The Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) – Sno-Isle Region 109 recently recognized these groups/individuals for their unique contributions to the Snohomish School District. Snohomish Lions Club received the 2023 WASA Community Leadership Award, and Glacier Peak High School student Hiro Hirano-Holcomb was the recipient of the 2023 Student Leadership Award. We are thankful for their contributions to our district and community!

• WASA Community Leadership Award – Through integral tools supporting student vision and hearing, the Snohomish Lions Club has championed student access and has been an integral partner of the Snohomish School District for many years. The Snohomish Lions Club has funded the purchase of a second Spot Vision Screener for the district. These screeners, which cost nearly $7,000, have been essential to school nurses who use them to annually screen students, monitor on-going vision concerns presented by staff and families, and provide data for evaluations. Through this screening process about 5% of district students are identified each year as having vision issues needing follow-up care. Through their partnership with the Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation of Snohomish County the local Snohomish club also helps schedule free follow-up eye exams and provides critically needed eyeglasses to district students in need. When it comes to hearing, the club also helps students in need by helping defray most of the costs for hearing exams and hearing aids. In addition, the Snohomish Lions Club also is actively involved in other district activities including providing every district 3rd grader with a new dictionary, helping fund new playground equipment,  recognizing district senior students at their annual Top Scholar Banquet and annually funding thousands in scholarships for high school seniors. Thank you Snohomish Lions Club!
• WASA Student Leadership Award – Hiro Hirano-Holcomb has demonstrated significant leadership in numerous roles throughout the Snohomish School District and Washington state. As a middle school student, they became deeply interested in politics and wanted to get involved in issues impacting marginalized populations. Hiro served as a member of the Impact Club at Valley View Middle School before serving as vice president, and now president for the Impact Club at Glacier Peak High School. Hiro has been involved with Link Crew, Grizzly Cubs, Yearbook, and has worked collaboratively with the Black Student Union on their campus in joint efforts to promote awareness, student voice, and engagement.  Hiro also has attended school board meetings and similar events to support communication with student groups. Hiro serves on state level organizations as a member of the Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC) and the School Safety and Student Well-Being Advisory Committee (SS-SWAC). In these roles, they have worked with fellow students and legislators from throughout the state to draft legislation around inclusive practices in education and advise all schools on matters related to comprehensive school safety and well-being. In addition, Hiro has served on as a member of GLSEN, a national organization formed to help create a better world for LGBTQ students. Hiro’s involvement across organizations at the local, state, and national level shine as an example of their character and care for all people. We are grateful for this opportunity to honor and celebrate them along with their extensive work on behalf of all students.