SK Way Awards
SK Way Awards
We commit to a culture where everyone belongs and is supported to be the best version of themselves. We recognize the tremendous value of a positive, cohesive culture of engagement that brings out the best in each of us. The core values of the SK Way guide our actions and dictate how we approach our work, how we behave, and how we interact with each other. This is the SK Way, our identity, and the story of the South Kitsap School District.
SK Way Award Winners
SKSD
May 21 2026 8:08 AM
May 2026 SK Way Awards ��️ - We recognize Abigail Ingulsrud, Dr. Harvey Duncan, Jase Ekins, Jena Freeman, Mary Smiley-Tucker, Katie Hardy, and Fonzie Barajas for "Living the SK Way"!
May 2026 SK Way Awards ��️ - We recognize Abigail Ingulsrud, Dr. Harvey Duncan, Jase Ekins, Jena Freeman, Mary Smiley-Tucker, Katie Hardy, and Fonzie Barajas for "Living the SK Way"!
May 2026 SK Way Awards - Thank you for living the SK Way!
Jena Freeman | Think Big
Jena came back to South Colby after being home for awhile and took the school by storm! She has been taking on the role of many people and has a creative and brilliant mind for organization, fundraising, fun and systems. Our school would not have had the last two years running as smoothly without her amazing support. From beautiful hand created decorations, to organizing family events and running PTSO, she takes on so much and does it gracefully. WE are so blessed. She is a Bobcat Leader!
Nominated by: Nicole Watkins
Mary Smiley-Tucker | Get Better Every Day
Mary never settles for done. She is always working harder, smarter and for the next level. She has helped so many individuals and groups. She is thoughtful of people, students and families. Her intelligence and gentle nature go a long way. She is a true Bobcat at heart and has created many fabulous programs worth keeping here.
Nominated by: Nicole Watkins
Katie Hardy | Love People
Katie Hardy consistently demonstrates exceptional kindness and dedication in her classroom. Every one of her students feels valued, supported, and encouraged to succeed. Katie has gone above and beyond in supporting one student in particular. Katie has advocated and stood firmly in the student’s corner, all while maintaining incredibly high expectations. Due to her support, encouragement, and belief, the student has grown exponentially in all ways.
Katie deserves to be recognized for her remarkable teaching, compassion, and genuine love for her students. South Kitsap is lucky to have you!
Nominated by: Love People
Abigail Ingulsrud | Know Your Purpose
In the classroom where Abbi works, a student became upset and needed space and privacy, quickly. Abigail responded quickly and calmly. She was able to escort other students from the classroom and get them settled with various calm activities in a less than ideal setting, while waiting for her team. She knew each student, how to engage them and mostly how to keep herself calm to help them feel safe and supported. Her leadership was significant and helped the school have a successful day.
Nominated by: Nicole Watkins
Fonzie Barajas | Think Big
Fonzie has been an amazing part of our school. When we needed PTSO support he jumped in as Vice President. He helps everywhere and has great new ideas. Recently, he helped decorate and run our 5th grade Touch of Class even though he doesn't have a 5th grader. Every year he takes on a day to support our staff with appreciation and it is amazingly beautiful. He goes above and beyond in everything. He always has a smile on his face and is eager to help others. He helps our Spanish speaking families and is a true Bobcat at heart.
Nominated by: Nicole Watkins
Dr. Harvey Duncan | Know Your Purpose
Dr. Duncan volunteers three days a week, supporting students while inspiring them to think deeply about their academic growth and role in the community. Motivated to give back after others supported his success, he connects easily with students, earning their respect and attention. His dedication and positive impact make him truly deserving of this recognition.
Nominated by: Barbara Zawlocki
Jase Ekins | Get Better Every Day
This young man took the time and effort to help a student who had no football experience before this year. He taught him basic skills, helped him learn rules, practiced with him at rec time, encouraged him not to quit and included him. That is honorable leadership.
Nominated by: Nicole Watkins
SC SKSD SKWay Awards Staff
SKSD
Apr 30 2026 9:44 AM
April 2026 SK Way Awards ��️ - We recognize Katie Million, Emma Peterson, Malia Vasquez, Jennifer Richardson, Harmony Aguinaldo, Timothy Mosby, Zach Houser/Gilchrist Chevrolet, Chelsea Durbin, and the Mullenix Ridge PTA for "Living the SK Way"!
April 2026 SK Way Awards ��️ - We recognize Katie Million, Emma Peterson, Malia Vasquez, Jennifer Richardson, Harmony Aguinaldo, Timothy Mosby, Zach Houser/Gilchrist Chevrolet, Chelsea Durbin, and the Mullenix Ridge PTA for "Living the SK Way"!
April 2026 SK Way Awards - Thank you for living the SK Way
Katie Million
Ms. Katie Million went above and beyond by volunteering her time and talent to lead a Paint Night fundraiser in support of Atlas Free. She created an engaging and welcoming experience for over 40 attendees, helping bring the students’ vision to life. Her generosity, enthusiasm, and dedication contributed to raising $1,170 and made a lasting impact on both students and the community.
Attitude of Gratitude
Award Winner: Katie Million, Teacher at John Sedgwick Middle School
Nominated by: Alanna Speidel
Emma Petersen & Malia Vasquez
Emma and Malia took the initiative to partner with Ms. Million to organize a Paint Night fundraiser benefiting Atlas Free. Through their leadership, creativity, and dedication, they raised $1,170 and brought together over 40 attendees. They generously volunteered their time to plan and host the event, demonstrating compassion, gratitude, and a genuine commitment to making a positive impact in the community.
