Each year, AWSP’s Advocacy Advisory Council has the opportunity to select a state-level public servant who has demonstrated support of principals and the principalship in the education of all students. For 2021, the Council selected Senator Sam Hunt as AWSP’s 2021 Torch of Leadership Award winner. Senator Hunt is a Democrat representing the 22nd legislative district, which includes Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater.
Senator Hunt is a fantastic champion of students and educators. His 2021 budget proviso resulted in $10 million for Outdoor School for All. The Washington School Principal’s Education Foundation is managing these funds. Starting this fall, districts can use them to help pay for 5th or 6th graders to attend outdoor residential camps across Washington. As a member of the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee, Senator Hunt also sponsored and supported many other education bills, as well as bills related to retirement benefits, voting rights, and elections.