Two area schools earn performance award

Two area elementary schools in Educational Service District 189 earned the School of Distinction designation and were honored Wednesday, Oct. 22, by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Terry Bergeson.

Stanwood Elementary School in Stanwood and Evergreen Elementary School in Sedro-Woolley were two of 98 schools selected statewide for the honor; Evergreen was the only school recognized in Skagit County.

The School of Distinction award recognizes the top 5 percent of schools that exceeded this year’s state average performance in fourth-, seventh- or 10th-grade reading and math, as measured by the spring 2008 Washington Assessment of Student Learning.

Schools that met the average performance requirements were then evaluated for WASL performance during the past six years. They also had to demonstrate outstanding improvement over time in both subjects.

The award was first presented in 2007 to 89 schools; 21 of those schools also won awards this year, according to the state’s Web site, http://www.k12.wa.us.

School leaders from each of the winning schools were presented with a plaque and a large banner reading “School of Distinction – 2008 State Superintendent’s Learning Improvement Award.”

Students of the Month

The Sedro-Woolley Rotary has selected two Sedro-Woolley High School seniors as Rotary Students of the Month for September 2008.

Ali Dillon is the daughter of Patrick and Charlene Dillon of Sedro-Woolley. She maintains a 4.0 GPA and is active in Earth Corps, Renaissance, Natural Helpers, National Honor Society and the “Crossed Quilts” book club. Dillon serves as Associated Student Body vice president and a Camp Orkila counselor. She plays clarinet in the audition ensemble and marching band, and piano in jazz band.

Dillon has played varsity volleyball and participated in club volleyball in the off-season. She has participated in summer mission trips and youth group service projects through her church, volunteered at the Clear Lake food bank and worked at a physical therapy clinic. When she’s not working or busy at school, Dillon likes camping, hiking and boating. She plans to pursue a political-economics dual major (pre-law track) or an engineering degree.

Graeme Riggins is the son of Brian and Tina Riggins of Sedro-Woolley. He maintains a 4.0 GPA and is involved in Renaissance, National Honor Society, Pep Club and Leadership. Riggins serves as the Associated Student Body senior class senator. He also participates in track and field and has earned a black belt in Soo Bahk Do.

Riggins also participates in his church youth group. He plays guitar, and enjoys hiking and drawing. Riggins has received the WSU Regents Scholarship to study engineering at Washington State University.