This year Highline Public Schools and Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence worked together to honor employees and volunteers for going above and beyond in their positive influence in the lives of students. We are pleased to announce this year’s winners of the Gold Star Awards, honoring excellence within the Highline Public Schools.
Outstanding Teacher of the Year: Scott McComb, Aviation High School
Outstanding Administrator: Diana Garcia, Bow Lake Elementary
Outstanding Classified or Professional Support Staff: Mike Castro, Chinook Middle School
Outstanding Volunteer: Alice McGregor, Bow Lake Elementary
These individuals will be honored at the Foundation’s 8th Annual Gold Star Awards Luncheon, which will take place on May 30 at the Doubletree Suites in Southcenter. Winners will receive a trophy and $1,000 cash award.
Scott McComb was nominated for his ability to engage his students in relevant and engaging curriculum as well as his service to Aviation High School. He will now go on to compete in the Regional Teacher of the Year contest.
Diana Garcia was recognized for her professional and caring leadership and for her work on opening the new Bow Lake Elementary School. She effectively led the merger of Valley View and Bow Lake elementary schools and successfully opened the new facility under difficult circumstances caused by weather-related construction delays.
Mike Castro, security officer, is a major presence at Chinook Middle School. He meets regularly with parents and encourages all students to do their best and make good decisions. When it was time for him to move to another school, students, staff, and parents flooded School Board meetings asking that “Officer Mike” be allowed to stay at Chinook.
Alice McGregor has served as a classroom volunteer first for Valley View and now Bow Lake Elementary for over 19 years. She is an unsung hero who has given countless hours to help students.
For the first time this year, HPS teacher of the year and classified employee recognition merged with the Foundation’s Gold Star awards, creating a true district- and community-wide recognition of excellence. Nominations were submitted by employees across the district, as well as community members. Gold Star Winners were selected by a panel of school district employees and community members, including administrators, retired teachers, PTSA representatives, and Foundation trustees.
To reserve a spot at the luncheon, please contact the Foundation at 206-248-5196.
