October 5, 2025
Celebratory dinner for Kate Westafer, a special education teacher (Wildwood Elementary School).
Waleska Santiago-Centeno, Librarian, (Crocker Farm School)
2024
Received our largest individual donations (two separate donations of $5,000 each) in the history of the award.
October 8, 2023
Celebratory dinner for Ruthie Killough-Hill, Adjustment Counselor (Fort River School)
October 30, 2022
Celebratory dinner for Nadla Tavares Smith, ELL Teacher (Crocker Farm School)
Fall 2021
Recognition for all Amherst-Pelham School for equity and excellence during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
October 6, 2019
Celebratory dinner for Blanca Osorio Castillo, ELL Teacher (Crocker Farm School)
November 4, 2018
Celebratory dinner for Lauren Mattone, 3rd Grade (Crocker Farm School)
October 29, 2017
Celebratory dinner for Stephen Lott, Kindergarten Teacher (Fort River School)
October 16, 2016
Celebratory dinner for Debbie Jacque, Kindergarten Teacher (The Pelham School)
November 8, 2015
Celebratory dinner for Jasmine Robinson, Elementary Teacher (Crocker Farm Elementary)
May 13, 2015
Incorporated as a non-profit organization in the state of Massachusetts
October 19, 2014
Celebratory dinner for Ricci Mastroianni, Kindergarten Teacher (The Wildwood School)
September 9, 2014
Roger L. Wallace Excellence in Teaching Award met $25,000 endowment goal.
October 27, 2013
Celebratory dinner for Kathryn Runyan, Computer Tech Teacher (The Wildwood School)
May 31, 2013
Kathryn Runyan selected as the first Awardee (announcement below)
September 9, 2013
Baystate Medical became a Gold Plate Sponsor through both a pledge and a donation by Steven Bradley.
December 1, 2012
Our Inaugural Fundraiser at Lit Lounge in Amherst MA
September 28, 2012
Initiated Partnership with Amherst Education Foundation
July 29, 2012
Meeting with Superintendent Maria Geryk to seek collaboration.
June 1, 2012
First Meeting of Roger L. Wallace Excellent in Teaching Committee
2013 RECIPIENT
Roger L. Wallace Excellence in Teaching Award
PO Box 3670
Amherst, MA 01004
June 18, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kathryn Runyan, Wildwood Teacher
First Recipient of The Roger L. Wallace Excellence in Teaching Award
Kathryn Runyan, technology teacher at Wildwood School in Amherst, was selected by her peers to be the first recipient of the Roger L. Wallace Excellence in Teaching Award. The award will be presented by Superintendent Maria Geryk at the Amherst/Pelham School District’s Convocation in the fall. The award consists of a $750 prize, a plaque and calligraphy of Angel Nieto Romeo’s poem “To Be a Teacher.” Nick Yaffe, principal of Wildwood school, will receive a plaque to be placed at the Wildwood School.
Ms. Runyan was lauded for her teaching and for her development of the Lego Robotics Club for which she initially received a grant from the Amherst Education Foundation. Ms. Runyan excelled by making sure that the club was open to all students, and she worked to achieve buy-in from teachers in Amherst & Pelham, Leverett and Shutesbury assuring that all elementary school students would have access to the program. In her work in the classroom and with the Robotics club, her nominees noted the impact she has on her students. As one of her nominees stated, “Every student under her guidance learned, achieved, and grew as a person – more than we parents could ever have expected. And they had fun doing it!” She was also praised for inspiring girls to succeed in STEM fields. Because of her outstanding dedication and skill and because of the “enthusiasm and grace” that Kathryn brings to her work, the Committee is proud to name her the first winner of the Roger L. Wallace Excellence in Teaching Award.
Ricci Mastroianni and Mary Lambert were also worthy nominees this year. Ms. Mastroianni was celebrated for the calm, peaceful and respectful atmosphere she creates in her kindergarten class, for the joy visible in the faces of her students, and for the collegiality she embodies and inspires in others. Ms. Lambert was honored for “walking the walk of success for all of her students,” and for always believing in her students capability and helping them to believe in their own potential.
The Roger L. Wallace Excellence in Teaching Award Committee sends our congratulations to these nominees and to our inaugural recipient. We honor them as we celebrate all of our teachers for the work they do for our children and our community.
Our award is named for Roger L. Wallace who retired in June of 2012 after thirty-nine years of outstanding teaching at the elementary school level, thirty-eight of those years in Amherst. The Committee has raised $13,811 toward our fundraising goal of $25,000. Contributions will be gratefully received and can be sent to The Roger L. Wallace Excellence in Teaching Award Committee, Post Office Box 3070, Amherst, MA 01004.