May 4, 2016 4 min read

Washington County Coummunity Foundation has announced the recipients of three awards. They will be honored at WCCF’s annual Legacy Luncheon May 20 at Southpointe Golf Club.

WCCF has named Virginia Vasko, a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) educator from Bentworth School District, the recipient of this year’s Dr. Howard Jack Outstanding Public Educator Award. Criteria for the award are that the educator inspires students of all abilities, has earned the respect of colleagues, students, and parents, and is actively engaged in the community.

“The children of Bentworth School District are fortunate to have access to such an inspirational and creative educator as Virginia Vasko. Her enthusiasm for her work has impacted many, and her dedication is indicative of someone who sincerely upholds Dr. Howard Jack’s philosophy on education,” remarked WCCF Chairman Deborah Takach.

A lifelong resident of Washington County, Vasko grew up on a family farm in Bentleyville. She received her bachelor’s degree from Clarion University and her master’s degree from California University of Pennsylvania. Over the course of her nearly 30-year career, Vasko has taught children of all abilities different subjects in different grades at both the elementary and middle school levels, always adjusting and adapting to ensure every student has the best experience.

In her current role as the fifth grade STEM educator at Bentworth Middle School, she is committed to collaborating with the other teachers on her team so that coursework can be successfully integrated between the disciplines.

In her honor, WCCF approved a $1,000 grant to Bentworth School District in support of an outdoor classroom.

Traci McDonald will receive the Louis E. Waller Humanitarian Award. The award recognizes a local individual or organization devoted to the promotion of human welfare or the advancement of social reform as evidenced by humanitarian deeds in the community, whether local, national, or international.

“Both in her career and in her free time, Traci McDonald has been focused on helping some of the most fragile members of our community find the strength they need to move forward. The care, compassion, and support she has extended to those in need is laudable and truly worthy of recognition,” Takach said.

“I had such respect for Lou Waller. Our families were close, and I grew up with him as a mentor…In fact, I started my involvement in the community because of Lou,” McDonald remarked. “What a blessing and an honor to be recognized with an award in his name.”

For 15 years, McDonald was an assistant district attorney who served as the head of the domestic, sex crimes and child abuse unit of the Washington County district attorney’s office. After noticing gaps in the process and needs that weren’t being addressed, she took action. Just one example is her effort to rally support from local service organizations such as the Zonta Club and the Women of Philanthropy to collect jogging suits and care packages for rape victims who have surrendered their clothing as evidence for law enforcement.

But more often than not, McDonald spent her days as an ADA working hard to build a trusting relationship with victims, many of whom had never experienced the support she offered.

In McDonald’s honor, WCCF approved a $1,000 unrestricted grant to Jameson’s Army, a local charity that raises awareness and funding for children affected by congenital heart defects.

Kenneth Donahue will receive the Richard L. White Excellence Award for board service. The award recognizes an individual who serves as an exemplary member of the board, wholeheartedly sharing his or her time, talent, and treasures to support the Foundation and its mission. Both current and former trustees are eligible to receive the award, which is named in honor of Founding Trustee and Past Chairman of the Board, Richard L. White. The inaugural award was presented to White in 2012.

A native of Chicago, Donahue earned a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University of Chicago. He moved to the Washington County area to serve as President of rose plastic USA, a world leader in the manufacture of plastic protective packaging, in California Technology Park.

Donahue was elected as a WCCF trustees nearly 12 years ago. He has been an enthusiastic supporter of the WCCF, sharing his time and talents in many ways, including serving on the executive, marketing and nominating (now Governance) committees.

For more information, visit www.wccf.net.