Ila LaChapelle, a science and math teacher at North Border-Walhalla High School, received The Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Teaching this summer.

LaChapelle has taught for 38 years, and has been at Walhalla for 11 years. She uses the National Science Foundation River Watch Program to involve students in their environment.

LaChapelle is a 1968 graduate of Wolford High School, and an alumna of Mayville State University. She is the daughter of Esther Thompson of Rugby.