Franklin Connection - Serving Franklin County, WA

Second-grade Hiawatha Elementary School teacher Lauren Rathbone was recognized March 9 for her efforts to lock down the school while police apprehended a man on the playground. Police ordered the man to stop, but he ran onto the playground, records show. Witnessing the chase, Rathbone called the school in to a lockdown, police said. "Her prompt action made the best of a potentially dangerous situation," police said, noting the teacher was awarded the Chief's Award of Excellence.