Willamette University
School Partners: Salem-Keizer Public Schools and Bush Elementary School

Pictured: Linda Tamura, Cassandra Farrin, Kyle Nakashima, and Rachael Peterson accepted the award on behalf of Willamette University. Also pictured (far right) is Krina Lemons, School Board vice chairperson. 

Willamette University has been a tremendous support to our schools for many years.

The Masters of Arts in Teaching Program and the students of Willamette have hosted Saturday Explorations at the university; they lend a hand in various fund raisers that are held throughout the year, and they are classroom helpers, reading Club assistants, and mentors.

Willamette students are entirely responsible for creating, funding, developing, and running the "Tiger Club" after school program at Bush Elementary. They organize supply closets and painted mascot murals in the hallways to encourage school spirit. With service learning as a university focus, students often volunteer for special projects like landscaping, book give-aways and painting.