Volunteer mentor and tutor Wendy McDougald was recently named Grand County School District’s “Friend of Education” of the year.

She received the annual honor, which included a special plaque, at the district’s year-end employee meeting June 3.

McDougald was lauded for her work in the Grand Area Mentoring program, as well as her involvement with Red Rock Elementary’s “Star Program,” a reading program for first- and second-grade students.

According to Grand Area Mentoring (GrandAM) director Dan McNeil, McDougald was one of the first mentors ever trained for the program.

“She has been matched with at least one student, usually more, since September of 2005,” McNeil said. “This year, she mentored up to four students per week. She spent at least one hour with each [weekly], plus time preparing and completing records for Grand Area Mentoring. “

McDougald says she enjoys serving as a mentor with Grand County kids.

“It really helps that they have a significant adult in their life who sees them every week,” she said. “I try to help them build their self-esteem. As their school grades go up, so do their social skills.”

According to the GrandAM newsletter, mentees served by the program have seen improved grade point averages, along with reduced discipline referrals and unexcused absences.

“Way to go Wendy and thanks for all your hard work!” the newsletter stated.

In the Star program at Red Rock Elementary School, McDougald spent an average of six hours each week reading books aloud with young pupils who are reading below grade level and need extra help with their reading skills.

McDougald is also one of a handful of local CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteers, specially trained officers of the court who work with abused and neglected children.

“We try to represent the best interests of the child,” she said.

McDougald lived in Moab in the 1960s, when the town was “pretty much rural, with the exception of the uranium mining industry,” she said.

After leaving Grand County to pursue a master’s degree in social work, McDougald lived in Price for a decade, then spent time working for several agencies along the Wasatch Front until her retirement.

McDougald worked as a volunteer tutor in Midvale, Utah, from 2000-04. In early 2004, she and her husband, Ed Munson, moved to Moab.

Both McDougald and Munson are involved with the local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10900, as well as the American Legion Post 54. She said they enjoy gardening, fishing, and spending time outdoors. They also have several pets at home, including five cats and a dog.

McDougald also sings bass with the Valley Voices, a local barbershop group, and says she also enjoys attending her grandchildren’s sports events, including basketball and volleyball games.