Announced in the South Whidbey Schools Foundation’s 2013-14 annual update, math teacher Louise Fiori was nominated by South Whidbey Academy staff for the Extra-Mile Award.

Fiori retired at the end of the school year in June after 20 years of teaching.

Samples of nominations in the newsletter include, “Ms. Fiori never fails to meet students where they are academically. I have personally witnessed her teach multiple students math skills, even when they had mathphobia,” and “She is a passionate advocate for students. She pulls no punches, believes that students are capable of success, and works hard helping the students also believe in themselves.”