POULSBO — Fifteen area teachers were awarded “Outstanding Educator” honors on Feb. 13 in a ceremony in the Poulsbo City Hall Council Chambers.
Alpha Sigma Chapter, Kitsap County, of DKG, an international organization of key women educators, presented the awards to publicly acknowledge the achievements, dedication and outstanding service of these men and women.
“Many teachers provide exceptional education to our children year after year, but we seldom recognize them publicly for being the ‘heroes’ that they are,” chapter president Pat Bennett-Forman said.
“Our DKG chapter wanted to correct that omission.” Poulsbo Mayor Becky Erickson congratulated the teachers and thanked them for their commitment to children. As she handed out the awards, she noted the importance of good teachers and good schools to a healthy community.
Two women who have taught for less than three years were recognized as “Outstanding New Educators,” for their successes in the classroom and emerging leadership: Stephanie Black (special education, Woodlands Elementary), and Kate Orizotti (fourth grade, St. Cecilia’s Catholic School).
“These women demonstrate a level of competency that far exceeds their brief experiences as teachers and assure us that the future of education is in good hands,” Bennett-Forman said.
Thirteen teachers were honored as “Outstanding Educators” for consistent exemplary instructional skills, achieving high degrees of student success, and leadership in school improvement.
They were selected based on their reputations among parents, administrators and colleagues, Bennett-Forman said. “Together, they constitute a ‘dream team’ for any principal.”
Recipients: Kristy Dressler (fourth grade, Suquamish Elementary), Cindy Dudley (occupational therapist, Wolfle Elementary), Sheila Fagan-Trunkey (grade 3, Pearson Elementary), Christine Fraser (math, Poulsbo Middle), Lisa Hale (math, Woodward Middle), Laurie Harney (grade 3, Poulsbo Elementary), and Kjersti Johnson (kindergarten, Poulsbo Elementary).
Also honored were Dan McLean (math, Bainbridge High School), Kelly Morgan (speech therapist, Poulsbo Elementary), Debra Pavlich-Boaz (learning specialist, Briedablik Elementary), Cindy Purser-Drover (liaison, Suquamish Tribe), Chris Re’ (fourth grade, Gordon Elementary), and Elizabeth Roberts (librarian, Woodlands Elementary).
These teachers hold themselves to a high degree of accountability and excellence, are innovative, results-oriented and student-centered, Bennett-Forman said. They are an invaluable resource to the other staff they work with and are beloved by students.
Nominators repeatedly testified to the sacrifices made by these individuals, the impact of their work outside their classrooms, and their spirit of service and fun.
Erickson noted that “students will remember the gifts of these teachers long after they leave their classrooms. They have influence on the lives of their students even into adulthood.”
Bennett-Forman said DKG hopes to learn of even more educators deserving of gratitude and recognition next year, “We know there are many outstanding educators in all the public and private schools that serve children in the north end of Kitsap County, including Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, Central Kitsap and North Kitsap,” she said. “It is nice to be able to say congratulations and thank you to a few of them.”
