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United Way announces recipient of Gary A. LaGrange Community Impact Award

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Katie Hallman, this year’s United Way of the Tri-Valley Area Gary A. LaGrange Community Impact Award recipient. (Photo by Mia Emery-Guemmadi)

FARMINGTON – Each year, United Way of the Tri-Valley Area seeks nominations from the community for the Gary A. LaGrange Community Impact Award. The award recognizes dedication to community and passion for serving others, traits that Gary A. LaGrange was known for. Gary was a devoted volunteer of the UWTVA, and when he passed away in 2013, the award was created to continue honoring his legacy.

This year’s award is presented to public school nurse Katie Hallman, who works primarily with pre-k and elementary age students at W.G. Mallett School. Hallman is known for jumping to the aid of thousands of children over her career who have food insecurities, injuries, disabilities, and illness. She has offered countless education-based opportunities for families, such as training for proper usage of Epi-pens, seizure management, and other on-site supports for parents and grandparents. She has procured grant funding to purchase Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for children and staff experiencing life-threatening heart problems.

Hallman is also heavily involved in the Girl’s State program, influencing the lives of an estimated forty to fifty local young women over the years. She played a key role in establishing the annual Mallett Yard Sale, which raises money to give students a chance to attend the local summer camp or summer program, and is a leader of the Emblem Club and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Legion, providing American flags to schools.

Hallman devotes major time to the local food pantry at Mallett, that has been going strong for nearly four years. She has been known to go as far as calling individuals whom she knows are in need and has her husband Bob make deliveries if transportation or illness is ever an issue.

In nominating Katie for this award, it was noted that, “Her efforts within the school/community ripple outward. We hope that Katie’s value to our community can be recognized with this very special award. I can’t think of a more deserving person.”

Other nominees deserving of recognition for their service are: Shelly Gervais, Chris and Bri Bracy, Kelsea Pinkham, Bud and Sarah Martin (Martin Woods Farm), Mary Ryan and Steve Muise. To learn more about them, visit uwtva.org.

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29 Comments

  1. Congratulations, Katie! You’ve impacted many a student’s life with your generosity! Proud to be your friend!

  2. There’s no more deseving person to receive this award. Katie was the school nurse in Cushing and Academy Hill Schools when my kids were students there. Both of them had diabetes and Katie was especially helpful with their specific needs. As a classroom teacher at AHS I saw how she dealt day to day with many different situations. Katie has a smile on her face and a positive attitude as she goes about her business.

    Congratulations, Katie!

  3. Excellent choice. And well deserved. Katie is a true giver straight from the heart. Her passion is to help people. If a kid need anything we know how to turn to for help. If Katie doesn’t have it in her closet at work she will surely find it else where. A Truly good person. And I also proudly call her a friend. Congratulations Katie

  4. Congratulations for all your hard work and dedication. Also, congratulations to all the nominees, showing us that there are countless community members working hard to better our everyday lives. Thank-you all. AB

  5. Excellent choice. Thank you for all you do for the children in our community!!

  6. Katie,
    You’re so deserving of this! The staff was excited to cheer you on at the reception, but we will do that sometime down the road. Thanks so much for all you’ve done, and best wishes –
    Tracy

  7. WELL DESERVED!!!! Congratulations Katie!!!! I have always admired you as a nurse and person, it is wonderful to see you recognized!!!

  8. Katie is a very special woman. She is kind, compassionate, hard working, genuine and brilliant. I have seen her in action at school with some of our most vulnerable people (children, parents and co-workers). Katie most recently approached US Cellular, Joel Grier (Mt. Blue Shopping Center) who donated an IPAD for the residents at The PIerce House to use during this difficult time, so as to stay connected by face time with their family and friends. She did this at the onset of the COVID 19 emergency. Katie, you are a beautiful and inspiring person. Thank you for all you do!

  9. So well deserved. Katie has done so much for so many for many years. She is passionate about her job, her family, her community, and her country. We are blessed to have her in Farmington.

  10. So wonderful to see you get this appreciation for all your labors of love on behalf of children over so many years.
    Bless your heart, biggest hug,

  11. Congratulations, Katie……An Honor well deserved & Thank You for all you do!

  12. What a wonderful choice! Congratulations Katie, you are well deserving of this award!

  13. Congratulations! This is well deserved for such a wonderful caring person!

  14. Congratulations Katie! Well deserved and thank you for all you do for the community.

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