In front of a sold-out crowd of enthusiastic supporters, the Highline Schools Foundation presented the 2026 Gold Star Awards at the annual Gold Star Bash, held at Highline College in Des Moines on March 26th, 2026. Congratulations to all our 2026 Gold Star Nominees!
In all, nine awards were presented, honoring the outstanding work and deep commitment of teachers, staff, volunteers, and others throughout Highline Public Schools. These individuals live out the district’s commitment to know every student by name, strength and need.
(Award winners photographed from left to right: Arone Andu, Roderick Branca, Mario Pilapil, HSF Executive Director Fred Swanson, Rosa Manriquez, Rosie Santiago, Rocio Ceja, Rann San, Nikki Ashe, Sharon DaDalto, Naisha Erickson, Betsaida Ortiz-Gonzalez, Kimberly Jones. Not Pictured: April Williams)
2026 Gold Star Winners
The Gold Star Awards are prestigious honors in our school community, recognizing Highline Public Schools best and brightest — celebrating the outstanding Teachers, Volunteers, Alumni, Staff and Administrators throughout the district. The Highline Schools community is asked to submit nominations early in the year, and winners are selected by a committee comprised of Highline Schools Foundation staff and volunteers from our Board of Trustees.
- Outstanding Alumni: Community Partnerships & Family Engagement Teams: Arone Andu, Evergreen High School; Roderick Branca, Tyee High School; Rosa Manriquez, Highline High School; Rocio Ceja, Highline High School; Rosie Santiago, Mount Rainier High School
- Outstanding Leadership: Kimberly Jones, North Hill Elementary School
- Outstanding Office Support: Nikki Ashe, Chinook Middle School
- Outstanding Operations Staff: April Williams, Waskowitz Outdoor Education Center
- Outstanding Paraeducator: Rann San, Mount View Elementary Elementary
- Outstanding Rookie Teacher: Betsaida Ortiz-Gonzalez, Hilltop Elementary School
- Outstanding Teacher: Mario Pilapil, Highline High School
- Outstanding Student Support: Naisha Erickson, Health Services & Gregory Heights Elementary School
- Outstanding Volunteer: Sharon DaDalto, Highline High School, Mount Rainier High School, Puget Sound Skills Center
Thank You to our Event Sponsors!
