Mario Reaves named Teacher of the Year

Mario Reaves, Counselor at Saltar’s Point Elementary in the Steilacoom Historical School District, will be recognized at Natural High’s 11^th Annual Sunset Splash Gala on October 28, 2011 in La Jolla, CA. Natural High by the Sundt Memorial Foundation is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit, drug abuse prevention organization dedicated to helping people find their natural high and reject drugs. A natural high is any sport, activity or art from that you love to do and makes you feel good inside. Mario implemented the Natural High program school-wide and has also developed his own Natural High lesson, “Prom Promise” that involves Saltar’s Point 5^th graders writing letters to Steilacoom High School seniors about their natural high and asking them to refrain from using drugs or alcohol on prom night. Mario, who can be found teaching in classrooms as well as working with small groups at lunch sessions, feels it is important to teach a proactive curriculum. “This specific curriculum does a fantastic job as an antidrug program”, Mario said. His natural high? Fishing and singing.