At the end of this school year, one of the finest teachers in the history of the Lake Washington School District will be leaving the classroom. Kathy Hovis, who has taught at Alexander Graham Bell Elementary School for 45 years, is retiring. I had the great privilege and honor to work with Kathy for six of those 45 years. Kathy would work with the most challenging children and do so with grace, compassion and tenacity while holding high expectations for their learning. She consistently advocated for kids, colleagues and the Bell community. Simply, Kathy is an amazing teacher and an amazing woman. She has touched the hearts of many kids and many adults. She’ll remain our hearts forever.

Jeff Newport, Kirkland