SBLSD staff receive state CTE excellence awards

Two SBLSD staff members were recognized this month by the Washington Association for Career and Technical Education (WA-ACTE) for excellence in the field of CTE.

Michelle Lewis, SBLSD Executive Director of Learning and Innovation, and Deborah Palaki, Health Sciences Teacher at Bonney Lake High School, were both recognized during the Washington ACTE Summer Conference in Spokane, Washington. The Washington ACTE 2024 Excellence Awards promote merit in Career and Technical Education (CTE) by recognizing individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to CTE. Award winners serve as inspirational leaders to Washington ACTE: they embody the core values of serving students and being committed to CTE.

Administrator of the Year: Michelle Lewis, SBLSD Executive Director of Learning and Innovation

​The Washington ACTE Administrator of the Year Award recognizes administrative CTE professionals at the school, district, county, or state level who have demonstrated leadership in ensuring teacher and student success and have made significant contributions toward innovative, unique, and effective Career and Technical Education programs.

Michelle Lewis is the Executive Director of Learning and Innovation at the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District in Pierce County. With a robust background in educational leadership, Michelle has significantly contributed to enhancing the educational landscape through innovative initiatives, especially around systemic support for professional learning for pre-service through in-service educators. Michelle began her career outside the field of education, similar to many Career and Technical Education educators. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Puget Sound in 1992, she initially pursued a role in the business sector. However, feeling unfulfilled in her first job, Michelle was driven to become an educator. She was especially inspired by her brother who never learned to read. She aimed to implement changes that would support students like her brother, equipping them with essential skills and opportunities for success. She furthered her academic credentials with a Master's in Education from City University in 1998, and obtained her Administrative Certification through City University's Educational Leadership Program in 2007. Michelle’s career in education spans over two decades, during which she has held several pivotal roles. She began as a Teacher and Instructional Facilitator in Federal Way Public Schools. She then expanded her influence nationally as a Consultant with the Success for All Foundation, facilitating a Leadership Academy and managing professional learning programs focused on literacy.

Community Service Award: Deborah Palaki, Health Sciences Teacher at Bonney Lake High School​

The Washington ACTE Community Service Award recognizes individuals who have used CTE to make a significant impact on their community and demonstrated leadership in programs and activities that promote student involvement in community service.

Deborah Palaki has been in education for over 20 years and is currently teaching in the Health Sciences Pathway at Bonney Lake High School in the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District. She has taught throughout the state of Washington in various capacities and has also taught overseas in Portugal, Taiwan, and Mexico. Through these experiences she has learned that every child can learn with great instruction and prepare for career and/or college when graduating from high school. She holds a Bachelors of Sciences in Family Consumer Sciences with a Spanish Minor, a Masters in Administration with a K-12 grade principal certificate, and plans to start a doctoral program in the next few years. Deborah enjoys spending time with her family and supporting them in their various activities. She resides in NE Tacoma WA with her husband and children

Congratulations to our 2024 Excellence Award winners!