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Hemet High School teacher Kevin Whalen was given the monthly Hemet Unified School District Governing Board Recognition and Award on April 23 for his efforts on behalf of the students. Whalen, a 1996 graduate of Hemet High, earned his bachelor’s degree in political science at UC Riverside in 2000 and he holds a single subject social studies teaching credential. He earned his master’s degree in education from Chapman University. Whalen began his professional career in Hemet Unified in 2000 as a substitute teacher. He was hired to teach social studies at Hemet High School in 2003. He now teaches economics and government. He also has served as coach for Mock Trial and Academic Decathlon teams, as well as being a National Honors Society adviser. “Mr. Whalen is an icon at Hemet High School,” Principal Emily Shaw wrote. “I could write much more about Mr. Whalen, but I believe his students say it best.” Shaw wrote that one of Whalen’s students, Jessica Clark, said he is really important to her. “Mr. Whalen is easily the most hilarious teacher and coach I’ve ever come across,” Clark wrote. “… He was really the highlight of my senior year and knowing him is essential to the high school experience.” “There’s a reason Mr. Whalen is nearly every senior’s favorite teacher,” valedictorian Corey Huxell wrote. “He connects with the students in a way no other staff member seems to. There is always a welcoming and friendly air in his class, which keeps his students wanting to come back and learn each day. “His integration of genuinely gut-busting humor tops it off, creating an educational experience found nowhere else on campus,” Huxell wrote. “Each student I asked about Mr. Whalen had something similar to share about what an incredibly talented and dedicated teacher he is,” Shaw wrote. “Mr. Whalen does not do what he does with students for attention or recognition, he has a gift. I could not think of a more deserving teacher than Kevin.” For outstanding performance, professionalism and loyalty to the Hemet Unified School District, trustee William Sanborn presented Whalen with the award and a $500 certificate to be used toward the district program of his choice.