Halpin Foundation honors Jamison

Hollis Jamison was honored for his long service as chair of the William F. Halpin Math and Science Foundation before Monday night’s basketball season opener at Garfield.

Hollis JAmison, left, and Archie Neal

Jamison has chaired the foundation’s board since its inception 17 years ago and stepped down this year. He was presented with a plaque to commemorate his service by Archie Neal, also a member of the foundation’s board, before the start of the boys’ game.

The foundation, founded in honor of William F. Halpin, a long-time Superintendent and science teacher, grants funding to teachers and awards students in math and science at Garfield/Palouse.

“Even when he was superintendent, he always found time to teach math and science,” Neal said of his former superintendent and teacher.

The idea for the foundation was launched by Mahlon Kriebel as a memorial tribute shortly after Halpin’s death in 1993. It functions solely on donations and awarded nearly $700 last year.

Each year, teachers apply to the foundation for funding to further projects that enhance math and science curriculum. The highest achieving math and science students in both elementary schools, the middle school at Garfield and the high school at Palouse are also picked by teachers for foundation awards at the end of the school year.

Warren Neal will take Jamison’s spot as the chair of the foundation. Marie Dymkowski will fill the vacated seat on the board.