2024 Achievements, Recognition, and Awards

• The Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL) and the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP) awarded Hillcrest Elementary with the 2024 Culture Kickoff Award, recognizing their efforts to foster positive school culture and community. 

• The State Board of Education and Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee (EOGOAC) recognized Hillcrest Elementary, Olympic View Elementary, and Oak Harbor Elementary for closing gaps and showing tremendous growth and achievement.

• The Washington State Auditor’s Office presented Oak Harbor Public Schools Business Services team with the State Auditor’s Stewardship Award for outstanding stewardship and responsible management of public funds.

• OSPI and the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) presented Oak Harbor Public Schools with the Purple Star Award for incorporating military-friendly practices and demonstrating a commitment to military-connected students and families. In 2019, Oak Harbor Public Schools received a federal highlight as a US Department of Education Green Ribbon School which recognizes our district’s sustainability practices.

• OSPI and the Washington State Patrol recognized our transportation team for two years of outstanding bus safety inspections.

• Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic Society selected Oak Harbor High School teacher Zac Sawhill for the 2024 Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship (GTF) because of his commitment to preserving the environment and shaping the next generation of planetary stewards.

• The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs awarded North Whidbey Middle School teacher  Donald Jenkins with a Fullbright Scholarship. 

• The National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) awarded Oak Harbor Public Schools' Communications Department with a Golden Achievement Award for outstanding strategic communications and a Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards for outstanding website (launched Summer 2023).

• The Washington School Public Relations Association (WSPRA) awarded Superintendent Dr. Michelle Kuss-Cybula with the 2025 Crystal Apple Award and the OHPS Communications Team with an Award of Excellence (Best of Show) for the OHPS Strategic Plan – Vison of the Student Experience Video, Award of Excellence for the 2024-2025 Printed Calendar, and Award of Merit for the Alumni Spotlight Social Media Campaign.

Submit a recent National or State recognition or award for a school or department to briefs@ohsd.net