On Monday, April 21, 2025, Region 114 of the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) hosted its annual Regional Awards Dinner to recognize outstanding community leaders, long-serving educators, and retirees who have made a lasting impact on education in the region.
Dr. Aaron Leavell, Olympic ESD Superintendent, welcomed more than 115 attendees to the event. The evening honored dedicated community volunteers, WASA members retiring or celebrating 20 years of service, and others whose contributions have significantly supported local schools. School district (SD) superintendents presented Community Leadership Awards to individuals and organizations that have generously shared their time and talents to strengthen public education. The evening featured inspiring stories and heartfelt recognition.
2025 Community Leadership Honorees
Each of the following honorees was recognized by their district superintendent for exceptional service to their school community:
- Bremerton SD – Carolynn Perkins
- Brinnon SD – Jeremy Simmons, Brinnon Community Center
- Central Kitsap SD – Penelope Sapp, Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office
- Chimacum SD – UWF/AAUW Port Townsend
- North Kitsap SD – North Kitsap Citizens for Quality Education
- North Mason SD – Beth Ali
- Port Townsend SD – Jefferson County Immigrant Rights Advocates
- Sequim SD – Citizens for Sequim Schools
- South Kitsap SD – South Kitsap Public Education Foundation
- Quilcene SD – Richard Fitzgerald, Quilcene Community Center
WASA 20-Year Service Awards
These awards were presented to current WASA members who have served as administrators for 20 years in Washington’s public schools:
- Patricia Beathard, Brinnon SD
- Jeni Zapatka, Central Kitsap SD
- Paula Bailey, Central Kitsap SD
- Sandra Gessner-Crabtree, Olympic ESD 114
- Kareen Borders, Ed.D., South Kitsap SD
- Tim Winter, South Kitsap SD
WASA Retirement Awards
- Kristin Schutte, Olympic ESD 114
- Dana Rosenbach, North Mason SD
- Martin Brewer, Port Angeles SD
Purple Star Awards
Presented by Dr. Valencia Hickey, Naval Base Kitsap School Liaison, to school districts demonstrating exceptional support for military-connected students:
- North Kitsap SD
- South Kitsap SD
Regional Award of Merit (Kurt Wagner Award)
This year’s award was presented to Dr. Erin Prince, Superintendent of Central Kitsap SD, in recognition of her impactful leadership and contributions to WASA and education in Washington. The award was accepted on her behalf by Jill Carlson, with a formal presentation taking place at a CKSD Cabinet meeting on April 22, 2025.
Special Recognition
Dr. Aaron Leavell gave special recognition to Joel Aune, WASA Executive Director, on the occasion of his retirement, acknowledging his many years of service and leadership.
