Each year, the AWSP Board President has the opportunity to select an individual or group who demonstrates support of principals and the principalship in the education of each and every student. The Association of Washington School Principals is thrilled to announce that our 2022 President’s Award has been awarded to Chase Buffington, Director of the Cispus Learning Center.
Throughout the course of the pandemic, Chase woke up every morning in the fight of his life to save the Cispus Learning Center. Cispus hosts incredible outdoor learning and leadership programs for students and adults across the state. COVID forced Cispus to close its doors, and without any programs, there was no revenue coming in.
Chase took that challenge head-on and worked tirelessly to secure grants and advocate for rescue funds, while at the same time making much-needed infrastructure improvements. Those improvements ensured that when Cispus opened the doors back up for kids, the facility would last another 50 or more years. His positive attitude, sheer determination, and belief in what is possible for Cispus is why he is this year’s AWSP President’s Award Winner. Thanks to Chase, AWSP is still the only principals association in the country that owns and operates an outdoor learning center.