Mom of three and Orcas Island Children’s House preschool teacher Tess White has been honored as  “Senior of the Year,” by Washington State University’s College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences online Human Development program.

Tess began college at the age of 17, but dropped out after a year. Now 37, she will graduate with her bachelor’s degree from WSU this December.

“I want to continue teaching preschool,” said Tess; “Then someday I hope to go on to get my Master’s and teach online.”

Her degree is in Human Development, with a specialization in Early Childhood.

Tess and her husband, surveyor Greg White, have three children: Grayson, 12, Erin, 9, who is autistic, and Willow, 7.

“Tess was selected due to her academic ability, her family commitment, her work, and her community involvement,” said her proud mother, Leslie Hutchinson. “She has maintained a 3.9+ average while working at Children’s House and raising her three children.”

Tess is also the San Juan County contact person for other parents dealing with children with disabilities. She and Greg traveled to Pullman April 8 and 9 to receive her award.