The Renton School Board and community members recognized and celebrated the winners of this year’s district Outstanding Employee Awards, at a special board meeting, at the Meadow Crest Early Learning Center Wednesday night.
Five staff members were recognized by district administration, colleagues and students. The school board has presented the awards for more than 30 years to honor staff who demonstrate an extraordinary level of job performance, support of students, professionalism and dedication. This year nearly 30 district employees were nominated in four categories: Outstanding Elementary Teacher, Outstanding Secondary Teacher, Outstanding School Support Person and Outstanding District Support Person.
William Riggs, a fifth-grade teacher at Talbot Hill Elementary School, received the Outstanding Elementary Teacher Award. Riggs has been with the district for four decades, teaching at Campbell Hill, Renton Park and Tiffany Elementary schools as well. He was recognized for his passion for history and social studies, which allow him to creatively bring historical moments to life through his skilled story-telling style.
Two teachers were recognized in the Outstanding Secondary Teacher category: Angie Donahue, a Lindbergh High math teacher and Josh Viles, a Hazen High music and choir director.
Two students gave their personal testimony about Donahue, who they described like a “second mom.” Donahue has taught math at Lindbergh for two years and is noted for her endless energy and positive and encouraging demeanor. She is also the assistant coach for the high school girls and boys track team and a basketball coach for third- and fourth-graders at a local recreation center.
Viles current students expressed their gratitude for his music instruction via a video presentation. He is a multi-award-winning teacher, who has led Hazen High students for 10 years in treble chorus, guitar, a cappella and concert choir, piano and keyboard and vocal ensemble. Under his direction, Hazen music students have won 15 regional championships and five state championships.
Zakariya Palsha, principal at Campbell Hill Elementary School, was this year’s Outstanding Building Support Person. Dr. Tammy Campbell, assistant superintendent for learning and teaching; Campbell Hill staff and a parent and student spoke to Palsha’s community inclusive approach to education at his school. Palsha has been the principal at Campbell Hill for three years. He was honored for his leadership ability and compassion for children.
Thomas Suttle, district technology facilitator, was recognized as the Outstanding District Support Person.Suttle was hired as the district facilitator in 2012. He had previously worked as a special education teacher at Benson Hill and Sierra Heights elementary schools and also there as the technology instructor. He was noted for his ability to answer technical questions and his approach to providing a teacher’s approach and insights to technology.
NOMINEES FOR THIS YEAR’S OUTSTANDING EMPLOYEE AWARDS BY CATEGORY Outstanding Elementary Teacher:Joyce Greer, Honey Dew Elementary School; Kinsey Mannon, Kennydale Elementary School; Jeff Porter, Maplewood Heights Elementary School; Sarah Slack, Talbot Hill Elementary School; Hillary Stanton, Benson Hill Elementary School
Outstanding Secondary Teacher: Dr. Karen Q. Jones, Hazen High School; Marybeth Mayzak, Hazen High School; Tracy Gibbs, Department of Learning & Teaching; Michele Hintz, Student Information Services; Tony Wroten, District Security
Outstanding Building Support Person: Debbie Atkins, Renton High School; Mindy Krisel, Highlands Elementary School; Alfred DeBlasio, Highlands Elementary School; Elaine Love, Nelsen Middle School; Shari Fultz, Hazen High School; Greta Perkins, Hazen High School; Lori Hollaway, Campbell Hill Elementary; John Prueitt, McKnight Middle School; Sharon Jones, McKnight Middle School; Nisa Supasatit, Renton Park Elementary School; Linda Penner Kaiser, Cascade Elementary School; Janie White, Nelsen Middle School
