Opening Doors, Building Futures: Honoring SPS Way Makers

The All‑Star Awards honor staff who go above and beyond for students and school communities. This quarter, we celebrate our Way Makers—educators and support staff who clear obstacles, open doors, and create pathways for student growth. Across classrooms and school communities, these honorees ensure students feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. 

Vanessa Diaz

6th Grade World History Teacher, Hamilton International Middle School

A fierce advocate for equity and belonging, Vanessa Diaz creates spaces where students feel seen, heard, and valued during a critical time in their lives. In her classroom, students see their cultures, identities, and lived experiences reflected in meaningful learning—building both academic engagement and a strong sense of self. 

Beyond the classroom, Vanessa serves as advisor for both the Black Student Union and La Chispa Latino Student Union, opening doors for student leadership, cultural pride, and community connection. Colleagues describe her as tireless and selfless, noting her ability to build trust and empower student voice. 

One powerful example of her impact was her leadership of a Black and Latino Family Engagement Night—bringing families together in a joyful celebration of culture, food, music, and community.  

Reflecting on her work, Vanessa shared that the most rewarding part is “seeing the positive impact I have on students through the relationships I build with them… helping students discover who they are and grow into their individual selves.” 

Deron Woods

Youth Services Assistant, Highland Park Elementary

In just two years with SPS, Deron Woods has made a remarkable impact by clearing obstacles and opening doors for student leadership, belonging, and growth. From greeting students by name each morning to offering encouragement in the hallways, he creates a sense of trust and connection that helps students feel safe and valued. 

Deron has been especially intentional about amplifying student voice. He revitalized school assemblies and daily announcements, empowering students to lead and speak in front of their peers. He also launched a Student Council that played a meaningful role in school events such as the MLK assembly. Through lunch groups and social‑emotional learning opportunities, he helps students build confidence, resolve conflicts, and develop leadership skills that will last a lifetime. 

“The most rewarding part is seeing students tapping into the greatness they already have and becoming successful,” he said.  

Families and colleagues describe Deron as a trusted role model who helps students see their own potential. His empathy, consistency, and belief in students have helped transform Highland Park Elementary into a stronger, more connected community. 

Tracy McDonagh

Kindergarten Teacher, Lawton Elementary

For more than three decades, Tracy McDonagh has paved the way for generations of Lawton Elementary students, creating classrooms where every child feels capable, and confident. Families and colleagues alike describe her as deeply dedicated, meeting students exactly where they are while helping them grow academically, socially, and emotionally. 

Tracy is known for going above and beyond to ensure every child has a voice. Through creative performances, poetry recitals, drama, dance, and movement, she builds confidence and self‑expression in even the most soft‑spoken students.  

Parents consistently share how Tracy’s inclusive approach helps children flourish, from early reading skills to independence and self‑belief. Her classroom is described as a place filled with care, encouragement, and joy—where students are supported to shine. 

Tracy said the most rewarding part of her job is “connecting with children and their families, seeing children grow academically and socially, and being a part of the community.”  

Marian Fink

Visual Arts Teacher, Graham Hill Elementary 

With more than 20 years of service, Marian Fink opens doors for students through creativity, curiosity, and connection. Her art classroom is a place where students are invited to explore the world of art—learning about historic and contemporary artists while experimenting with a wide range of materials, techniques, and ideas. 

Marian’s impact goes far beyond completing projects. She notices every child and finds meaningful ways to connect learning to what excites them. Families describe her as attentive, inspiring, and deeply invested in helping students discover their voices. 

In addition to her work in the art room, Marian provides schoolwide leadership through Graham Hill’s multi‑age pods, supporting social, emotional, and cultural learning. Her colleagues and families consistently note how her care and creativity help students grow into confident, expressive learners. 

Marian shared that the most rewarding part of her work is “witnessing children create, collaborate, and discover their voices.”  

