Gretchen Wilson, center, is surprised with the California Casualty Award for Teaching Excellence on Thursday at the Durango School District 9-R Administration Building. Wilson, who has taught for more than 30 years with the district, primarily at Needham Elementary School, became one of 42 teachers to receive the award this year. Pam Emery-Chase of California Casualty presented the award while Superintendent Dan Snowberger offered congratulations.
Gretchen Wilson works with Angelina Santiesteban, a sixth-grader at Escalante Middle School.
