From the NFL to the Foreign Service: WWPS Celebrates 2026 Graduates of Distinction
By Griffin Beach on Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – Walla Walla Public Schools held a ceremony Monday night honoring five of their alumni as the 2026 Graduates of Distinction
“The Graduates of Distinction program celebrates former students who exemplify the district’s values of integrity, perseverance, service, and excellence,” according to WWPS. “This year’s recipients have made significant contributions in their respective fields while serving as role models for future generations.”
This year’s honorees are:
Dean Derby – Class of 1953
Derby earned All-State honors in football and track at Walla Walla High School before continuing his athletic career at the University of Washington. He was an All-Conference running back who went on to play seven seasons in the National Football League earning All-Pro honors in 1960 as a defensive back.
Derby was the founder of Standard Valuations, Inc, which focused on independent pension fund performance measurement.
Derby returned to the Walla Walla Valley where he helped pave the way for the growth of the valley’s wine industry. He was a supporter of schools, churches, athletics, and community organizations.
Antonia Alvarado-Jackson – Class of 1976
A four-decade career at Washington State Penitentiary culminating as Correctional Unit Manager earned Alvarado-Jackon accolades including Correctional Officer of the Year and the Washington State El Protector Award.
Alvarado-Jackson has devoted time to organizations including the YWCA, United Way, Friends of Children, the Salvation Army, and Love Serving Veterans. She currently serves on the Walla Walla Civil Service Commission and as President of the Board for Sherwood Trust.
Squire Broel – Class of 1988
Broel was an art student at Walla Walla High School who’s artwork has been exhibited nationally and internationally.
He currently works at a studio that overlooks Main Street in Walla Walla, and served on arts commissions along with supporting downtown revitalization.
Broel has been called the “Ambassador of Walla Walla” introducing collectors, visitors, and artists to the valley.
Michael Fredrickson – Class of 1988
As a student ambassador at Walla Walla High School Fredrickson traveled to Hawaii, Japan, Fiji, New Zealand, and Australia.
Fredrickson returned to Walla Walla after earning a degree in Agri-Business from Washington State University. He has a career of public service including the Walla Walla County Planning Commission, the Port of Walla Walla Commission, along with regional development initiatives.
Amanda Porter – Class of 1996
Porter earned degrees in Zoology and Spanish from Washington State University followed by a master’s degree in International Public Health from George Washington University.
She has served as a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State since 2003. She plans to transfer to Bolivia this month where she will serve as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in La Paz.
Even with her career taking her all over the world she has remained connected to Walla Walla speaking with Walla Walla High School leadership students.
WWPS Superintendent Ben Gauyan with Michael Fredrickson
