Surprising this year’s 2010 Educators of the Year, the Snoqualmie Valley Schools Foundation made unexpected visits to schools around the Valley on the morning of Thursday, Feb. 25.

The Educator of the year honor is awarded in several categories: elementary teacher, middle to high school teacher and staff member.

Winners included Laura Tarp, Culinary Arts teacher at Mount Si High School, Jan Miller, second grade teacher at Fall City Elementary, Seth Deniston, third grade teacher at Cascade View Elementary and Christi Wright, secretary to the principal at Mount Si High School.

The educators exemplify commitment to excellence in education and dedication to students and the community of the Valley.

For the first time, two elementary teachers, Miller and Deniston were lauded for outstanding efforts.

Each winner was nominated by colleagues, parents and students, and were evaluated by an independent committee of Snoqualmie Valley Chamber of Commerce members.

Rhonda Moorehead, board member and chair of Educator of the Year, told each educator that they were adored by all and thanked them for inspiring staff students and the community.

All four educators will be honored publicly for their achievement at the Snoqualmie Valley Schools Foundation Spring Fundraising Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 25, at the TPC Snoqualmie Ridge club.

Snoqualmie Valley Schools Foundation is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to building community support for education, helping “Every Student in Every Classroom at Every School.”