collective teaching affected thousands of students. The families of these teachers have established individual scholarships in their memories that promote the pursuit of their respective subject areas.
Paul Skaggs, long time math teacher for the District, succumbed to ALS June 14, 2006. After receiving his diagnosis and as the family struggled to cope, Paul’s wife, Camille eventually asked Paul what kind of memorial he would like.
“Paul LOVED teaching”, Camille shares, “and he really wanted to be remembered through something that helped kids with their education.” The Paul Skaggs memorial scholarship was established in an effort to recognize and support a student desiring to pursue further education in math.
“Not the “A” math student,“ Camille says, “rather, the hard working, committed student who may be struggling to achieve a C+ or B. Paul never turned away a student who needed help, and was in that building from 6 AM until 5 PM every day, ready to work with any and all students who needed support. He spent one day every weekend on schoolwork, insisting that he correct each and every paper so that he knew where his students needed help. “
The Paul Skaggs Memorial Scholarship is a beautiful way of honoring Paul’s memory, his love for teaching and his love for the kids that gained so much from his strong commitment to the profession.
“I’m sure that Paul is smiling down on this scholarship. Teaching was his joy,” shares Camille.
Joan Beardsley, another long-time teacher in the District, died on March 12, 2007 from complications related to her treatment for multiple myeloma. A chemistry teacher at Bellingham High School for many years, Joan also helped establish the Science Department at Squalicum High School. She joined Squalicum’s science faculty when the new school opened.
The Joan Beardsley Memorial Scholarship was established after her death by her family. The award goes each year to a female student from one of the Bellingham’s four high schools who plans to study science or math in college.
“My mother was always concerned about the decreasing number of women studying and working in the areas of science and technology. She was active in groups trying to address this problem,” said Joan’s son, David. “My brother, sister, and I thought a scholarship specifically for girls with an interest in science or math was a very fitting memorial for mom.”
Joan saw the magic in science, and never lost her zeal for communicating her own sense of wonder to her students.
“Mom had a real gift for making science come alive. She loved what she did and that enthusiasm defined her approach to teaching and helped her engage with students,” said David.
The Bellingham community also lost Shuksan Middle School’s beloved math teacher, Lori Poad, on January 18, 2007, after her long battle with cancer. “Lori was one of the hardest working teachers I’ve known,” said Sharece Steinkamp a friend and colleague. “Even during the most aggressive treatments for her cancer, Lori continued to work and make personal connections with her students. Lori had a soft spot for any student who struggled in math, but wanted to improve.”
The Poad family has found a way to honor Lori’s legacy as an educator through the Lori Poad Memorial Scholarship. “Lori would have loved knowing that her students were continuing in math related fields, and that is the best tribute possible,” said Sharece.
These families have created enduring legacies that honor three extraordinary teachers. We thank them for their gift of education. We are also grateful to the many people who have contributed to these endowed scholarship funds.
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