logo
‘Unmatched' passion. Tri-Cities Crystal Apple winner named ESD 123 Teacher of the Year

‘Unmatched' passion. Tri-Cities Crystal Apple winner named ESD 123 Teacher of the Year

Yahoo03-06-2025

A proud product of the Pasco community, who has dedicated her teaching career to expanding access and opportunities for the region's multi-lingual learners, has been recognized as the 2026 Educational Service District 123 Teacher of the Year.
The accolade also automatically puts Gabriela Whitemarsh, a bilingual mathematics teacher at Pasco High School, in the running for Washington Teacher of the Year.
The state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, OSPI, selects that winner in late summer.
Whitemarsh said she was 'surprised' with the recognition last week at a staff meeting. Superintendent Michelle Whitney and executive staff from ESD 123 presented her a certificate.
'I was humbled, very honored,' Whitemarsh told the Tri-City Herald.
But teaching isn't conducted in a silo, she says, paying credit to her colleagues, administrators, students and families for the honor.
'There are so many people who have helped me along the way,' Whitemarsh said. 'That's not just my own merit, it comes from a whole group of people — both in my personal and professional life — and I am eternally grateful for each and every one of them.'
She was also among nine educators earlier this year who took home the 2025 Tri-City Crystal Apple Awards for Excellence in Education.
Whitemarsh called teaching the 'greatest career ever,' and says it's a privilege to play a role in building up the next generation of leaders.
'It's very personal, and I don't take it for granted at all,' she said.
Pasco High Principal Veronica Machado in a letter of recommendation described Whitemarsh as an individual who cares about 'innovation, equity, collaboration and excellence in education for every student.'
'Her passion and dedication are unmatched, and she has left an indelible impact on her students, her colleagues, and Pasco High School,' Machado wrote.
ESD 123 Superintendent Steve McCullough said in a statement that Whitemarsh's passion, creativity and dedication to educational equity embodied what it means to be a leader in the profession.
'We are honored to have Gabriela represent our region and know she will continue to make an extraordinary impact,' he said.
Whitemarsh is completing her ninth year as a public school teacher.
Prior to coming to Pasco High, she worked nine years at Columbia Basin College as a program director, most notably for the Math Engineering Science Achievement. She also taught mathematics as an adjunct professor.
She is founder the Advanced Multilingual Mathematics Program (HiCap L1 Math) at Pasco High School, an initiative that opens the door to college-level mathematics for newcomer students who previously lacked access.
Whitemarsh says she saw the need herself back when she was attending the school. She was often one of only a handful of Hispanic students who were in advanced courses.
'There are so many who are capable, why aren't there more of us who are taking these courses and being rigorously prepared for college?' she said.
Since the program took off in 2018, about 92 students have completed advanced math courses, and 41 have earned between 5 and 20 college math credits — all while they continued to build a foundation in the English language arts.
Whitemarsh says it's her students and the stories of their families who drive her to continue teaching. Many come to her with varying backgrounds, education levels and at different ages — but each strives to learn and help one another.
'Education is at the heart of what we do. It opens doors and opportunities — and there's a ripple effect,' she said.
Learning is also at the heart of her family. Her husband also works as a math teacher, but at Stevens Middle School. Her parents, who immigrated from Mexico, constantly instilled in her the value of education.
In addition to her teaching duties, Whitemarsh also chairs Pasco High's multilingual department, serves as a bilingual facilitator, and regularly provides professional development to her colleagues on culturally responsive teaching and equitable practices.
She's also been previously recognized for dedicating countless hours toward tutoring students one-on-one during the COVID pandemic and for being a mentor to her colleagues.
Whitemarsh has also previously been involved in leadership positions with the regional Hispanic Academic Achievers Program — a program she benefited from — which has awarded scholarships to youth in the Hispanic community since 1991.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

The best lightweight running shoes for warm weather training, according to podiatrists
The best lightweight running shoes for warm weather training, according to podiatrists

CNN

timean hour ago

  • CNN

The best lightweight running shoes for warm weather training, according to podiatrists

