PORT ANGELES — Meticulous care and archiving of more than 10,000 photos earned Sandy Louch high recognition as the 2010 Clallam County Historical Society’s Heritage Award winner.

Louch has found, organized, processed and stored the photographic collection for the society for more than two decades.

“Taking care of more than 10,000 photos and documenting them is no small task,” said Curtis Johnson, who presented the award at the Sunday ceremony.

In addition to working with the photographs, Louch also organized the book section for the annual garage sale — the biggest fundraiser of the year for the historical society.

“We are very grateful for all of her efforts,” Johnson said.

Louch, who does the work as a volunteer, is a retired teacher from the Chicago area.

“I greatly appreciate and thank you all,” she said.

“It has been a real pleasure and education to work with the collection.

“It has been a real eye-opener, and I’ve learned a lot.”

The Heritage Structure Award was presented to Queen of Angels School.

The award pays homage to the architecture of the county, Johnson said.

The school was built in 1926 and officially opened Aug. 29, 1927.

According to the historical society, despite numerous repairs, renovations and expansions, the school has maintained its 1920s architectural style.

Eleanor Tschimperle accepted the award for the school.

“In 1927, my dad built a shake mill and moved my family to town at 11th and Oak streets,” she said.

“Then Eleanor went to the Queen of Angels School.

“Two things happened: they promoted me one grade and then the bad thing was that I never learned fractions.

“At this time, the fourth generation of my family is attending Queen of Angels, and I’m happy to receive this for them.”

When Clallam County Commissioner Mike Doherty took the microphone later in the presentation, he told a few stories of his time at Queen of Angels School.

“My favorite nun was Sister Mary Anthony, and she taught all the boys how to play soccer,” he said.

“She was straight from Ireland and was the only nun I ever saw their skin — because she would hike up her [habit’s skirt], even with the starched penguin outfit, to run.

“You never knew if you were committing a mortal sin because you saw the skin of a nun.”

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Reporter Paige Dickerson can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at paige.dickerson@peninsuladailynews.com.