Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence is proud to announce its 2009 Gold Star award winners. Because the quality of nominees is always so high, the committee had a difficult time in making a selection. For this year they are as follows:

Outstanding Administrator – Dr. Steve Grubb

Dr. Grubb is a leader who models integrity, respect, and professionalism at all times. He has an ability to stay focused on what is most important – the big strategic picture and the end goal without losing sight of the impacts on front- line staff.

Outstanding Classified Employee - Zenaida (ZZ) Newman

ZZ Newman evaluates and enrolls students who speak other languages and is often the first contact for families arriving at schools. She is caring and reliable and puts her knowledge and her personal concern for other individuals into practice.

Outstanding Teacher - Linda Drahn

Linda Drahn is a first-grade teacher at McMicken Heights Elementary. She is a 28-year teaching veteran who is a loving, patient instructor and a mentor to new teachers, as well.

Outstanding Volunteer – Tamera Nason

Tamera Nason is in her 5th year volunteering at Aviation High School. She travels from Maple Valley to volunteer and is willing to assist with whatever is needed including flying her airplane to Moses Lake to deliver legal documents to students.