“Public education helped shape my path, and I believe every student deserves the support and opportunities to shape their own.” – JR Wallace, Bell Imaging
Our Future Our Schools is proud to spotlight graduates of Washington’s public schools, like JR Wallace, vice president of Bell Imaging and a 2006 graduate of Washougal High School.
JR’s path to business leadership began at Washougal High School, where teachers, coaches and school staff helped build the foundation for his future.
“My public school education gave me a strong foundation and showed me how much teachers, coaches and supportive school communities can shape a young person’s confidence and opportunities,” JR said.
“Those experiences helped prepare me to build a career centered on serving schools and giving back to the community that helped me grow.”
After graduating, JR studied business and played basketball at Walla Walla University. He later moved to Arizona and worked in reservations for Alaska Airlines.
Today, JR oversees staffing, business development and client relations at Bell Imaging, a school and sports photography company serving Southwest Washington and Oregon. Through its work with local schools, Bell Imaging helps capture milestones, celebrate students and staff, and preserve memories for families.
Outside of work, JR also coaches youth sports, encouraging kids to work hard, listen and be good teammates.
Bell Imaging is a proud sponsor of Our Future Our Schools. For JR, supporting the project is another way to give back to the public schools and communities that helped shape his own path. He recognizes the dedication educators bring to their students every day, often while facing unseen challenges.
“Public schools are at the heart of our communities,” JR said. “They give every student a place to learn, grow, build relationships and discover what they’re capable of.”
Every entrepreneur, artist, builder, first responder and community leader has a story. For most of us, that story began in a public school. Our Future Our Schools is collecting stories from alumni to showcase the real impact of public education in Washington.