When you're looking to beat the heat, hit a personal record or even just meet your step count for the day, swapping your sandals for lightweight running shoes is one of the best exercise ideas to help you stay active in the summer heat. And while selecting the perfect lightweight running shoes for your purposes — be it trail running or strolling — can feel daunting, a few careful considerations from the pros are all it takes to help you breeze through your summer cardio sessions with ease. We tapped board-certified podiatrists to find out exactly what to look for in the best lightweight running shoes for warm weather training, along with the specific models they recommend shopping for a smoother run, walk or jog this summer. Brooks Women's Launch 10 Neutral Running Shoes 'For patients who are into running […] I recommend Brooks' Launch 10 neutral running shoes,' said Dr. Michael Nirenberg, clinical and forensic podiatrist at Friendly Footcare in Indiana. With these sneakers, you can expect their breathable knit uppers to keep your feet dry during long-distance runs, as well as their traction-heavy rubber outsoles to keep you stable on all terrains. Brooks Men's Launch 10 Neutral Running Shoes The best part about these breathable running shoes? Their lightweight cushioning allows for quick transitions so you can stay comfortable and dry while maintaining speed. For an even more lightweight and responsive feel, Brooks just launched the Launch 11 that'll help launch you to new personal records with improved stability thanks to its lower heel-to-toe drop. Brooks Women's Glycerin 21 Road Running Shoes 'I recommend these because they are lightweight, have a wide toe box and provide good stability,' Nirenberg said. 'They're not too firm or rigid, yet also not too soft, providing a good mix of support and flexibility. I joke they are the Goldilocks of running shoes!' With their responsive and plush fit, the updated Glycerin 22 is also a smart low-bulk bet. Brooks Men's Glycerin 21 Road Running Shoes In our roundup of our favorite Brooks running shoes, we call out how perfectly suited these lightweight running shoes are for everything from a quick treadmill run to a several-mile-long training session ahead of race day. New Balance Women's FuelCell Rebel V4 Running Shoes Dr. Adenike Sonaike, a podiatrist with Baker Street Health in Motion in Fair Lawn, New Jersey, loves these lightweight running shoes. These daily trainers by New Balance are by far the most lightweight out of her picks at around 168 grams in the average size, she said. Synthetic mesh uppers help keep the weight down so you stay light on your toes (and dry too). New Balance Men's FuelCell Rebel V4 Running Shoes Opting for these running shoes is a solid bet in high temps when you need some extra breathability and performance. The brand's signature FuelCell foam combines PEBA and EVA technologies, and will help provide the fuel you need to stay propulsive during your daily run, be it a recovery jog or sprint intervals (sprintervals?).Puma Women's Velocity Nitro 3 Running Shoes If you experience excessive inward rolling of your heels, you may benefit from stability shoes from Puma's Nitro stability line to promote better alignment. Before your next warm weather run, be sure to grab Sonaike's lightweight pick for a smoother and more stable stride. Puma Men's Velocity Nitro 3 Running Shoes These stabilizing sneakers are free of extra bulk and instead offer stability at the heels along with breathable engineered mesh uppers and grippy rubber outsoles for further control as you crush those Women's Vaporfly 3 Running Shoes You'd be hard-pressed to find shoes that offer this level of propulsion and lightness, but that's exactly what these Nike beauties achieved when we tried them. We appreciate not only their full-length carbon fly plates for a smooth and snappy stride but their flared midsoles for a touch of extra stability in featherlight shoes that weigh around 165 grams each. Nike Men's Vaporfly 3 Running Shoes While the Vaporfly 3 sneakers for men technically shine during race day, you'll find yourself reaching for them on the hottest of days, thanks to their "barely there" Flyknit uppers and offset laces that won't further squeeze your insteps. You can upgrade your running game with the newest iteration of the shoes, the Vaporfly 4, designed with even lighter midsoles, outsoles and uppers than its Women's Deviate Nitro 3 Running Shoes Our experts agree nitrogen-infused foam is the key to keeping it light, so it's no surprise these Puma kicks are one of Sonaike's favorites. They're designed with nitrogen-infused foam midsoles and breathable uppers to make outdoor interval, tempo or long runs this summer a true walk in the park. Puma Men's Deviate Nitro 3 Running Shoes While these lightweight running shoes will make you feel like you're floating on clouds, they come at a reasonable price point compared to the competition. Running shoes that feature carbon footplates for more efficient energy return are hard to find for under $200. Brooks Women's Hyperion 2 Road Running Shoes Got a need for speed? Don't sweat it. These Sonaike-endorsed sneakers have you covered this summer. Adding 4 more millimeters of cushioning than their predecessor had helps absorb impact during snappy runs while breathable uppers prevent foot sweats. Brooks Men's Hyperion 2 Road Running Shoes With an average weight of around 200 grams each, these lightweight running shoes help you go the extra mile even in peak summer temperatures, helping you mitigate foot sweat that can contribute to chafing and Women's Clifton 10 Running Shoes The new-and-improved version of these editor-loved shoes is a year-round favorite for a reason. They provide unmatched comfort through impossibly plush midsoles, they fare well during both strength and cardio