Greet West Bellevue is proud to be continuing the Above and Beyond Teaching Award for the third year in a row! During the pandemic, countless teachers demonstrated true dedication to their students, going above and beyond the call of duty to provide them with the best education in a confusing and challenging new world. In 2022, the Above and Beyond Award was created to honor these incredible educators.

We have partnered with local business owners Steven and Fredda Goldfarb of Alvin Goldfarb Jeweler to create this award. The Goldfarb's believe that investing in education is one of the best ways to invest in the community and offered a $500 gift and Greet West Bellevue agreed to match it! Together, we are thrilled to be offering a $1,000 prize to the winning teacher.

“We are so excited to co-sponsor this award with Greet West Bellevue,” shares Steven Goldfarb, president of Goldfarb Jewelers. “Both Fredda and I had teachers who dramatically impacted our lives as young people, and we know from personal experience what a difference they can make.”

West Bellevue residents came together to nominate teachers who embody the true spirit of teaching: fostering a creative, fun, and safe environment for kids to learn and grow. Several teachers were nominated, and we are honored to have so many wonderful educators in our community.

This year, there was one teacher who truly stood out as going Above and Beyond. Congratulations to Bellevue High School’s David Kline! Mr. Kline currently teaches theater at Bellevue High school and serves as the head of their theater department. “David Kline has served the Bellevue High School community for the last 24 years, creating lifechanging, character building, and memorable experiences for thousands of students,” says BHS principal, Dr. Vic Anderson.

One of those memorable experiences Mr. Kline has facilitated for his students is a trip to the International Fringe Theater Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland. In an extensive process, a select handful of schools get invited to attend and perform in the festival. His theater students have been invited to this special event three times within the last several years to perform their local productions on a world-class level. “It takes an ensemble to put on a show,” explains Mr. Kline. “We would never have been able to do it if we did not have the amazingly talented students supported by an equally amazing group of parents who never let them forget: the students are here because they are the best, and they are the best because of each other.”

“Mr. Kline has genuine care for all students regardless of whether they are involved in theater,” shares nominator Janie M. “His tech theater classes continue to influence so many students and provide a creative outlet for kids who don’t do as well in art classes. He wants you to get something more than a grade out of his class.”

“David has a positive, fun attitude towards his students,” parent, Pony P. shares. “You can tell he truly cares about students having the resources they need to succeed, and he supports their independence and creativity in their work.”

“What I love about Mr. Kline is his complete respect for all students,” adds Dr. Anderson. “He creates a home for one of the most diverse groups on campus. He is kind, creative, energetic, and passionate. Students treat Mr. Kline with admiration and love. He is making a difference and changing lives for the better every single day.”

Please join us in congratulating and thanking Mr. David Kline for truly going Above and Beyond for the students in our community!