2021 Gold Star Winners
The Highline Schools Foundation awarded seven incredible individuals with Gold Star Awards in 2021, highlighting the outstanding efforts of its educators, staff, volunteers and alumni. In a year like no other, these individuals overcame obstacles, embraced online tools and worked collaboratively during the COVID-19 pandemic to strengthen the community of students and families within the Highline School District. These individuals live out the District’s commitment to know every student by name, strength and need.
Outstanding Classified Staff
Silvia Lopez Ortiz, ELL Paraeducator
Gregory Heights Elementary
Silvia is an ELL (English Language Learning) Paraeducator at Gregory Heights Elementary, where she is a trusted staff member, particularly for Spanish speaking students and their families. Her nominator shared that “Amongst staff, she is one of our “go to” people for so many situations and she always has time for everyone and everything. She is an integral part of our school – our identity and culture. She is the ultimate collaborator.”
Outstanding Professional Staff
Stan Harrison, Dean of Students
Big Picture Schools
Stan serves as the Dean of Students at Big Picture Schools, support students and their families in many ways. Froom delivering food boxes to families who can’t access pickup spots, supporting the mental health needs of students in navigating counseling services and supporting teachers connecting to families, to supporting restorative justice for students in conflict – Stan does it all. From his nominator: “Students regularly seek out Stan because they know he will give them his full attention and jump into action as needed. I’ve already lost track of how many times I’ve heard a student say “I need to go talk to Stan.” It’s remarkable how he is able to follow through for the many kids and families that rely on him.”
Outstanding Volunteer
Rose Clark, Capitol Facilities Advisory Committee
Highline Public Schools
Rose Clark has worn many hats in her many years as a volunteer and supporter of Highline Public Schools. District parent, Tyee High School employee, city council member, member, and co-chair of committees. From her nominator: “As a retired person now for a number of years, she has had more impact in our schools and communities in the last five years than most people can only hope to have in their lifetime. She is motivated by care for students, staff, and our community. This passion inspired her to use her talent at working with people and committees to tackle complex and controversial community problems with outstanding leadership and a can-do attitude. She is a Highline Hero.”
Outstanding Alumna
Pat Thompson, Executive Director and Co-Founder, YES! Foundation of White Center
Graduate of Evergreen High School
Pat Thompson is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of YES! Foundation of White Center, a nonprofit organization serving children, youth and young adults through relationship-based programs that foster self and social awareness, promote education, and repurpose power in an under resourced community. She is a proud graduate of Evergreen High School. From her nominator: “Pat is a die-hard Wolverine. Pat is a pivotal partner, bringing Evergreen into the community and the community to Evergreen. She is dedicated, kind, and overall a true servant leader. Much of the success of Evergreen’s relationship with community partners is because of her leadership, relationships, and steadfast commitment to Evergreen High School.”
Outstanding Alumna
Pat Thompson, Executive Director and Co-Founder, YES! Foundation of White Center
Graduate of Evergreen High School
Pat Thompson is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of YES! Foundation of White Center, a nonprofit organization serving children, youth and young adults through relationship-based programs that foster self and social awareness, promote education, and repurpose power in an under resourced community. She is a proud graduate of Evergreen High School. From her nominator: “Pat is a die-hard Wolverine. Pat is a pivotal partner, bringing Evergreen into the community and the community to Evergreen. She is dedicated, kind, and overall a true servant leader. Much of the success of Evergreen’s relationship with community partners is because of her leadership, relationships, and steadfast commitment to Evergreen High School.”