President's Award Webpage Header

AWSP President's Award


The AWSP President’s Award is given to a person outside the association who has advocated on behalf of principals and the principalship in Washington state. Recipients are chosen by the AWSP Board in consultation with the AWSP executive director. The award is presented at the association's annual conference in June.


2025 Winner

Erin Lucich

ESD 112 Director of School Improvement and Educational Leadership

Three people pose indoors with an award; presentation slide for Erin Lucich is displayed in the background.

AWSP President Woody Howard, Erin Lucich, and AWSP Deputy Director Jack Arand

OLYMPIA –– Every year, the AWSP Board President selects someone to receive the AWSP President’s Award. The award goes to someone who is a relentless advocate for principals and assistant principals, and the principalship, in the education of each and every student (AWSP’s mission). Woody Howard, the 2024-25 AWSP Board President and principal at Ben Franklin Elementary School in Vancouver Public Schools, selected Erin Lucich this year. Erin is the Director of School Improvement and Educational Leadership in ESD 112.

"Being a school principal is a complex job. Erin has worked to ensure principals in Southwest Washington can connect with ESD 112, AWSP, and each other to receive the support they need in order to meet the needs of the students and families they serve. Her experience and keen insights are truly appreciated and make her deserving of the President's Award," says Woody.


Past Award Winners


  • 2024 | Dr. Ismael Vivanco
  • 2023 | Ann Gray
  • 2022 | Chase Buffington
  • 2021 | WA State Principals and APs
  • 2020 | Bill Williams
  • 2019 | Susan & Marty Fortin
  • 2018 | Chris Reykdal
 
  • 2017 | Sue Anderson & Jerry Bender
  • 2016 | Sen. Patty Murray & Sarah Bolton
  • 2015 | Jim Eisenhardt
  • 2014 | Edie Harding
  • 2013 | Jim Howard, Ph.D. 
  • 2012 | Michaela Miller
  • 2011 | Battelle (Jeff Estes & Peggy Willcuts)
  • 2010 | Dale Kinsley & Judy Hartmann
  • 2009 | John Pehrson
  • See the complete list of past winners.