From the playground to the lunchroom and everywhere in between—our school support staff are Highline's unsung heroes. They keep schools running smoothly and ensure students have what they need to graduate prepared for the future they choose.
Every day, but especially this week, we applaud them for the commitment and care they bring to their jobs.
These individuals serve in roles such as paraeducators, custodians, bus drivers and monitors, nutrition services staff, office staff, interpreters, facilities and grounds crews, maintenance and operations staff, recess monitors, technology staff, safety and security staff, and more.
For Education Support Professionals Week, we celebrate the nominees for Outstanding Classified Staff in this year's Gold Star Awards, presented by the Highline Schools Foundation. This award honors those who go above and beyond to know students by name, strength and need.
2025 Outstanding Classified Staff Nominees
Big Picture High School
Andy Gregory, Paraeducator
"Andy lives his values—it's as simple as that. Community is not just a byword for him. It is his meaning and purpose. He sees what needs to be done, and he steps up and does it before anyone even thinks to ask." -Andrea Kunkle, Teacher
Crystal Barragan, Office Manager
"Her heart is always with the students, and she does everything she can to make sure they feel seen and heard when they come into the office. She is always ready with a smile and positive attitude but also really tries to help students grow in their own responsibilities and accountability by encouraging them to creatively problem solve and also follow systems." -Krystal Correa, Social Worker
CHOICE Academy
Ann Hamilton, Paraeducator
"Ann Hamilton is so much more than a paraeducator—she is a pillar of our school community. She wears countless hats, taking on roles with grace, dedication and an unwavering commitment to CHOICE Academy. Her impact is immeasurable, and while we try to express our gratitude, there are no words or gestures that could fully repay the love and effort she pours into our school." -Michael Sita, Principal
Realistic Transition Program
Evey Lanouette, Paraeducator
"Her personalized approach to support helps students build confidence, develop life skills and prepare for meaningful independence. Through consistent effort, she works with each student every single week, providing guidance, encouragement and strategies that empower them to reach their goals. Her warm personality makes it easy for students to trust her." -Michelle Thomas, Teacher
Theresa Ognoskie, Paraeducator
"Theresa's most admirable qualities is her willingness to demonstrate vulnerability for the sake of student growth. She openly, yet professionally, shares her own learning experiences, modeling perseverance and resilience. By doing so, she fosters an environment where students feel safe to take risks, learn from mistakes and develop a growth mindset." -Michelle Thomas, Teacher
Mount Rainier High School
Lesa Oestreich, Office Manager
“Lesa takes to heart her role when it comes to serving our students and families. Whether she is greeting and welcoming families in the office, or being responsive to their questions over the phone, she is always warm and welcoming.” -Paul Records, Assistant Principal
Wanda Gladney, Office Support
“Wanda always has a smile on her face and her infectious laugh makes the counseling office a warm place to be. This is often a place students come to when there is a crisis and students need support and she creates a warm and inviting environment to make everyone feel welcome, safe and supported.” -Paul Records, Assistant Principal
Des Moines Elementary
Morgan Stuller, Paraeducator
“Morgan works daily to get to know each student at our school. She works with students in small groups to strengthen student's academics and she works with students on their behaviors in class. She sets daily goals and then confers with the students at the end of the day to see if they were successful or if there is something they need to work on.” -Lisa Mcmullen, Teacher
Midway Elementary
Brenda Aguilar, Paraeducator
“Brenda has strong positive relationships with teachers, admin and support staff. Brenda daily provides high quality instruction with her small group, has very good attendance, shows up to her duties on time, and regularly collaborates with teachers, support staff and admin on improving student instruction.” -Stephen Dziadosz, Teacher
Pacific Middle School
Sweetra Fazly, Paraeducator
"At Pacific, we take pride in ensuring every student has at least one trusted adult they can turn to for support or help solving a problem. For many students, that person is Ms. Fazly. She truly takes the Highline Promise to heart." -Kathy Onorati, Interventionist
Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Kristie Cleaver, Finance Technician
"Kristie is a true asset to our school community. She exemplifies what it means to be a dedicated, compassionate and hardworking team member. Her efforts go far beyond what is expected, making a real difference in the lives of students, families, and colleagues. She consistently demonstrates professionalism, empathy and initiative, ensuring that all students have the resources and support they need to thrive in both the classroom and beyond." -Lorri Healy, Retiree/Classified Substitute and CTE Specialist
Gregory Heights Elementary
Bryan Suter, Office Manager
"Mr. Bryan knows every student, staff and parent in our building by name, strength and need. He greets everyone, including family members, by name with a smile and some personal recognition about them." -Robin Totten, Principal
North Hill Elementary
Dina Crosby, Office Assistant
