FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Jeff Snell, Executive Director
Washington Association of School Administrators
Washington School Leaders Honored for Advancing
Opportunity, Equity, and Excellence
Annual WASA Awards Recognize Educational Leaders Making a Lasting Impact Across Washington
SPOKANE — June 29, 2026 — Educational leaders from across Washington were recognized this week for
their extraordinary commitment to students, schools, and communities during the Washington Association of
School Administrators’ (WASA) Honorary Awards Luncheon, held in conjunction with the 43rd Annual
AWSP/WASA Summer Conference in Spokane.
The luncheon celebrated school and district leaders whose vision, service, and dedication are helping shape
stronger, more equitable learning environments for students across the state. Superintendents, central office
administrators, principals, and aspiring leaders from across the state gathered for the conference, which
focused on professional growth, collaboration, and strengthening educational leadership throughout
Washington.
“Each year, school leaders meet extraordinary challenges with courage, integrity, and commitment to
students and the community they serve,” said WASA Executive Director Jeff Snell. “The individuals recognized
this year carry on a tradition of award winners who exemplify service. They build strong schools, foster
belonging and opportunity for each student, and advocate tirelessly for the resources and support their
communities' needs. Their leadership reminds us that public education remains one of our state's most
powerful commitments for our future.”
2026 WASA State Award Recipients
WASA's highest honors were presented to leaders whose contributions have strengthened public education
and inspired those around them:
• Dr. Ralph Watkins, Superintendent, Wahkiakum School District — WASA Learning from Leaders
Award
• Dr. Curt Guaglianone, Superintendent, Mount Adams School District — WASA Leadership Award
• The Hagan Foundation — D.A. Davidson Barbara Mertens Legacy Award
• Robert Roettger, Superintendent, ESD 101 — Golden Gavel Award
• Gavin Hottman, Chief Business Officer, ESD 112 — Service to WASA Award
In addition, WASA recognized numerous regional award recipients and leadership milestones from across the
state. A complete list of regional honorees is available on the WASA website.
PEMCO Robert J. Handy Most Effective Administrator Awards
Sponsored by PEMCO Insurance and WASA, the Robert J. Handy Awards recognize exceptional leadership
among Washington's school administrators. Recipients share a $10,500 award in recognition of their
outstanding contributions to public education. This year's recipients were:
• Large District: Ricardo Macias, Director of Community Outreach and Welcome Center,
Bellevue School District
• Medium District: Pete Rosenkranz, Superintendent, La Center School District
Piper Sandler Doyle E. Winter Scholarship for Administrative Leadership in Education
The 2026 scholarship was awarded to Dr. Melisa Macias, Director of Teaching and Learning for P-8 in Bellevue
School District. Established in honor of former WASA Executive Director Dr. Doyle Winter, the scholarship
supports educational leaders pursuing advanced leadership training and continued professional growth.
Gallagher Howard M. Coble Scholarship for Under-Represented Educational Leaders
The 2026 scholarship was awarded to Jessica Stella, Assistant Principal, GATES Alternative High School in
Franklin Pierce School District. Named for Dr. Howard M. Coble, the scholarship supports talented and aspiring
educational leaders from underrepresented backgrounds as they pursue graduate studies and prepare for
future central office leadership roles.
As Washington schools continue to navigate opportunities and challenges, WASA remains committed to
recognizing leaders who champion excellence, foster belonging, and create pathways for student success. The
2026 honorees represent the innovation, resilience, and dedication that continue to move public education
forward across the state.
Photos from this year’s awards presentation are available here. Photo credit: All photos courtesy of the
Washington Association of School Administrators.
About the Washington Association of School Administrators
The Washington Association of School Administrators is committed to the development of quality education
through professional leadership. Members benefit from a supportive community of professional leaders
working to provide insightful and valuable training, support, and resources to education leaders, and to sustain
a positive impact on legislative and community leaders. With over 1,990 members, membership is open to all
education administrators in central office, building management, and educational agency positions. A not-for-
profit organization, WASA is funded by membership dues and association events.
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