SPS Shout Outs
Summary : From national academic honors to statewide awards and student achievement, Seattle Public Schools is celebrating excellence across classrooms.
SPS Shines: Big Wins, Bright Minds, and Bold Impact Across the District
SPS is celebrating a wave of honors that highlight the extraordinary talent, dedication, and impact of students and staff across the district. This spring, SPS seniors are gaining national recognition as candidates for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, educators and librarians are being honored for their leadership and commitment to equity, student journalists and scientists are earning top marks at state competitions, and district leaders are helping shape policy that strengthens educational stability for students statewide.
Together, these achievements reflect the strength, creativity, and community-centered work happening every day across SPS schools.
SPS Seniors are Candidates for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program
Twelve Seattle Public Schools seniors are stepping onto a national stage this year as candidates for the prestigious U.S. Presidential Scholars Program—one of the highest honors a graduating high school student can receive.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program recognizes exceptional academic achievement, artistic talent, and excellence in career and technical education. Each year, up to 161 students nationwide are named Presidential Scholars, joining a distinguished legacy of young leaders whose work and dedication set them apart.
The 12 SPS seniors selected as candidates are:
- Griffin J. Johnson – Cleveland STEM High School
- Tamar I. Rosenblum – Franklin High School
- Maya Brewster – Garfield High School
- Kelly L. Haberkorn – Garfield High School
- Alice M. Cottrell-Steen – Lincoln High School
- Ellie Karyo – Lincoln High School
- James I. Mandelbaum – Lincoln High School
- Benjamin T. Jaynes – Lincoln High School
- Elisabeth (Elise) M. Thompson – Lincoln High School
- Wilbert W. Zhu – Lincoln High School
- Lucy Z. McKagan – Nova High School
- Aidan M. Busby – West Seattle High School
The names of the semifinalists will be posted in the spring. The 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars will be announced in the summer.
SPS Counselors Honored with Statewide Awards
Two Seattle Public Schools counselors are being recognized at the state level for their exceptional leadership, advocacy, and commitment to students, earning top honors from the Washington State School Counseling Association (WSCA).
WSCA’s School Counselor of the Year program celebrates the best of the best across Washington—school counselors who lead comprehensive, high-quality counseling programs at the elementary, middle, and high school levels and make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and school communities.
Tyra Williams received the Equity in Action Award, which recognizes a school counselor who has made significant contributions to advancing equity in education for students across Washington. The award honors counselors who demonstrate a deep commitment to closing opportunity gaps through their comprehensive counseling programs and who work intentionally to ensure all students feel supported, seen, and empowered.
Tina Camero was named School Counselor Advocate of the Year, an honor that recognizes an individual’s dedication to the profession of education and to students statewide. This award highlights counselors who go above and beyond the normal demands of their role to advocate for school counselors, strengthen the profession, and champion the needs of students.
Together, these recognitions spotlight the critical role school counselors play in supporting student success and well-being.
Late Start, Big Win: Hamilton’s Science Olympiad Underdogs Advance to State
A group of SPS middle schoolers quietly pulled off an unlikely academic win this spring. A first-time Science Olympiad team from Hamilton International Middle School advanced from regional competition to the Washington State Science Olympiad, even though they began preparing four months later than most teams.
The 15 students, ages 11–14, competed in demanding events ranging from helicopter and hovercraft builds to anatomy and chemistry exams. Their preparation was improvised but determined—practicing helicopter builds in borrowed University of Washington engineering classrooms and studying anatomy together around kitchen tables.
What sets this team apart is how it was built. The program was entirely volunteer-run, coached by three University of Washington mentors who donated nights and weekends. Students joined through posters and a curriculum night sign-up sheet, with no selective application process, and funding followed a “pay what you can” model supported by families and mentors.
Despite limited time, resources, and a late start, the team advanced to the state competition—an achievement that has been rare among Seattle public schools in recent years. With state finals on April 18 at Central Washington University, the students are now doubling down on studying, testing, and refining their builds, carrying an underdog story fueled by grassroots for STEM enthusiasm and community support.
McClure Librarian Receives State Recognition
The Washington Library Association has announced the winners of its annual merit awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to school libraries across the state. Among this year’s honorees is Mahlon Landis, teacher-librarian at McClure Middle School, who received the Secondary School Librarian Award.
Landis is celebrated for her thoughtful, student-centered approach to library instruction, designing lessons that support both academic learning and students’ developmental needs. Her work is especially impactful for special education students, and her instruction is closely aligned with classroom goals while remaining engaging and enjoyable for learners.
Beyond her work at McClure, Landis is a leader in the library profession statewide and nationally. She serves as Chair of the Washington Library Association’s School Library Division, represents the division as a liaison to the American Association of School Librarians, and contributes to professional learning through her leadership in the OLLI program.
Ballard, Nathan Hale Journalism Students Win Big at State Conference
Student journalists from Ballard and Nathan Hale high schools took home awards at the Washington Journalism Education Association’s (WJEA) Spring Conference held at Central Kitsap High School on March 7.
WJEA is a statewide organization that supports and celebrates student journalism. They host the annual conference to bring together student journalists and advisers from across Washington. The event recognizes excellence in scholastic journalism while giving students the chance to learn from professionals and peers.
Ballard High School award winners are:
- News Writing – Vayuna Lamba, Excellent
- Editorial Writing – Logan Lemonidis, Excellent
- Newspaper Feature Writing – Noelle Shin, Honorable Mention
- Yearbook Feature Writing – Colette Bergeron, Superior
- Sports Feature Writing – Shylo Burns, Honorable Mention
- Editorial Cartooning – Abbey Davidson-Hooper, Honorable Mention
- Headline Writing & Copy Editing – Caitlin Cerise, Superior
- Newspaper/Magazine Layout – Abigail Bekele & Logan Lemonidis, Excellent
- Yearbook Layout – Cecilia Martin, Excellent
- News Photography – Maya Bridges, Honorable Mention
- Yearbook Photography – Alton Swiderski, Honorable Mention
Nathan Hale High School students also stood out among the state’s best. Kamila Henderson earned a Superior rating in News Writing, while Liam Taylor received Excellent recognition in Yearbook Photography.
New State Law Strengthens Educational Stability for Students Experiencing Housing Instability
SPS McKinney-Vento Liaison Jeanea Proctor-Mills attended the Senate House Bill signing ceremony with Gov. Bob Ferguson as Washington officially enacted SHB 2594. This landmark piece of legislation strengthens educational protections for students experiencing housing instability.
For Proctor-Mills, the moment marked both a professional and personal milestone, reflecting the daily work she does to support students and families navigating uncertain housing situations.
House Bill 2594 codifies the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act into Washington state law. The legislation requires schools to prioritize educational stability for students whose housing is unstable by ensuring timely enrollment and access to essential services, including transportation—helping students remain connected to their schools and the support they need to succeed.