WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A Ferndale paraeducator has been awarded a top state honor.

The state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction has named Kelly Toner as a regional winner for the 2026 Classified School Employee of the Year.

Toner, a paraeducator at Cascadia Elementary in Ferndale, was selected for her efforts to promote inclusivity and student support.

In her nomination application, Toner says that her work is rooted in her own childhood experiences, noting she struggled in school but had robust support from her teachers.

Cascadia Principal Dawn Christiana adds that Toner goes the extra mile to ensure her students have access to the tools they need to succeed.

That includes using augmentive and alternative communication tools, as well as advocating for better access to general education environments.

Toner is among eight other regional winners that will be considered for the state’s top Classified School Employee of the Year honor.

WCLS announces Golden Apple Educator Award winners

Awards are stacking up for even more educators in our region.

The Whatcom County Library System announced the winners of its annual Golden Apple Educator Awards Tuesday, Oct. 13.

This year’s winners include Blaine High School English teachers Nicole Diimmel and Melissa Tillson, as well as Bernice Vossbeck fifth grade teacher Dan Oliva.

Honorees are chosen based on their ability to connect students to local library resources and expanding opportunities for them to foster a love of reading.

Cascadia Elementary librarian and paraeducator Katie Bell rounds out the list, marking the second recognition for a Cascadia employee within the span of a week.

All four winners of the Golden Apple Educator Awards will be recognized at a ceremony at the Ferndale Events Center on Nov. 8.