"Dina is often the first interaction families have with North Hill, and she ensures it is one of warmth, care and connection. She creates a welcoming environment where everyone feels heard and supported. No matter how busy she is, she makes each person feel like they have her full attention." -Kimberly Jones, Principal
Michelle Simmons, Office Manager
"Ms. Simmons brings calm and kindness to every interaction, balancing the nonstop needs of staff, students, parents and visitors with grace. Her soft-spoken nature and reassuring presence make her a trusted problem-solver, always ready to say, 'Don’t worry, we’ll figure this out together.'" -Elsie Kalebu, Paraeducator
Sandra Wollin, Paraeducator
"For over eight years, Sandy has been a key support for students, helping them gain independence while ensuring they can access their education. She challenges school systems to improve inclusive practices, collaborates with staff to enhance student support, and seamlessly adapts to shifting needs." -Kimberly Jones
Chinook Middle School
Tray Mcelroy, Safety and Security Officer
“Tray is loved by students and staff at Chinook. The time he puts into relationship building with students is such important preventative work. He ensures the campus is safe both physically and emotionally for students.” -Taylor Blue, Assistant Principal
Bow Lake Elementary
Christy Birch, Paraeducator
"As a fellow employee, Christy can be relied on regardless of the circumstances to assist for whatever needs might be in place. She has made the effort to develop relationships with students and to get to know these students indeed by strength, name and need.” -Denise Dagley, Office Manager
Jorge Velasquez, Paraeducator
"Jorge is absolutely incredible. He is one of the kindest, hardest-working people I know. Over the three years we've worked together, he's made an immeasurable impact on our students, school and community. He treats every child with the same kindness and respect, never showing frustration, and always manages to put a positive spin on even the hardest days.” -Liana Garvett, Special Education Case Manager
Yusuf Jama, Paraeducator
“Mr. Jama works with coaches, teachers, administrators to be present as a liaison between the school and families. He communicates effectively when the school might need strong communication for any purpose. He is the lifeline for the school to the Somali community.” -Denise Dagley, Office Manager
Valley View Early Learning Center
Jamie Phillips, Family Support Specialist
"Jamie knows her students, their siblings, and their family by name, strength and need. She typically does home visits to each of her families enjoying time spent with each one. The program is much stronger because of her quiet leadership.” -Linda Elmore, Family Support Specialist
Linda Elmore, Family Support Specialist
"She helps families with the resources that they need for the students to succeed in school. She always greets each student and family by name with a warm smile and a ready hand and heart to help." -Margah Loos, Paraeducator
Hilltop Elementary
Janita Chim, Paraeducator
“Janita believes every child can be successful and cheers them on when they are. She knows each child in the classroom by name, strength and need. She is a master in developing learning materials, with great ideas on how to adapt materials to help a student or challenge a student. Janita is an awesome paraeducator who makes me a more effective teacher. Students love her.” -Dawn Gardner, Teacher
Evergreen High School
Karina Castro Quezada, Front Office Secretary
“Karina's ability to create an atmosphere where people feel welcome and valued is truly exceptional. She keeps our students at the center of everything she does, fostering an environment where they can thrive both academically and personally. Her approach to working with families is one of deep care and responsibility.” -Simón Iñiguez, Principal
Sotha Hoffman, Counseling Secretary
“Sotha takes the time to truly get to know students—not just by their academic performance, but by their individual strengths and challenges. She is dedicated to giving back to the very school and community that shaped her. Her ability to connect with students has led to incredible success stories, with many crediting her as the reason they stayed in school and pursued their goals. She is a difference-maker, and her impact will be felt for generations to come.” -Simón Iñiguez, Principal
Susan Hope, Office Manager
“We are lucky to have such a fearless champion of our Evergreen family. Susan has played a key role in amplifying student voice. She is relentless in her belief that our kids can thrive given the right support and high expectations. She spearheaded our after-school meals program, which has increased the number of students staying after school to engage in clubs and learning supports.” -Joseph Boyer, Assistant Principal
Mount View Elementary School
Loan Vo, Paraeducator
“Loan is truly an individual who changes the lives of the students in her care. The biggest example of her effectiveness as an educator comes from personally watching my son flourish under her care. She helps students who need more support with time and assistance, while making sure to pay attention to the more typically developing children to help them feel cared for.” -Preschool Parent
Waskowitz Environmental Education Center
Jacqueline Jeambey, Program Manager
"Jacqueline maximizes every moment of the four-day outdoor school experience, ensuring teachers and students get the most from environmental education. She builds connections with everyone involved, from bus drivers to volunteers, creating a welcoming and supportive environment." -Eric Rodbell, Residential Outdoor Educator
