School administrators honor regional community leaders and peers
The Washington Association of School Administrators, Columbia River Region 112, presented its annual awards today at a ceremony held at Educational Service District 112. The awards recognize exemplary contributions to K-12 school districts and their students, by both members of the community and educational professionals in the six-county southwest Washington area.
The Community Leadership Award honored seven individuals or groups of individuals in the region for contributions to education in such areas as: benefit to students, leadership, motivation, success, cooperation/coordination with local districts, recognition by others and a history of service. This year's awards were presented to:
• Molly Coston and Phil Harris for organizing the Washougal Schools Citizens for Better Schools Committee to promote the district's levy campaign, which included setting a model for county-wide collaboration that can be replicated in the future. (nominated by Washougal School District Superintendent Bob Donaldson);
• Dr. Hal Dengerink for his leadership in establishing significant community partnerships that have resulted in meaningful educational opportunities for students throughout the region, especially in math and science education spanning the K-12 environment into college. (nominated by Educational Service District Superintendent Dr. Twyla Barnes);
• Walter Hansen for his never-ending volunteer efforts in the LaCenter School District. A successful business owner and father of four children, he was singled out for his willingness to roll up his sleeves and help out on projects of all sizes and significant and does not expect or seek the spotlight for his work. (nominated by LaCenter Superintendent Mark Mansell);
• Tim Kopp for his exemplary service as a teacher at the Naselle Youth Camp School as well as his efforts to support and promote public education in all arenas. (nominated by Naselle-Grays River Valley Superintendent Alan Bennett);
• John and Andra Mobley, A & J Select Market owners for their support of school programs and events with cash, product donations and volunteer time, as well as offering first-time and on-going employment opportunities for many students. (nominated by Stevenson-Carson Superintendent Jim Saltness);
• Camas Educational Foundation for raising funds and awarding grants to support academic enrichment that support the 5,000 students in the camas School District. Since its inception in 1997, the Foundation has raised over $1 million and awarded funds to over 200 innovative grant requests from teachers, parents and administrators. Volunteers from the parent, educator and community ranks operate the Foundation. (nominated by Camas Superintendent Mike Nerland); and
• The Ridgefield Police Department and its School Resource Officer (SRO) program for providing a safe and orderly learning environment for students, staff and the community. This program, in conjunction with the Ridgefield City Council's support has been in place since 2002-03 school year and is a valuable service for all involved. (nominated by Ridgefield Superintendent Mary Vagner).
The Student Achievement Leadership Award was given to Camas School District Assistant Superintendent Tanis Knight for her work in seeking out, and implementing, the best practices necessary for high student achievement. The Educational Service District 112 School Improvement Team nominated Knight for her work in a variety of areas, and her willingness to share her expertise with other school districts and administrators.
The Award of Merit, as well as the Retirement Award, were presented to Washougal Superintendent Bob Donaldson. Donaldson retires in June after 35 years in education, and eight years leading Washougal. His Leadership Team points to Bob's initial results-oriented strategic plan based on data, as well as input from staff, parents and community members, for putting the district on track to handle growth, educational reform and uniting the community and school district on numerous projects.
The Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) is a professional association representing education administrators in Washington state. There are 11 WASA regions in the state, and each region annually nominates, selects and honors outstanding educational administrators and individuals in other professions who have made extraordinary contributions to K-12 education.