Dana Wilson, a Multilingual Learner Paraeducator with the Washougal School District, has been named the 2026 Regional Classified School Employee of the Year by ESD 112. The award recognizes her dedication to student success, her commitment to serving multilingual learners and families, and her lasting impact on school culture and community engagement.

“Dana understands that student success extends far beyond academics,” said ESD 112 Regional Literacy Coordinator Effie Triol. “Her commitment to supporting the whole child and removing barriers to learning has profoundly benefited multilingual learners and their families.”

Since joining the Washougal School District in 2017, Wilson has become a trusted advocate for multilingual learners, building strong relationships with students, families, and staff. Serving students in elementary, middle and junior high schools, she works to ensure students’ academic, social, emotional, and basic needs are met so they can fully engage in learning.

“The most important part of my job is ensuring that the needs of the whole child are met,” Wilson said. To support that work, she collaborates closely with family support staff, counselors, social workers and classroom teachers to remove barriers to learning and create pathways to student success.

Wilson’s work extends well beyond academic support. Through regular communication with families and individualized student advocacy, she has helped foster a culture of trust that empowers students to thrive. Colleagues credit her with helping multilingual learners feel connected, supported, and confident in their educational journeys.

“Dana leads through service,” said Hayley Alvarado, Wilson’s supervisor and multilingual learner program coordinator. “Her reliability, professionalism, and genuine care for students and families have earned the respect of everyone she works with, and her impact is felt throughout our district.”

Among Wilson’s most impactful contributions is the creation and leadership of Dream Big, a schoolwide initiative inspired by the Kids at Hope framework. The program was designed to help students envision and articulate their futures through experiences aligned with four key life domains: Home and Family, Education and Career, Hobbies and Recreation, and Community and Service.

Each year, students and families participate in an interactive event featuring more than two dozen professionals from a wide range of careers and community organizations. From healthcare professionals and university representatives to athletes, community leaders, and wellness advocates, these participants help students explore future possibilities while building connections to their goals.

“I firmly believe that if children can see it, they can dream it,” Wilson said.

The program has had a measurable impact on students. After participating in Dream Big, students create visual representations of their goals across the four domains, and every student who attends can articulate future aspirations in each area.

Wilson’s influence is also evident in student achievement and engagement. Through her individualized support, collaboration with teachers, and data-informed instruction, multilingual learners have demonstrated significant academic growth. School leaders note that students served by the multilingual learner program consistently show strong attendance and increased engagement in school.

“Dana provides something every student needs—hope,” said David Cooke, principal of Jemtegaard Middle School. “She creates an environment where students feel safe, valued, and capable of achieving their goals, and that trust becomes the foundation for their success.”

As a regional award recipient, Wilson will be considered for the Washington State Classified School Employee of the Year award, presented by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). She and other regional honorees will participate in a yearlong leadership and advocacy program, representing classified school employees across the state.

For Wilson, the recognition reflects the collective efforts of those who support students daily.

“I’m honored by this recognition, but the work is never done alone,” Wilson said. “I am grateful to work alongside dedicated educators, families, and community members who believe in our students and help them realize their potential every day.”

To learn more about the Classified School Employee of the Year program, visit OSPI’s website.