For the Reporter

The Auburn School District Board of Directors presents the Gold Star Volunteer Award to Paula Dragseth in recognition of her work at 7 p.m. Monday in the board room at the James P. Fugate Administration Building.

Dragseth’s youngest child loved band. And when the Auburn High School band director transitioned when her son was starting classes, she decided to step in and do whatever she could to help the program.

As a member of the Auburn Band Parents Association, Dragseth spent the first year getting sponsorships for the Veterans Day Band competition, the next year as vice resident and the last two years as president.

“Paula has been a beacon of positive energy through the transition to our current band program,” said AHS band director Tony Paustian. “Under her leadership, the ABPA has made significant changes to our organization, including a more grass-roots approach.”

In addition to her time working with the ABPA, Dragseth has volunteered for the AHS Robotics Booster Club, supporting Tread 3219.

When her children were younger, she volunteered at Chinook Elementary as PTA president and Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts leader.

“The students and I have been very lucky to have such a quietly strong presence in our organization and she has become the model for future presidents of our ABPA,” Paustian said.