News

In May, the North Central Educational Service District (NCESD) and Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) recognized regional educators, community members, and school administrators with awards for their extraordinary contributions to K-12 education.

“Our region is blessed to have some incredible individuals who lead with heart and a passion to serve others,” said Dr. Michelle Price, the Superintendent for the NCESD. “It is our honor to recognize our award recipients for their effort in making a positive difference in the lives of others.”

Below are the award recipients from the North Central Washington region which includes school districts in Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan counties:

Retirement Award honors retiring administrators for their years of service to the profession. Congratulations to:

• Dr. Garn Christenson, Eastmont School District
• Barry DePaoli, Lake Chelan School District
• Eric Driessen, Brewster School District
• Miles Caples, Entiat School District
• Mike Messenger, Mansfield School District

Award of Merit is given to individuals who have demonstrated effective leadership at the regional level and have made a significant contribution to WASA through their work in the field of education in Washington. Congratulations to Linda McKay, the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning at the North Central Educational Service District.

WASA Student Achievement Leadership Award is presented to WASA members who have provided leadership for the implementation of an innovation that has resulted in measurable growth in student achievement. Congratulations to Tabatha Mires, Superintendent of Waterville School District.

Community Leadership Award is presented to community members in recognition of their outstanding contributions toward education. Congratulations to Cascade Medical Center and Samantha Jerome, RN, BSN. Jerome, Director of Nursing at Cascade Medical Center, and CEO Diane Blake, on behalf of Cascade Medical Center, were recognized during a leadership meeting at the medical center meeting in June.

Twenty-Year Award is presented to school administrators who have served as an administrator for 20 years in public school districts. Congratulations to the following administrators in North Central Washington:

• Matt Charlton, Eastmont School District
• Garn Christensen, Eastmont School District
• Laura Christian, Wilson Creek School District
• Eric Driessen, Brewster School District
• Victoria Hodge, Quincy School District
• Darcy Johnson, North Central ESD 171
• Jill Massa, Warden School District
• Linda McKay, North Central ESD 171
• Mike Messenger, Mansfield School District
• Timothy Payne, Ephrata School District
• Scott Sattler, Bridgeport School District
• Spencer Taylor, Eastmont School District
• Vicki Trainor, Eastmont School District
• Thomas Venable, Methow Valley School District