PORT ORCHARD — Seven students and seven teachers from South Kitsap High, Discovery Alternative High and Explorer Academy were honored May 21 as winners and finalists at an evening of celebration for the Superintendent Scholar Awards at McCormick Woods.
In front of an audience of students, school district staff and families, the winning students and teachers received medallions and mounted certificate plaques. The student finalists and their nominated teachers received certificates of recognition. In addition, the South Kitsap Public Education Foundation awarded $500 to the winning teacher’s school. A perpetual trophy displaying the student’s name will be displayed at each high school.
The principals and counselors from the three schools nominated students who displayed outstanding academic achievement for the superintendent’s awards. The program was made possible from support from the South Kitsap Public Education Foundation.
Superintendent Karst Brandsma spearheaded the development of the Superintendent Scholar Award.
“This program is something special,” Brandsma said. “Student finalists were asked to nominate a staff member that inspired them along their educational journey. At the ceremony, students talked about their nominated teacher. It was heartwarming to hear their stories and see what a difference a teacher can make in the life of a student.
“A big ‘thank you’ goes out to the South Kitsap Public Education Foundation for their support and to the counselors at our high schools who were instrumental in getting their applications distributed and collected.”
The winners and finalists are listed below:
South Kitsap High School
Winner: Naomi Green and teacher Janna Viergutz from South Kitsap High.
Finalist: Ryan Hopkins and teacher Alexander Chertok from South Kitsap High.
Finalist: Rebecca Jones and teacher Thomas O’Loughlin from Marcus Whitman Middle School.
Finalist: Naia Kennedy and teacher Maureen Dawson from the Highly Capable Program.
Discovery Alternative High School
Winner: Noah McKenzie and teacher William Johnson from East Port Orchard Elementary.
Finalist: Tabitha Castillo and teacher David Young from West Sound Technical Center.
Explorer Academy
Winner: Kathryn “KC” Moore and teacher Shari Carragher from Explorer Academy.
