This past spring, the Northeast Washington Association of School Administrators hosted its annual awards celebration, recognizing more than 50 students, educators, school leaders and community partners for their exceptional leadership and contributions to public education.
The 2026 celebration highlighted the many people and organizations working to strengthen schools, elevate student voices and create meaningful opportunities for young people across northeast Washington.
Honoring a student-centered legacy
This year marked the inaugural presentation of the Don Baribault Student Champion Award, created in memory of the late Northport School District superintendent, educator, mentor and coach.
Baribault dedicated 29 years to education and was known for placing students at the center of his work. The award recognizes an educator or school leader who champions the full student experience, including academics, athletics, arts, activities, student voice, well-being, teamwork and belonging.
Mike Morgan, 5-12 band director for Colfax School District, received the first Don Baribault Student Champion Award.
2026 award highlights
The following honorees represent a selection of this year’s distinguished recipients:
D.A. Davidson Barbara Mertens Legacy State Award nominee
Brian Freeman, superintendent, Inchelium School District
Student Achievement Leadership Award
Hagan Foundation
Don Baribault Student Champion Award
Mike Morgan, 5-12 band director, Colfax School District
Community Leadership Awards
Irma Kent, Benge School District
Committee to Support Deer Park Schools, Deer Park School District
Teresa Skinner and David Greig of Parasport Spokane, East Valley School District
Saraya Pierce, Newport School District
Brittany Durham, Reardan-Edwall School District
Ben Small and LaunchNW, Spokane Public Schools
Mara and Josh Johnsen of Bottles, West Valley School District
Student Leadership Awards
Vivian Van Buren, Central Valley High School
Cheyenne and Remy Irvine, Riverside High School
Catalina Torres-Rodriguez, St. John-Endicott Cooperative Schools
Kalea Herold, Washtucna School District
NEWASA is a regional branch of the Washington Association of School Administrators. It supports superintendents and school leaders across Adams, Ferry, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens and Whitman counties through professional collaboration, leadership development and a shared commitment to student success.
Congratulations to all who were honored for their dedication, innovation and lasting impact in schools and communities throughout the region.
Read more in the latest FOCUS newsletter