SPS All-Star Awards – Beacon of Hope
Summary : These five incredible educators and staff members create a sense of belonging for students and staff.
Beacon of Hope winners shine bright
If you’re looking for a dose of joy, inspiration, and all‑around good vibes, look no further than our Quarter 2 Beacon of Hope Award winners! This award celebrates SPS staff who light up their school communities with optimism, compassion, and unwavering positivity.
These five incredible educators and staff members create a sense of belonging for students and staff. They brighten hallways, lift spirits, and remind us every day what hope looks like in action.
Join us in celebrating these Beacons of Hope.
Ashlye Allison, 5th Grade Teacher – Dunlap Elementary
Students call her “Teacher Allison.” This exceptional 5th‑grade teacher’s influence reaches far beyond the walls of the classroom. Her students carry the lessons she teaches—about kindness, confidence, resilience, and real‑world understanding—long after they move on from Dunlap Elementary. She builds deep, trusting relationships with both students and families, creating a supportive community where every child feels valued and uplifted.
Ashlye said the most rewarding part of her job is “seeing and being seen.”
“Kids are not often seen as whole people that are capable of anything, and I get to see that every day,” Ashlye said. “And teachers are also not seen as whole people.”
Students describe her not only as an incredible educator, but also as someone who is there for them during their hardest moments. Teacher Allison brings patience, positivity, and purpose to every interaction.
Her commitment goes far beyond classroom teaching. She helps organize almost every school event, volunteers her time for every club, and shows up for the school community with unwavering enthusiasm. Her classroom is a safe, welcoming space where students feel at home. From teaching theatre to modeling kindness to helping students believe in themselves, her impact is profound and enduring.
Carolyn Dunn, Administrative Secretary – Catharine Blaine K-8
Carolyn Dunn is more than an administrative secretary. She is an indispensable member of the Catharine Blaine K‑8 community, known for her ability to juggle countless responsibilities with calm, warmth, and exceptional skill. She truly is a jack of all trades, keeping the entire school running smoothly by managing the school calendar, supporting the ASB annual fundraiser, and even serving as the athletic coordinator.
Beloved for her friendliness, grace, and reliability, Carolyn goes above and beyond every day to support students, families, and staff. Although Carolyn has worked for at Blaine for more than 12 years, she has been part of the school community for 20. All three of her sons attended the school.
“I’m sure that the educational foundation they received here has helped them to mature into kind and successful young adults … the staff and parent community are exceptional,” she said.
Carolyn regularly steps in wherever she’s needed—whether she’s answering parent questions or helping students solve everyday problems. Her voice echoes throughout the school during daily announcements as she reminds students to walk safely in the hallways, prompts eighth graders to submit baby photos for the yearbook, and keeps middle school athletes updated on upcoming sports events. Her presence brings consistency, care, and good humor to every corner of the building.
Maryan Khalif, Instructional Assistant – West Seattle Elementary
Maryan Khalif is an extraordinary instructional assistant whose presence strengthens every part of the West Seattle Elementary community. She consistently goes above and beyond her role, building deep, trusting relationships with students through compassion, patience, and a culturally responsive approach that ensures every child feels seen and valued.
Maryan’s ability to connect with students is evident in her day‑to‑day actions. She pays close attention to students’ emotional needs and often notices when a child needs extra care or encouragement before anyone else does.
A native Somali speaker, Maryan plays a vital role in bridging communication between the school and families. She frequently welcomes Somali‑speaking families in their primary language, helping them navigate school routines, building strong partnerships, and ensuring parents feel genuinely connected to their child’s learning.
“Each day is meaningful, and I value the positive relationships I have built with students, families, and colleagues. I believe in fostering positive vibes in the workplace, and that sense of respect, support, and collaboration is what makes my work truly fulfilling,” Maryan said.
Maryan is also known for stepping in wherever help is needed, even without being asked. Whether it’s assisting a teacher who suddenly needs coverage, supporting new students as they adjust to school routines, or noticing a logistical need and solving it on the spot, she brings initiative, reliability, and a truly team‑centered spirit. Her work ethic and genuine care make her an irreplaceable part of the school family.
Lydia Tarricone, Instructional Assistant – Lincoln High School
Lydia Tarricone is a compassionate, dedicated instructional assistant whose commitment to students makes them truly deserving of the SPS All‑Star Beacon of Hope Award. They go above and beyond in every classroom, ensuring all students feel welcomed, supported, and capable. Lydia consistently creates a friendly, encouraging environment where students can meet their goals in creative and meaningful ways.
Their deep care for students shines through in everything they do. Lydia is a fierce advocate for equity and full inclusion, working closely with general education teachers and IEP case managers to make sure students with IEPs have access to the instruction and resources they need to succeed.
“I feel like I help build bridges, constantly co-creating with those around me,” Lydia said. “I love the creativity and empathy involved in those connections…what a joy it is to see growth through challenges and evolution through patience and trust. It’s truly rewarding to make a difference in students’ lives – not just academically, but emotionally, behaviorally, and beyond.”
Colleagues describe Lydia as one of the most exceptional classroom assistants they’ve ever worked with—someone whose kindness, dignity, and respect changes students’ lives every single day. Their dedication, creativity, and unwavering compassion make Lincoln High School a better place.
Dr. Stephanie Zikopoulos, Principal – Sand Point Elementary
In her first year as principal of Sand Point Elementary, Dr. Stephanie Zikopoulos – affectionately known as “Dr. Z” – has already transformed the school’s culture through compassionate, hands‑on leadership that inspires students, staff, and families alike. Her impact is unmistakable—this fall, Sand Point earned the 2025 AWSL “Culture Kick-Off Award” for fostering an exciting, collaborative, student‑centered school environment, a recognition that reflects the positive momentum she has cultivated schoolwide.
“The most rewarding part of being the Sand Point Elementary principal is being welcomed into the community, knowing that our sense of belonging and connection doesn’t happen by chance,” Stephanie said. “I see it when we pause to care for one another, when we problem-solve together, and when we choose compassion over criticism even on our hard days.”
Dr. Z leads by example, ensuring the school runs smoothly through active, shoulder‑to‑shoulder collaboration with staff. She listens closely to teachers, identifies obstacles, and removes barriers so educators can focus on meaningful teaching and learning.
She has implemented thoughtful, predictable systems that reduce power struggles and help students thrive. Under her leadership, classrooms feel calmer; students feel supported; and substitutes consistently comment on how peaceful, joyful, and well‑mannered the school community is.
Rooted in compassion, positivity, and a strong belief in collective success, Dr. Z is cultivating a school culture where both students and adults feel they belong.
About the SPS All-Star Awards
Seattle Public Schools proudly launched the All-Star Awards last year to recognize staff who go above and beyond in service to our students and school communities.
These awards honor individuals who model the SPS core values—Excellence, Teamwork, Commitment—in their actions and interactions. Whether they’re in the classroom or supporting students behind the scenes, these support staffers help build a positive and inclusive school culture.
Nominate a Way Maker for the Quarter 3 SPS All‑Star Awards!
Do you know an SPS staff member who’s clearing obstacles, opening doors, and helping students discover what’s possible? Nominate them for the Quarter 3 Way Maker Award! This recognition celebrates the dedicated educators and support staff who create pathways for student growth.
Help us shine a spotlight on the colleagues who blaze trails for others—whether they’re rethinking systems, championing student voice, or quietly guiding learners toward success.
Nominations are open now through Friday, March 6.
Let’s celebrate the Way Makers who keep our district moving forward!