Attitude of Gratitude
Award Winner: Emma Petersen and Malia Vasquez, students at John Sedgwick Middle School
Nominated by: Alanna Speidel
Jennifer Richardson
Jennifer Richardson consistently goes above and beyond to support both students and staff. She leads with kindness, builds meaningful relationships, and truly cares for the whole child. This year she volunteered her time to provide first aid at every wrestling meet, ensuring student safety and supporting our athletic programs. Jennifer’s generosity, compassion, and dedication make a lasting impact on our school community.
Know Your Purpose
Award Winner: Jennifer Richardson, Office Assistant, JSMS
Nominated by: Alanna Speidel
Harmony Aguinaldo
This year, Harmony has led the MW Wrestling Team with encouragement, patience, and heart. A wonderful mentor to younger and newer teammates, she offers guidance, instruction, and honest, thoughtful feedback. Whether celebrating progress or bouncing back from a tough defeat, she helps others learn and grow by balancing empathy with knowledge and constructive critique. By lifting those around her and modeling dedication to improvement, Harmony truly embodies the “Get Better Every Day” SK Way value
Get Better Every Day
Award Winner: Harmony Aguinaldo, student at Marcus Whitman Middle School
Nominated by: Lisa Freeman
Timothy Mosby
They earned a certificate in their Japanese class, have expressed gratitude and have given immense effort in keeping their grades up while also making new friends and supporting their peers. They also have continued to show leadership after leaving their leadership class, inspired by the lessons given, they channel their leadership into MTSS. They have given plenty of ideas for awards for the school to give to other hardworking students, just like them. They are making SK a better place.
Know Your Purpose
Award Winner: Timothy Mosby, student at South Kitsap High School
Nominated by: Rowan Wetmore
Chelsea Durbin
I have had the privilege of working closely with Chelsea Durbin and I am honored to nominate her for an SK Way Award. Chelsea is an amazing para-educator at MWMS. She enhances the learning environment by making strong connections and relationships with all students. Chelsea shows remarkable patience, dedication, and ability to meet the needs of our students. She is skilled at collaborating with a variety of teachers and subjects. Chelsea knows the curriculum and is proactive with students.
Attitude of Gratitude
Award Winner: Chelsea Durbin, MWMS Paraeducator
Nominated by: Kristen Croston
Zach Houser / Gilchrist Chevrolet
Gilchrist Chevrolet led by Zach Houser has worked very hard to support the students of Sidney Glen Elementary. They have donated a large number of backpacks with school supplies at the beginning of the school year as well as raising over $2000 to support our 5th graders for camp. They have been a great community partner.
Love People
Award Winner: Zach Houser / Gilchrist Chevrolet
Nominated by: Scott Hopkins
Mullenix Ridge Elementary PTA
The Mullenix Ridge PTA is a powerful example of the SK Way in action. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the Mullenix Ridge PTA, and for 35 years they have been dedicated advocates for children and families in our community. The PTA vision is that every child’s potential becomes a reality, and their mission is to support and nurture the students, staff, families, and community of Mullenix Ridge. Through their leadership, 100% staff participation, and an incredible number of students supported through sponsorships from families and community members, they help create a culture where every child and staff member is supported. They have advocated not only within our school, but across our Port Orchard community and even at the state level on behalf of students. They are also active participants in the district’s Circle of Champions, strengthening connections across South Kitsap. These are special people in our community, and what they have done and continue to do at Mullenix Ridge is truly special. Simply put, the Mullenix Ridge PTA helps make our school the special place it is today.
Love People
Award Winner: Mullenix Ridge Elementary PTA
Nominated by: Principal Ryan Douglas
JSMS MR MWMS SG SKHS SKSD SKWay Awards Staff
We Want Your Help!
We want your help in recognizing our staff, students, volunteers and community members that display our core values, listed below. If you catch a district employee, student, volunteer, or community member exhibiting one of our core values we want to hear about it! Simply fill out the form to nominate someone. We'll be selecting one nomination for each core value each month. Awards will be presented at school board meetings each month and shared with our normal announcements and community outreach. Recipients will also receive a certificate acknowledging and rewarding their commitment and dedication to the SKWay!
District SK Way Core Values
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We believe people come first and they are the most important resource in South Kitsap.
For people to feel that they belong, they need to feel respected, trusted and loved. We recognize the power of relationships and the impact of genuine interpersonal connections. We assume positive intent and seek to understand diverse perspectives in all interactions. -
We are passionate about our purpose of supporting South Kitsap students from pre-kindergarten through graduation and beyond. We invest in building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students and staff. To do this, we need to be our best as the adults in the system. We build and nurture relationships with parents as learning partners as we walk shoulder to shoulder with students. We are all leaders in the system and take great pride and ownership in our work.
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We believe in the ability to improve. We invest in the success of others and celebrate growth and achievement. We are generous with both praise and support. We lift each other up and do everything we can to prevent others from failing. We are resilient and don’t back down from blazing a trail of progress and improvement.
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We fearlessly strive for excellence while accepting that setbacks are inevitable. We believe that achieving our Top 5 vision requires high expectations and willingness to take risks. We embrace change positively, constantly asking “Is this the best way?”. We set personal goals and team targets to drive improvement. We embrace new and innovative ideas to move us toward our vision.
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We are thankful to be part of South Kitsap School District and freely express gratitude to people for the work they do. We are a living culture that builds trust and inspires greatness. Through our actions, we build a sense of belonging and accomplishment. We are stronger together and strive to create an environment that is safe and empowering.