Awards and Recognition

Nominate a coworker or staff member who has gone the extra mile to support student success in Pasco Schools with the North Star Award. This special recognition includes a surprise announcement from Superintendent Whitney for those who receive the award.

Important Details:

• North Star nomination are currently open.
• Recipients will be honored with only one North Star Award per year.
• The North Star submission form will be open from October 1, 2024 to February 28, 2025 allowing time for presentation scheduling.
• Submissions are accepted exclusively through the designated form below.

Crystal Apple "Excellence in Education" Awards are regional awards given to certified employees in local districts. The awards are coordinated by Education Service District 123 and sponsored by hundreds of local businesses, organizations, and individuals committed to recognizing outstanding instructional leadership. In addition to a bounty of donated gifts and a crystal apple award, recipients are presented with $1,000 to use towards anything they wish. The Crystal Apple Awards are presented in March by area superintendents. 

Visit the ESD 123 Crystal Apple webpage for more details.

Congratulations to our 2024 Staff Achievement Winners!

• Fabian Valencia – English Language Development and CTE Teacher, Pasco High School

• Duana Trevino – Secretary, Parent Education Center

• Andrea Braithwaite – Preschool Special Education Teacher, Early Learning Center

• Paula Bazinet – ASL Teacher, New Horizons High School; District ASL Interpreter and Interpreter Coordinator, Booth Building

• James O'Connor – Health & Fitness Teacher, Longfellow Elementary School

• Danine Wright – Secretary of Instruction and Curriculum, Booth Building

• Maya Donnelly – Technology Teacher, Franklin STEM Elementary; Robotics Teacher, Pasco Digital Learning Academy

• Chelsea Hargrow – Administrative Assistant, Employee Services Department