Dkobe KiloDavis

Special Education Instructional Assistant, View Ridge Elementary 

As a Special Education Instructional Assistant, Dkobe KiloDavis creates pathways for some of the district’s most vulnerable students by building trust, safety, and confidence. Rather than simply assisting in the classroom, he provides a calm, steady presence for students navigating challenges with regulation and communication. 

Dkobe is known for celebrating small breakthroughs that quietly lay the foundation for long‑term independence and growth. Parents describe his support as transformative—helping students feel understood, capable, and empowered to move beyond daily challenges. He said he gets his daily joy from the small wins. 

“Seeing the smiles, laughs, and faces of the kids—nothing makes me feel more in tune with my work than seeing them have fun.” 

For Dkobe, his work doesn’t just help students get through the school day—it helps them believe they can grow beyond it. 

Congratulations to our Quarter 3 All‑Star Way Makers. Through their dedication, compassion, and belief in students, these educators and staff members are creating pathways that help every child grow, belong, and succeed.  

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Posted: April 2, 2025

SPS All-Stars: Opportunity Begins with These All-Stars

Schools continue to go all out in celebration of their All-Star Award winners. This month, the district gave out the Opportunity Award to those who are creating pathways and opening doors for student growth. 

Nearly all of the nominations for this month’s award were for kindergarten, first grade, or special education teachers, indicating the impact educators have on our youngest and most vulnerable scholars.  

Meet our SPS All-Star Opportunity Award winners: 

Rachel Hardebeck

Kindergarten teacher – Highland Park Elementary

By all accounts, Rachel Hardebeck is the epitome of an All-Star. With a whopping 11 nomination letters sent in on her behalf, Hardebeck has left a lasting impression on the families of the kindergarten students she teaches. 

According to parents, Hardebeck leads her class by showing positivity and praise. She prompts the 5 and 6-year-olds to think more about every decision they make, encouraging them to talk more about it, whether in their stories or drawings.  

As a fluent Spanish speaker, Hardebeck fosters an environment of inclusivity that celebrates every child’s identity. 

“Witnessing and playing a part in kindergarten students’ growth is such a rewarding experience. Students grow so much socially, academically, behaviorally, emotionally, and physically during the kindergarten year,” she said. “I consider it an essential part of my job to infuse joy, music, multiple languages, dancing, art, and fun into our daily routines.” 

Hardebeck believes sharing these moments of growth with families is important in helping students develop a love for learning that sets the foundation for the rest of their education. 

Bethany Grant

Elementary Music Specialist – BF Day Elementary 

At B.F. Day, Bethany Grant is always striving to create special moments and opportunities for students of all ages. Even though she has limited time at the school, Grant has managed to enlist the collaborative help of other members in their school community to make a visibly positive impact on our students.  

Grant offers other diverse experiences and ways to connect with all types of music. According to her colleague, Brenna Kamppi, Grant teaches with every kid in mind. 

“They likely won’t forget the things she has shown them,” Kamppi wrote. “She is dedicated, thoughtful, and approaches every day with a sense of humor and lightness.” 

Grant accepted her award in a gym packed with excited students. After receiving her award, a line of students gave her tokens of appreciation – everything from handmade leis and cards to paper crowns. 

“The most rewarding thing about the work I do is getting to develop relationships with students who grow over the course of six years as they matriculate through B.F. Day,” Grant said. “It’s so gratifying to walk alongside students and guide them to find the things they love about music … and learn how rewarding it is to build community through making music with others.” 

Patrick Gordon

Music teacher – Robert Eagle Staff Middle School 

Robert Eagle Staff Middle School band teacher Patrick Gordon received his award in front of one of his classes. Students offered raucous applause when they heard the news.  

Gordon is a positive influence in the lives of many students at Robert Eagle Staff. His band program is the heart and spirit of the school. He also teaches jazz band before school and marching band after school. After the presentation, one shared an emotional message about his impact. 

