Award Several years ago, NEA-Alaska/Retired established an award in honor of Gayle Harbo, one of our most dedicated members. The NEA-Alaska/Retired Board of Directors may award the Gayle Harbo Award to a member of our retired local who has provided distinguished and dedicated service to NEA-Alaska/Retired over a number of years. This year, the Retired Board of Directors decided to honor our friend, colleague, and longtime educational advocate, Judy Salo. Judy Salo was an active member during her teaching career. She served as an officer in her local association, KPEA. Judy was Vice President of NEA-Alaska and served as President of NEA-Alaska in 1989 and 1990, as well as representing Alaska on the NEA National Board as our NEA Director. Judy’s advocacy for education continued as she served in the State of Alaska Legislature. After her retirement, Judy continued to be active by serving as the Vice President of the NEA-Alaska/Retired Local. She currently serves as a Region Director on the NEA-Alaska State Board, representing retirees as well as advocating for practicing teachers. She was appointed to the Retiree Health Plan Advisory Board (RHPAB)by Governor Walker and has worked to protect and improve the health insurance of retired teachers. Thanks, Judy, for your devotion to students, teachers and retirees. This award is well deserved.

– Trena Richardson