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.
2026 Winner
Ron Banner
Superintendent, Clover Park School District
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). Jason Smith, the 2025-26 AWSP Board President and principal at Rogers High School in Puyallup, selected Ron Banner this year. Ron is the Superintendent of Clover Park School District.
According to AWSP Executive Director Dr. Scott Seaman, “Ron realized that the only way to improve student outcomes is by supporting the ongoing growth and sustainability of his school leaders. The Empowering Excellence series wasn’t just another leadership council meeting; it was deep reflection and rich conversation that Ron fully participated and engaged as the Learning Leader of the Learning Organization.”
Past Award Winners
- 2025 | Erin Lucich
- 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.
