Kermit Bankson was a wrestling coach and PE teacher at Albany High School for many years, leading his teams to multiple championships. He served as a mentor to countless students and inspired them to reach their full potential. Mr. Bankson’s vision for athletic facilities at AHS helped create the design for the new gym.

Virginia L. Behm was a teacher and principal at Albany High. She wrote the founding criteria for the establishment of MacGregor High School, a small, necessary school to enhance the opportunities for young people in Albany. Ms. Behm established a Limited English Proficient Outreach Program at Golden Gate Fields, known as “Riding High.” She was an advocate for inclusive athletics and continues to volunteer at AHS wrestling events. Ms. Behm was the first woman president of the North Coast Section of the California Interscholastic Federation.

Craig Bryant is an instrumental music teacher. He has conducted award-winning music programs and AEF was happy to support a grant that allowed Mr. Bryant and students to perform at Lincoln Center. Mr. Bryant has been generous in providing music groups to perform at community events, including AEF fundraisers.

Judith Carey was a dedicated librarian at Marin School. She began the Transitional Kindergarten (TK) library at Albany Children’s Center from donations made in Mary Wallmann’s memory. Ms. Carey maintained quality libraries in Albany schools during difficult state funding cycles. AEF could always count on her to be a Barnes & Noble shopping-day volunteer.