A Message from the Department of Communications and Community Relations

Bellingham Public Schools recently made surprise announcement visits to celebrate recipients of 2026 Promise Awards, and we are excited to announce the honorees to our community.

The Promise Awards program recognizes the exemplary achievements and contributions of staff and volunteers connected to The Bellingham Promise, our district’s strategic plan. The Promise Awards are supported by the Bellingham Public Schools Foundation.

The Promise Awards provide an opportunity to highlight the exceptional work of honorees that make a significant difference in our schools and community, increasing awareness of the important contributions of all staff and volunteers.

In addition to featured photos below, visit our album of additional photos from surprise visits.

Please note, we have announced seven of the eight award category recipients. Our Community Partner of the Year honor will be announced at the end of May.
 

Above and Beyond Service Award

Dan Sasse, paraeducator at Bellingham High School

Dan is described as a “one in a million educator” commended for approaching every interaction with his whole heart to empower students.

As a paraeducator working with students served in Special Education, Dan’s assignment can vary from day-to-day and year-to-year. Through it all, he is described as a cornerstone of the Bellingham High School Special Education department whose calm presence, empathy and belief in students make him a trusted and positive force.

He masterfully creates pathways for students with complex disabilities to access curriculum at all levels, always leading with compassion and going above and beyond to kindly check in with everyone he encounters. His impact helps students succeed in a broad array of high school courses. He has also mentored many paraeducator colleagues.

A colleague shared, “What stands out about Dan, to me, is his ability to see the very best in students. When he works with students, he is constantly reminding them of what they are capable of. Dan's calm demeanor and genuine interest in getting to know students translates into authentic relationships with kids. I've seen students really want to do well and feel motivated to approach demanding and difficult tasks because of the foundation of this relationship. You really have never met a more positive and kind person that Dan – he has a warm greeting and smile for all he meets.”

He is described as a gift to students and staff. His skillset and experience are well-suited to help students regulate emotions and behavior. No matter the situation, he is always positive and calm, which helps students show up as their best selves for school.

Another colleague shared, “Dan has a kind and gentle demeanor that helps to calm students and make them feel safe. He gets reluctant students to engage in the class material and to be full members of our classroom community. Dan never allows a student to say ‘I don’t know’ or ‘I give up.’ He draws from what he knows of their backgrounds and interests to help them connect with the biology content and find something that they do know. He has high expectations of the students who he works with because he truly sees the unique potential that they each possess. Dan truly cares about each student that he works with. He goes beyond his job description to check in on individuals, provide updates, and collaborate about strategies that could help student success. Dan is a truly exceptional paraeducator and I have learned a lot from having him in my classroom this year."
 

Collaboration Award

Geneva Elementary School Special Education Team
 

The Geneva Elementary School Special Education team demonstrates what it means to support one another, the Geneva community and each student in belonging, thriving and achieving their fullest potential.

The team is composed of three certificated Special Education teachers, eleven paraeducators, a school psychologist, occupational therapist and speech language pathologist.

The team members are Special Education teachers Jessica Finstuen, Karen Fradley and Madison Stackman; school psychologist Annie Keegan; occupational therapist Katie Wood; speech language pathologist Chelsey Caraco; and paraeducators Sam Ashlock, Cody Clark, