51������

As we step into February, we’re excited to kick off Member Engagement Month—a dedicated time to connect, elevate your voices, and explore new opportunities to shape the future of school leadership across Washington. This month-long campaign is all about strengthening our 51������ community and ensuring that every principal and assistant principal has the resources, support, and platform to make a lasting impact.

Cindy Sholtys-Cromwell is the third winner of the Annalee Braley 51������ Membership Award. Cindy is a ray of light who gives back a tremendous amount to 51������ and school leaders across the state and country. Cindy is an award-winning leader, Solution Tree consultant, and frequent conference presenter. Her devotion to helping her fellow leaders, our association, and her dedication to students make her an easy choice to represent Annalee's legacy.

As we usher in February, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our Member Engagement Month – a month-long campaign dedicated to fostering connection, amplifying your voices, and providing you with exciting opportunities to shape the future of education for principals and assistant principals across the state. At 51������, we believe that an engaged and active membership is the heartbeat of our professional association. It is your passion, dedication, and insights that drive positive change in the educational landscape. That's why we're rolling out a series of initiatives, blog posts, and weekly emails throughout the month to help you make the most of your membership.

The Association of Washington School Principals is honored to present 51������ member and friend Carlos Gonzalez as the second-ever Annalee Braley Membership Award winner. Carlos is the principal at McFarland Middle School in the Othello School District. The Annalee Braley Membership Award was created in 2022 to honor the memory of former 51������ Membership Coordinator Annalee Braley, who passed away tragically and unexpectedly in September 2021. Annalee started at 51������ when she was just 19 years old and was about to cross over to 32 years of service at 51������ in various roles. Annalee was one of the biggest reasons 51������ has the strongest membership in the country year after year.

Black women are the third most represented demographic for the principalship in Washington state. Knowing that, it is vital to create a brave space for black women to connect, support one another, and grow together for us to sustain ourselves in education. In response to a request from one of our leaders, 51������ created “Dear Sista,” an affinity group space for African American women leaders. The title Dear Sista is a tribute to Veronica Very’s book of poems that speaks to truth, healing, and supporting the sisterhood.