Do you know a great Highline Public Schools employee – a teacher, principal, counselor, paraeducator, custodian, or other staff member – who deserves recognition? Now is your chance to nominate them for a 2024 Gold Star Award!

Each year, Highline Schools Foundation asks for nominations from the Highline community, district staff, and families for the annual Gold Star Awards. These awards serve as an opportunity to honor and celebrate those in our Highline schools and community who inspire us, lead us, and live out the Highline Promise every day.

The deadline for nominations is Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, at 5 p.m.

The Foundation is seeking nominations for seven award categories, including:

  • Outstanding Teacher – Highline teacher of any grade level, with three or more years of teaching experience, working directly with students.
  • Outstanding Rookie Teacher – Highline teacher of any grade level, with less than three years of experience, working directly with students
  • Outstanding Professional Staff – Highline staff member with specific educational or career credentials. Examples include therapists (speech, occupational, etc.), counselors, social workers, and more.
  • Outstanding Classified Staff – Highline hourly employees working full- or part-time in a variety of positions. Examples include paraeducators, student aides, bus drivers, custodial staff, school office staff, and more.
  • Outstanding Administrator – Highline staff who manage programs or schools within the district. Examples include principals and assistant principals, executive directors, department heads (IT, Operations, Facilities, etc.), and more.
  • Outstanding Volunteer – Any individual who serves Highline Public Schools in a volunteer capacity, such as PTSA members, zoning and building committee members, and more.
  • Outstanding Alumni – A graduate of one of Highline’s schools who has made significant contributions to society and the Highline community. Past winners include business owners/leaders, politicians, artists, community organizers, and more.

The deadline for nominations is Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, at 5 p.m. More information about the Gold Star Awards and a link to the Nomination form can be found on the Highline Schools Foundation’s website at https://highlineschoolsfoundation.org/gold-star-awards/.

Winners will be announced, and all Nominees celebrated at the Gold Star Bash in late March (more details TBA) and honored at the Gold Star Breakfast fundraiser on Friday, May 3, 2024 at Cedarbrook Lodge in SeaTac. More details and a ticket link for both events will be announced soon.

About Highline Schools Foundation

Since 1999, Highline Schools Foundation has worked to support the students, families, and staff of Highline Public Schools by uniting community support for innovative and equitable learning across Highline Public Schools. We are the only non-profit organization which supports all schools in the district and serves families and students living in the Highline community, including Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park, SeaTac, and White Center. The foundation is funded solely by private contributions and operates separately from Highline Public Schools. 

For more information about the Highline Schools Foundation, please visit:

www.highlineschoolsfoundation.org