AWSP Blog

Kim Doughty, principal at Peter G. Schmidt Elementary School in the Tumwater School District, has been named the 2026 Washington State Elementary Principal of the Year. At the heart of Doughty’s leadership is a simple yet powerful belief: every student, staff member, and family deserves to feel seen, known, and valued. Under her guidance, Peter G. Schmidt Elementary has become a place of hope and high expectations for all learners.

The Association of Washington School Principals is proud to announce that Principal Chelsea Gallagher has been awarded the prestigious Washington State Secondary Principal of the Year title for 2025. Gallagher’s leadership has been instrumental in fostering an inclusive, supportive, and high-achieving school environment, making Mt. Spokane a beacon of excellence for students, staff, and the community.

Juanita High School’s Terry Jess has been named the Washington State Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year in recognition of his outstanding leadership, dedication to equity, and transformative impact on the school community.

Cascade Elementary’s Dr. James West has been recognized as the Washington State 2025 Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year, an honor that reflects his exceptional leadership, commitment to student success, and dedication to fostering a positive school culture.

Cathi Davis, the founding principal of Ruby Bridges Elementary School, has been awarded the prestigious Principal of the Year award by the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP), recognizing her exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment to inclusion, and profound impact on students, staff, and families.