Eleanor Wallis
NSD 21 Yrs. & Vol. 25+ Yrs.
Highly Influential Acclaimed Journalism Teacher & Mentor
Prominent Beneficent Community Advocate & Leader
Eleanor Wallis put her heart and soul into her work as a teacher and advisor. For 21 years, she taught English, history, journalism, and was the newspaper and yearbook advisor at Bothell High School. Wallis cared about all her students, took great pride in their work and willingly gave individual attention to each student. Expanding her impact beyond the high school, Wallis served on the state's Newspaper in the Classroom committee. She helped shape how journalism and contemporary media were taught throughout the state. Wallis served two terms as president of the Washington Journalism Education Association. After retiring in 1981, Wallis was able to increase her volunteer commitments. At the Northshore Senior Center, she was a board member and volunteer. She edited and helped write journalism text books and teachers' guides, and she conducted seminars for journalism teachers at the University of Washington. Beginning in 1985, Wallis edited the Washington State Retired Teachers Association's journal for 11 years. In 1987, she received the national Journalism Education Association's Lifetime Achievement Award for her exceptional dedication to scholastic journalism, media literacy and leadership. For over a decade, she served on Evergreen Hospital's community advisory board and was honored with the EvergreenHealth Community Service Award in 2002. Wallis was a prominent community leader who focused primarily on local journalism, education and healthcare advocacy. In recognition of her outstanding accomplishments, teaching and volunteering, she received numerous awards. After a full life of service, Wallis passed away in December 2004.