Community partners and educators receive awards
School administrators and outstanding community education partners were recognized May 20 with honorary awards presented by the Association of School Administrators (WASA) for the Columbia River Region 112.
• The Award of Merit was presented to retiring La Center School District Superintendent Chuck Anderson. Chuck was praised in the nomination letter for his leadership and dedication to schools and community throughout the region.
• The region's Student Achievement Award recipient is Bonnie Lock, La Center's Director of Curriculum and Instruction. She was recognized for her work in advancing school improvement initiatives at the local, regional and state levels. In addition to being recognized locally, both Bonnie and Chuck will be honored at the State WASA Conference in Spokane in June.
• Six Community Leadership Awards were presented this year to individuals and organizations to recognize their immeasurable contributions to education. Recipients of this award include:
-The Evergreen School District Foundation, for enhancing educational excellence in Evergreen schools
-Southwest Washington Medical Center/David and Patricia Nierenberg, for commitment to improving the lives of young children with the creation of the Patricia Nierenberg Child Care and Early Learning Center.
-Julie Downs and Alison Nightingale for contributions to the Washougal School District's science efforts.
-LSW Architects, for consistently supporting public education and designing among the best school facilities in the nation.
-White Salmon/Bingen Rotary Club for with youth programs in the community.
-Lyle Lion's Club for the student scholarship program and charitable efforts.
"We often hear the saying, 'It takes a village to raise a child,' and indeed the work of these individuals and community organizations has strengthened the K-12 system throughout Southwest Washington," said Jada Rupley, Associate Superintendent of ESD 112 and WASA Honorary Awards Chairman.
Jodi Thomas - June 2005