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SKWay Awards October 2024

SKWay Awards October 2023 - background closeup of team with hands stacked on top of each other.

October 2024 SKWay Awards -  Thank you for living the SKWay

Perry Lee

Perry Lee embodies love as a student support staff member at Orchard Heights. Always available, he listens attentively to both students and staff, offering guidance and encouragement. His warm smile and reassuring presence create a safe space where everyone feels valued. Whether it's helping a student through a tough day or collaborating with teachers to ensure every child thrives, Perry's dedication shines through.

 

LOVE PEOPLE!

Award Winner: Perry Lee, Paraeducator Orchard Heights

Nominated by: Chelsea DelGado and Kris Christenberry


April Emerson

April is a Dean of Students and doing her admin internship. She has fully embraced the experience and takes initiative to gain exposure to every opportunity to learn more about what it means to lead a building. She really stepped up to set the "SK Showcase" plan of action up for success. She has an impressive skill-set and desire to get better everyday. Her genuine curiosity about her future role as a school administrator is refreshing and her voice and feedback is always appreciated.

 

GET BETTER EVERYDAY!

Award Winner: April Emerson, South Kitsap High School

Nominated by: Dave Goodwin


Freda Evans

"Freda gathered us all to lead a Cultural Recognition Team at South Kitsap High School. She continuously shows that she is dedicated to acknowledging and showcasing the diversity in the school to help bolster belonging and positive culture for the students. I wat to be Mrs. Evans when I grow up!" 

-Kiyanna Vega

 

THINK BIG!

Award Winner: Freda Evans, South Kitsap High School

Nominated by: Kiyanna Vega


Monica Zuber

Monica goes above and beyond on all of the SK core values, but "Get Better Everyday" is where she really shines! Not only does Monica believe in student and staff ability to improve, she is always open to feedback for her own improvement as well. She is constantly teaching students how a simple smile and "hello" can have an incredibly positive impact on people's lives and is insanely supportive of her students and staff everyday.

 

GET BETTER EVERYDAY!

Award Winner: Monica Zuber, John Sedgwick Middle School

Nominated by: Stephanie Williamson


Roslyn Paulson

Roslyn has shown up in a great way this year. She advocates for her team at Cedar, supporting new staff to ensure they feel equipped to teach in a new environment and that the students they serve receive the best educational experience possible. She builds bridges between people and demonstrates a continued energy and joy in the craft of teaching music and art. We are luck to have her on the team!

 

KNOW YOUR PURPOSE!

Award Winner: Roslyn Paulson, Cedar Heights Middle School

Nominated by: Keira merwine


Nora Gregersen

Nora is the most loving teacher I have ever come across. In her own words from a story I did on her: "Every year I meet kids who are just incredible and have these amazing stories. They're just survivors. They are surviving and thriving and you get to see the greatest of the human spirit come together. There's magic in every day." Students feel her love for them and their success reflects that.

 

LOVE PEOPLE!

Award Winner: Nora Gregersen, Discovery High School

Nominated by: Josh Morton


Garrett Oliver

When Garrett enters the special educational environment he consistently supports students and makes them feel encouraged and cared for. He also builds relationships with students to gain trust so that progress can be made in limited time. He makes an impact and SK schools are luck to have a great team plater to support their mission.

 

KNOW YOUR PURPOSE!

Award Winner: Garret Oliver, South Kitsap High School

Nominated by: Steve Cornella


Tawni Wharton

Tawni continually makes everyone feel welcome and does things to make transportation more enjoyable. She started a trivia game, a scavenger hunt, and gets cards for people for celebration and support. She plans dress up days and fun things for special days of the year. Tawni is always friendly and a joy to work with.

 

LOVE PEOPLE!

Award Winner: Tawni Wharton, Transportation

Nominated by: Christopher Nitz


Patricia Thomas, Tawni Wharton, Brenda Boice, Heidi Wilske, Amber Peterson, Dawn Williamson, Josh Smith, Shawn Sack

The transportation office team consistently handles the complexities of scheduling, logistics, and sometimes challenging conversations with grace and a genuine love for people. Their ability to navigate the concerns of staff and parents — even when they are frustrated or upset — is a true testament to their patience, professionalism, and care.

 

LOVE PEOPLE!

Award Winner: Transportation Office Team

Nominated by: Christopher Nitz


Denise Yates

Working for Mrs. Yates for the past few years I have watched her continuously going above and beyond to support and advocate for her students and program paras. Denise exemplifies what being a team player looks like. She is an asset to the school district and this amazing program and I am lucky to work for her and learn and grow as a para and a person.

 

KNOW YOUR PURPOSE!

Award Winner: Denise Yates, Orchard Heights Elementary

Nominated by: Nicole Brown


Barb Willis

Barb exhibits kindness and love of students and all people. Barb enters the building with assurance, a great work ethic, and a positive attitude to all. She stands with confidence and is a model of organization. Barb thinks Big and Knows her purpose by going beyond expectations everyday! Thank you!!

 

LOVE PEOPLE!

Award Winner: Barb Willis, East Port Orchard

Nominated by: Lisa Salisbury


Val Colby

Val Colby has served as a bus driver for SKSD for over 25 years. She takes pride in being the first face that her students see in the morning and the last to wish them a good day when they go home. She loves her work and has bult lasting relationships with the countless students that she has worked with during her career. She is so deserving of recognition and applause for her dedication.

 

LOVE PEOPLE!

Award Winner: Val Colby, Transportation

Nominated by: Kristina Colby


Chelsea Durban

The first month of school is TOUGH and Chelsea has competently rocked both her para duties and filling in for the resource teacher. She has been here to serve our kids and school with love, patience, and a great sense of humor. Chelsea is a joy to work with because of her fantastic personality and high competence.

 

KNOW YOUR PURPOSE!

Award Winner: Chelsea Durban, Marcus Whitman Middle School

Nominated by: Charlene Sauby


Kelly Tucker

Kelly consistently goes above and beyond in the classroom. No matter what class she is in or which teacher she is working with, she strives to accommodate and adapt to all student needs. She is bright, sunny and optimistic with all her students and brings an energy into the classroom that is contagious. Both students and staff alike always have a positive thing to say about Kelly and she is always a joy to have as an aide in the classroom. Not only does she know her purpose, she excels at it.

 

KNOW YOUR PURPOSE!

Award Winner: Kelly Tucker, South Kitsap High School

Nominated by: Haile Cook-Gibson


We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels they belong and are supported in becoming their best selves. We truly understand the value of a positive, cohesive culture that brings out the best in each of us. Our actions, behaviors, and interactions are all guided by the core values of the SK Way.

The SK Way, is our unique identity and the story of the South Kitsap School District. Each month, we acknowledge and celebrate staff members, students, volunteers, and community members who exemplify our core values.

If you catch a district employee, student, volunteer, or community member exhibiting one of our core values we want to hear about it! 

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