workouts, and they feature Hoka's signature rocker bottoms for smooth, efficient heel-to-toe transitions. Read our review Hoka Men's Clifton 10 Running Shoes If you're looking for a lightweight pair of running shoes to beat the heat (and personal records), look no further than the Clifton 10, weighing in at just over a pound for the pair. Boasting an additional 3 millimeters of stack height over the previous model, the Clifton 9, you'll experience plush landings and improved Women's Experience Flow Road Running Shoes These aren't your run-of-the-mill lightweight running shoes. Clocking in at around 200 grams per shoe, these Altra runners will keep you feeling both light and dry on your feet. They boast the brand's signature wide toe boxes to accommodate swelling associated with skyrocketing temperatures or any foot deformities. Altra Men's Experience Flow Road Running Shoes The Altra Experience Flow running shoes offer ample breathing room, giving your toes extra room to splay, which helps you stay stable with every step. A low heel-to-toe drop creates a barefoot feel — perfect for enhancing your stride if you experience Women's Cloud X 4 AD Training Shoes Clocking in at a featherlight 220 grams per shoe, these plush On Cloud X 4 AD shoes will have you floating on a cloud. Their allure lies in their elasticated laces that don't require tying, so you can race out the door for your next run or outdoor HIIT class. On Men's Cloud X 4 AD Training Shoes In these light and breathable running shoes, engineered mesh uppers keep feet cool and dry while roomy toe boxes help account for foot swelling. Plus, their signature pillowy CloudTec will keep you comfortable even in grueling Women's Endorphin Pro 4 Running Shoes At just 185 grams per women's shoe and 212 grams per men's, you'll wonder if you're wearing anything at all in the Endorphin Pro 4 — and that's exactly what you want when additional layers feel cumbersome under the sun. Saucony Men's Endorphin Pro 4 Running Shoes Thanks to their carbon plates, speeding through personal records will feel like child's play in these lightweight running shoes. Integrated tongues and heel liners help prevent chafing and foam-heavy midsoles provide unparalleled responsiveness without contributing to extra weight. Weight When looking for the best lightweight shoes, it helps to identify a specific weight range to reduce bulk and improve comfort during hot weather. 'I consider a running shoe to be lightweight if it's less than or around half a pound (225 to 250 grams),' Nirenberg said. Breathability Sweaty feet can ruin a successful workout during the summer. Ensure your comfort (while warding off related conditions like athlete's foot) by opting for breathable fabrics. 'Materials for lightweight running shoes have become quite advanced now, and you should look for a shoe with fabrics engineered to allow for better airflow in order to help keep your feet cool during long runs,' Nirenberg said. Mesh and lightweight knit materials are popular choices to reduce perspiration while you work out. Durable uppers Your lightweight shoes for training shouldn't be flimsy but, instead, boast firm uppers, according to Sonaike. 'This will give stability regardless of the thickness of the sole,' she said. Cushioning For comfort and podiatric health, cushioning for shock absorption is your best friend when it comes to lightweight running shoes, according to Nirenberg. 'New foam technologies are now being implemented into running shoes,' he said. 'Look for a shoe with lightweight foam cushioning that can reduce the impact, which is especially important for runners who are heel strikers.' Structure Don't sacrifice structure for light weight. Sonaike said the shoe shouldn't bend easily in half. 'It should have some midfoot structure and should bend mostly at the toes,' she said. The following FAQs have been answered by podiatrists Dr. Michael Nirenberg and Dr. Adenike Sonaike. What are lightweight running shoes best for? What are lightweight running shoes best for? Lightweight running shoes are best for speed training or fast-paced workouts like sprinting or interval training, Nirenberg said. They're also suitable for long-distance walks in warm climates, according to Sonaike. Do lightweight running shoes have comfortable cushioning? Do lightweight running shoes have comfortable cushioning? According to Sonaike, many brands offer thicker soles for shock absorption or inject nitrogen into the foam of their soles to keep the shoes feeling lightweight without sacrificing cushion. What time of year is the best to wear lightweight running shoes? What time of year is the best to wear lightweight running shoes? Lightweight running shoes fare best in hot and humid weather since they help keep feet dry, according to Nirenberg. If you decide to wear them year-round, be sure to assess the treads of the shoes for slip resistance as well as the upper fabric knit for warmth during winter months, Sonaike said. We consulted the following experts to gain their insights on selecting the best lightweight running shoes for warm weather workouts. Dr. Michael Nirenberg, clinical and forensic podiatrist at Friendly Footcare in Indiana Dr. Adenike Sonaike, a podiatrist with Baker Street Health in Motion in Fair Lawn, New Jersey CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. Contributing editor and writer Marissa Miller has 15 years of experience testing and reporting on all things health and wellness, while also serving as a certified personal trainer from the American Council on Exercise with a specialization in orthopedic exercise. For this article, she spoke to two podiatrists to gain their professional insights on how to choose the best lightweight running shoes to invest in for warm weather workouts.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store