Armstrong-Montes named Friend of Children

Nancy Armstrong-Montes was honored with the Friends of Children award by the North Central Washington Educational Service District at a banquet in Wenatchee.

Armstrong-Montes, who retired from teaching in Nespelem a few years ago, now volunteers on the school board, in the kitchen, the classroom, administration office and just about anywhere else there is a need, commented Superintendent Rich Stewart, who nominated her.

"Rarely have I ever come across anybody that is so selfless," Stewart said, noting that he has worked in 17 school districts. "Without her and her positive attitude and support for kids, her love for the Nespelem community, we would be in dire straits."

The award was given at a banquet atop the ESD's Wenatchee headquarters May 10.

Armstrong-Montes started teaching in Detroit. She moved to Washington in the early 1970s to volunteer at St. Mary's Mission near Omak before taking her teaching position in Nespelem.

Even retired, she now provides all the music education for the school's preschool through eighth grades, Stewart said.

"I came in this morning, ... Nancy was in the kitchen, wearing an apron," Stewart noted. "When we don't have a principal, guess who we turn to."

Armstrong-Montes was one of five chosen for the honor among the entire ESD, which serves 29 school districts.