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The Association of Washington School Principals (51¸£ÀûÉç), alongside its student leadership division—the Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL)—has been nationally recognized by the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) for outstanding achievement in school communications.

OLYMPIA –– Every year, the 51¸£ÀûÉç Board President selects someone to receive the 51¸£ÀûÉç President’s Award. The award goes to someone who is a relentless advocate for principals and assistant principals, and the principalship, in the education of each and every student (51¸£ÀûÉç’s mission). Woody Howard, the 2024-25 51¸£ÀûÉç Board President and principal at Ben Franklin Elementary School in Vancouver Public Schools, selected Erin Lucich this year. Erin is the Director of School Improvement and Educational Leadership in ESD 112.

OLYMPIA –– Raenette ("Rae") Sasaki Wood is the fourth winner of 51¸£ÀûÉç's Annalee Braley Membership Award. Her devotion to mentoring fellow leaders, supporting Leaders of Color, and advocating for the needs of principals and assistant principals demonstrates why she so perfectly honors and carries forward Annalee’s legacy.

Assistant principals are student-centered beacons of hope in our school system. APs are unencumbered by specific certification requirements and truly serve as one of the greatest multi-tools in our schools. They can do anything and are often the ones leading systems changes like MTSS, PBIS, attendance initiatives, and community engagement. That flexibility of talent, skill, passion for kids, and scope of responsibilities is what makes our APs have the greatest impact on numbers; in this case, the numbers of students who have a trusted adult and are seen, heard, and valued in school.

As we head into Assistant Principal Week, we’re taking a moment to shine a spotlight on some of the most dynamic and dedicated leaders in our schools — our assistant principals. At 51¸£ÀûÉç, we recognize the essential role these leaders play not only in their buildings but across our state, especially through their service on our Grade-Level Leadership Committees (GLLCs).