By Susan Winlow

Third-grade teacher Valerie Blanchard has done a full circle with closure, of sorts.

Raised in the Vacaville area, she went to Alamo Elementary School and Vacaville High School. When Blanchard, 55, began her teaching career 29 years ago, she started at Orchard Elementary School and has been there ever since. Just recently she was chosen as the site Teacher of the Year for Orchard, and then chosen the Vacaville School District Teacher of the Year.

It’s a “wonderful surprise” she said she didn’t see coming at all.

“It’s an unbelievable honor to represent the Vacaville Unified School District, my hometown, where I grew up,” she said. “I work with so many great teachers so it’s hard to . . . even accept this honor.”

via Vacaville teacher earns top district honor Daily Republic.