Highline Community College named Sherrill Miller, former winemaker and owner of E.B. Foote Winery, its 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award winner for her success in the wine industry and her philanthropic efforts.

“Sherrill is the perfect example of an individual that had the drive to succeed and followed her passions,” said Highline President Dr. Jack Bermingham. “She has been very generous to Highline and many local charities, and we are honored to have her as an alum.”

Miller got a taste for entrepreneurship while attending Highline and graduated with honors with her Associate of Arts degree in 1975. She then went on to obtain her Bachelor’s in Sociology and a minor in Education from the University of Washington.

In 1991, Miller and her husband opened E.B. Foote Winery in Burien. E.B. Foote wines won numerous awards and recognition from Wine Press Northwest, Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast. Miller was a teacher for 26 years, splitting her time with winemaking.

In 1996, she was nominated for the Washington State Teacher of the Year award. Miller retired from teaching in 2002 to dedicate herself full time to the winery. She currently serves as a wine buyer and expert for The Mark Restaurant in Burien.

Miller used her success from the winery to better the community, donating nearly 250 private tastings each year, which generated more than $50,000 for various non-profit organizations. Proceeds from her red blend, “Remembrance,” named in honor of her husband who passed away from Alzheimer’s in 2008, benefited Alzheimer’s research and raised more than $100,000.

The Distinguished Alumni Award honors a former Highline student who has made outstanding contributions through community service, noteworthy professional achievement and/or recognized leadership.

Former Seattle Mayor Norm Rice, who attended Highline in 1968–69, was the first recipient of the award in 1990. Other past honorees include Ezra Teshome, agent with State Farm Insurance and TIME magazine global health hero; Dr. Linda Petter, a local health care advocate; and Junki Yoshida, founder and CEO of the Yoshida Food Group.

For more information about past honorees, visit www.funds4highline.org.

Highline Community College in Des Moines was founded in 1961 as the first community college in King County. With approximately 18,000 students and 350,000 alumni, it is one of the state’s largest institutions of higher education. The college offers a wide range of academic transfer and professional-technical education programs, with day, evening and weekend classes.