Washtucna, Lind-Ritzville recognize community leaders

Throughout its history, the Northeast Washington Association of School Administrators (NEWASA) has been involved in honoring and recognizing outstanding individuals or groups of professionals who have made extraordinary contributions to the K–12 education within the region.

The regional awards that NEWASA provides include the Award of Merit, Student Achievement Leadership and Community Leadership.

Regional awards were presented at the regional ceremonies, which took place at the Spokane Center in Spokane Valley on March 24.

Washtucna School District Superintendent Vance Wing, Principal Brent Seedall and Washtucna fifth and sixth grade teacher Janet Camp felt it was appropriate to nominate Karen Kinch for the NEWASA Community Leadership Award.

Karen’s tireless efforts to provide our Washtucna kids and kids from the surrounding areas, with a fun, fulfilling, healthy, social activity has went well beyond her and the communities expectations.

For the past 34 years Karen has made a difference in the lives of countless kids, selflessly travelling, organizing, communicating, scheduling and teaching dance to hundreds, if not thousands, of kids. Introducing the Art of Dance to those who, if not for her selfless nature, would not have had this wonderful opportunity to know and understand the blessing that dance can be in ones life over time, Wing said.

Wing added the community of Washtucna is proud to have Karen in the school, doing what she loves and passing down the lifelong love of dance to multiple generations.

Lind-Ritzville Superintendent Rob Roettger nominated the Lind-Ritzville FFA Alumni for their phenomenal support of the students at Lind-Ritzville High School.

During the past three years, the group has donated roughly $74,000 to the FFA program. The donations have helped students attend state and national FFA conventions, as well as being instrumental in the purchase and construction of the new greenhouse.

In addition to the monetary donations, members of the FFA Alumni have demonstrated their support of our students in many other ways, Roettger said. The members help chaperone trips, coach FFA teams, supervise events, and actively volunteer and participate in fundraising activities.

Roettger added that the Lind-Ritzville FFA Alumni are truly an integral part to the Lind-Ritzville FFA program, and the students, staff and districts are extremely blessed by their efforts.