PTSA Volunteer & Educator Awards
Ballard HS PTSA Awards
PTSA Awards Categories
Golden Acorn Award
A Golden Acorn Award (school or community volunteer) is presented by a local PTA or council to a school or community volunteer in recognition of her or his dedication and service to children and youth. It recognizes volunteer service “above and beyond” a particular job description. Since the beginning of this program in the 1930s, more than 54,000 Golden Acorn Awards have been presented to volunteers throughout Washington state.
Outstanding Advocate
The Outstanding Advocate Award (volunteer or school staff) was established in 2004 by the WA State PTA to recognize an individual for his or her advocacy and commitment in helping to create strong policies relating to the health, welfare, safety and education of children and youth.
New! Outstanding Student Advocate Award
In 2011, Washington State PTA created the Outstanding Student Advocate Award (student) to recognize student PTA members who have made significant contributions through leadership and service in their school and community.
Outstanding Educator Award
The Outstanding Educator Award (educator not limited to a teacher may be defined as a teacher, assistant, specialist, support staff, administrator or community member) is presented to an individual who has made significant contributions in their community to enhance the educational outcomes of all children or youth.
Award Recipients
| School Year | Outstanding Educator | Golden Acorn | Outstanding Advocate | New! Outstanding Student Advocate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-2024 | Daniel Valdez | Gloria Kruzner | Kelsey Fatland | Taiya Fletcher |
1995 – 2023
| School Year | Outstanding Educator | Golden Acorn | Outstanding Advocate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-2023 | Trevor Holmgren, Kristina Katrel, Cindy Peterson, Young Wong | Carol Cheyne, Carrie Wallace | Brian Duncan |
| 2021-2022 | Sophiana Banholzer, David Furman, Jay Gillespie | Rachel Hart Rios, Jeannette Chen | None |
| 2020 – 2021 | Joe Bushek, Jan Drabek, TuesD Chambers, Vanesa López Madrid, Sonja Petersen | Linda Jweinat | Honorary Lifetime Membership: Carolyn Stalter |
| 2019 – 2020 | Robin Dowdy, Marie Lassley, Robyn Maddess | Heather Bioren | Outstanding Advocate: Richard “Dick” Lee Honorary Lifetime Membership: Mara Lim |
| 2018 – 2019 | Kira Franz-Knight, Nell Niewiadomski, Melissa Baron | Mara Lim Jenny Peters | Joel Niemeyer |
| 2017 – 2018 | Sachiko Smith, Timothy Stedman | Sharon and Jeff Parker | Diane Taylor |
| 2016 – 2017 | Matt Lawrence, Jack Thompson | Diane Taylor, Mike & Jill Hansen | None |
| 2015 – 2016 | John Foster, Brittany Newell | Pam Dundas, Lori Bjorklund | Outstanding Advocate: Demian Godon Honorary Special Award: Lisa Fitch |
| 2014 – 2015 | Michael Broom, Oana Rus, Shelley Vertucci | Kim Flin, Ivan Lysene, Jenny Thomson | Heidi Bennett |
| 2013 – 2014 | Debbie Arthur, Lorie Buob, Joe McColskey, Eric Muhs | Lisa Fitch, Sue Verduin, John Verduin, Ron Wang | None |
| 2012 – 2013 | John Nygaard, Ed Herbert, Shawn Riley | Torii Guettler, Sue Rauda, Kathleen Marks, Doug Brownlee | None |
| 2011 – 2012 | India Carlson, Sandy Jensen | Betty Brownlee, Patti Kost, Ted Inkley | None |
| 2010 – 2011 | Ted Nutting, Sooz Stahl | Shawn Burkland, Sue Daley, Sue Redman | None |
| 2009 – 2010 | Julie Chapman, Alicia Hale, Courtney Rowley, Megan Vogel, Jill Zawatski | Kathy Bowen, Diane Darling, Suzanne Matchett, Cindy Peterson | None |
| 2008 – 2009 | Debbi Bower, Dewey Moody, Craig Nielsen, Michael Smith | Jerri Harden, Mark & Nancy, Ellen Elster, Lori Hingten | None |
| 2007 – 2008 | Michael James, Matt Lawrence | Michael Smith, Jim Vatn, Patty McVicker | None |
| 2006 – 2007 | None | Phil Brockman, Cindy Richter-Juarez, Lyn Porterfield, Mary Wong | None |
| 2005 – 2006 | None | Carol White, Donna Dwyer-O’Connor, Vivian Belcher, Toni Bukowski | None |
| 2004 – 2005 | None | Ann Farr, Debbie Geddes | None |
| 2003 – 2004 | Charles Chinn, Penny Pagels | Susie Wyman, Sue Gregor, Lorna Hamill, Rita Lambert | None |
| 2002 – 2003 | None | Laurie Ford, Diane Steen, Shelagh Bradley, Mary Kay Olson | None |
| 2001 – 2002 | None | Paul & Pam Plumis, Peter Maier | None |
| 2000 – 2001 | None | Josie Cleveland | None |
| 1999 – 2000 | None | Michael & Mary Banks, Christopher Angelos, Melissa Baar | None |
| 1998 – 1999 | None | Grayce Mitchell, Carbina Resendez | None |
| 1997 | None | Ann Bowden, | None |
| 1995 | None | Randal Anderson, Janice Blair | None |
Congratulations to PTSA Community Award Winners!
The Ballard PTSA awarded several community members at its year-end meeting. Congratulations to Orchestra director Daniel Valdez who received the Outstanding Educator Award.
While Dan couldn’t join us at the meeting, we love this photo of him above receiving a giant bouquet of appreciation from his Chamber Orchestra students at their final performance. Ballard Performing Arts Booster President Kelsey Fatland (top left) was honored as Outstanding Advocate.
Also, pictured with PTSA President Karla Rava, ASB Vice President Taiya Fletcher received the PTSA’s first Student Advocate Award; and Gloria Kruzner received the Golden Acorn Award for Outstanding Volunteer.
PTSA Awards 22-23
Select an image to enlarge
PTSA Awards 19-20, 20-21
Outstanding Educator, Golden Acorn, Outstanding Advocates 17-20
