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During the June Superintendent Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting for the North Central ESD, superintendents, students, and community members were recognized for their leadership across the region. Every year, the Superintendents nominate individuals and organizations for a variety of awards through the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA). Congratulations to the 2025 award recipients!

Continue reading to learn about the 2025 WASA Award Recipients

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This award is presented to community members or groups in recognition of their outstanding contributions to education. Specific criteria include benefit to students, leadership, motivation, success, cooperation/coordination with local district, recognition by others, and history of service.

Communities in Schools North Central Washington iis making a difference for children throughout our region. Edgar’s leadership impacts all sites and his commitment to equity and creatively meeting student needs is unmatched.

This award recognizes outstanding student leaders who have created or played a significant leadership role in initiatives or programs that promote access, equity, or social justice in their school and community.

Cruz is not only a 4.0 student, ASB President, an athlete, and a friend, Cruz is a young man who lost his brother and has overcome heartbreak. Through his pain, Cruz learned how to accept others’ needs, establish boundaries, and seek help. Cruz is multilingual, assertive, creative, and self-aware. Cruz has doubled the size of the Culinary Club, raised more money for his graduating class than any other president in recent history, and assisted many fellow wrestlers’ journeys. He has even taught himself French. Cruz is a special person who represents Cascade School District and North Central Washington very well.

This award recognizes and individual who has demonstrated effective leadership at the region level and have made a significant contribution to WASA through their work in the field of education in Washington.

Michael’s steady, student-focused leadership has strengthened relationships across our region. Through his years of leading the OK Corral superintendent meetings, he’s fostered meaningful connection and collaboration among district leaders. Known for his integrity and optimism, Michael is a trusted colleague whose support and dedication continue to make a lasting difference.

This award recognizes innovative programs for the improvement of student achievement. This award is presented to select WASA members who have provided leadership for the implementation of an innovation that has resulted in measurable growth in student achievement.

Glenn’s systems-driven approach to multilingual learner success is producing some of the strongest student achievement gains in the state. Through strategies like empathy interviews, collaborative learning walks, and data-driven decision-making, he’s built a clear through line from the boardroom to the classroom. His leadership is not only improving outcomes—it’s becoming a model for others.

In addition, two superintendents were honored for their years of service as school administrators. This award honors the individual’s service to the profession. The person must be retiring from their administrative responsibilities and no longer eligible for active WASA membership.

• Tom Venable, Superintendent for Methow Valley School District
• Laura Christian, Superintendent for Wilson Creek School District

About the Washington Association of School Administrators

The Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) is an organization for professional administrators that is committed to leadership. WASA’s beliefs are anchored in leadership, trust, and advocacy. WASA is first and foremost, about leadership for equity and excellence for all students. WASA members exemplify trust through competence, integrity, and vision. WASA’s advocacy efforts focus on building widespread support and a singular voice to secure the resources and policy necessary to advance public education in the state of Washington. Learn more at https://wasa-oly.org/