For the Reporter

The Elementary School Principals Association of Washington selected Anne Gayman, Evergreen Heights Elementary principal, as a Washington State Regional Distinguished Principal for South King County.

Selected by her colleagues, the Distinguished Principal recognition is awarded based on candidate’s contributions to professional growth and development, educational excellence, community relations and humanitarian activities.

Gayman will be recognized at the Washington Educators’ Conference in October. She is one of 16 principals being recognized from regions around the state.

Under Gayman’s leadership, Evergreen Heights has seen significant increases in student achievement. In December, the school was recognized as a National Title I School of Distinction and was a 2013 Washington School of Distinction.

Elsewhere

The Auburn School District Board of Directors recognize Kristine Brown, a teacher at Auburn Mountainview High School, for her outstanding service at 7 p.m. Monday in the James P. Fugate Administration building, 915 Fourth St. NE.

Brown is in her 22nd year in the district. The ASD hired her right out of Pacific Lutheran University, where she earned a degree in business administration and then her teaching certificate in English. Brown teaches mostly Advanced Placement English courses. She loves the excitement the kids have for learning. “I want to give kids the tools they need to be successful in college,” she said.

Auburn Mountainview Principal Terri Herren said, “Kristine is poised, professional and an unsung hero. She is one of our best teachers and is truly a class act.” …

Auburn High School will be well-represented at the Washington Music Educators Association Solo and Ensemble state competition April 24-25 in Ellensburg. During the Green River Music Educators Association contest last month, the following students were chosen as winners in their division and will advance to the state competition: Austin Clark (clarinet solo); Kyle Guthrie (multiple percussion solo); Woodwind Quintet, Amber Muggy (flute); Elijah Green (oboe); Mikah Loomis (clarinet); Blake Latham (horn) and Kendrick Smythe (bassoon). Students from the Auburn, Kent, White River, Enumclaw and Tahoma school districts competed at the regional competition. …

Auburn Riverside speech and debate students competed at the State Speech Tournament last weekend at Pacific Lutheran University. Senior Kaelyn Buettner was a finalist in dramatic interpretation with a piece called “Message from an Unknown Chinese Mother.” Senior Alex Geisen placed fourth in the state in humorous interpretation with a piece titled “Bad Auditions by Bad Actors.”