Volunteers receive community leadership award

The Washington Association of School Administrators recently presented Community Leadership Awards to several outstanding volunteers who have gone above and beyond to support students and schools throughout the Education Service District 112 region.

Award recipients were recognized during the May 20 WASA meeting at Educational Service District 112 in Vancouver.

This year’s winners are:

Orlan Gessford: In recognition of his many years of service on the Washougal School District Board of Directors, during which he provided leadership for school district finance and was a “voice of advocacy” for disadvantaged children.

Ron Gompertz: In recognition of his ongoing efforts to promote and improve STEM education programs, his support of the Science Olympiad, as well as his “outstanding service on the Camas Educational Foundation.”

Tom Huffman: In recognition of his many years of service on the Washougal School District Board of Directors, during which he was as an advocate for increased academic rigor and a “champion of Career and Technical Education.”

In addition, Teresa Baldwin, superintendent of Washougal and Mount Pleasant school districts received the Retirement Award and Award of Merit.

Other winners who live outside of Camas and Washougal include Amy Kinnan, Ann Woods, Buffy Murray, Chad Connors, Pat Escamilla, Elson Strahan, Jerry Stinger, Jody Kirkpatrick, La Center Casinos Charitable Fund Grants Advisory Committee, Marilyn Strange, Sherri Hamill, Steve Powell, Sue Strickland, Tim Temples, Tom Olson, and the White Salmon Valley Education Foundation.

Kelso School District Superintendent Glenys Hill received the WASA Student Achievement Leadership Award.