“Before I met Mr. Gordon, I didn’t learn a lot [in music]. It was quite a persuasion every morning to get me to go,” the student said. “Now I love it! It’s my life! I’m in the jazz program and in the marching band program. I love it!” 

Gordon’s favorite part of his work is seeing how music can positively impact student lives.  

“So many of our students are struggling to find themselves and their place in the world,” he said. “I am glad our music program has given them a sense of belonging and community while giving them the confidence to succeed not only in music, but also in other areas of life.” 

Jennifer Erickson

Distinct Special Education Teacher – Franklin HS 

Working with some of the district’s most vulnerable students takes a special kind of teacher. At Franklin High School, that person is Jennifer Erickson.  

Erickson is a dedicated Special Education teacher who works in the school’s Distinct program. In her classroom, she fosters independence, empowering students to communicate their needs, and actively participate in their learning. Assistant Principal Nat Lopez, who nominated Erickson for the award, said she is a passionate advocate for inclusion. 

“She leads the charge in making our campus more accessible. Families who collaborate with her feel informed, supported, and empowered throughout the IEP process,” Lopez said. “She is so positive, so thoughtful, so hard-working.” 

Erickson said the most rewarding thing about being a special education teacher is watching students become more independent, build friendships, and try new activities.  

“I am rewarded by the students’ smiles as they enter the classroom excited to learn. It brings me joy to watch our students have conversations with each other using their AAC devices,” she said. “I’m also encouraged to be surrounded by a collaborative team that shares the vision of inclusion. They are amazing.” 

Katherine Landerholm, Levy Coordinator

Washington Middle School 

In her first year outside of the classroom, Katherine Landerholm has taken on the role of Levy Coordinator at Washington Middle School. She builds meaningful relationships with students schoolwide, while simultaneously juggling a plethora of “educator hats” by coordinating levy finances and helping create a more structured school environment.    

“As a math teacher for the last 10 years, the most rewarding thing for me was seeing kids’ faces light up with their own math ‘aha!’ moments,” Landerholm said. “In this new role, I still get to do that but at a larger scale.” 

Her hard work is appreciated, and her dedication to Washington Middle School students as an advocate in promoting student literacy and student academic growth is remarkable. 

For her awards ceremony, student leaders put together a small assembly with a decorated stage. They even created a “spirit tunnel” for Landerholm to walk through when entering the room.  

Office of African American Male Achievement  

You will rarely see the Office of African American Male Achievement (AAMA) staff at the John Stanford Center. They are a boots-on-the-ground crew that is ready to go to battle for Black students in Seattle Public Schools.  

If you want to see the fruits of their labor, all you need to do is attend a Kingmakers crowning ceremony or stop by a Black Student Union meeting at one of the high schools. These students are leading the way in their school communities. 

While their initial focus is on supporting African American boys and young men, the approach is intended to improve outcomes for all students. In transforming our system and practices to support our most vulnerable students, overall learning conditions will improve for all students. 

The honorees included Dr. Mia Williams, who heads the department; High School Transition Success Project Manager Nichelle Page; and Will King, Kingmakers Program Manager. Kingmakers facilitators and other AAMA staff were also recognized at the presentation. 

BRIDGES Program

From cooking classes to internships at local businesses to providing a pathway to college, students between the ages of 18 and 22 are given the opportunity to become productive and engaged adults through the BRIDGES program.   

BRIDGES stands for Building Real-life Independent Daily Living and Gainful Employment Skills. It’s a transition program that supports those who continue to need special education services once they have completed high school. 

The students in BRIDGES are growing into strong, independent, hardworking members of society. SPS appreciates the program leaders and staff for not only providing help and hope to students, but their families as well. 

BRIDGES is located on several campuses around the district and hospitals in the Seattle area. The award was accepted by Devin Gurley, executive director of Special Education and Inclusion, and Rob Vander Stoep, BRIDGES Supervisor.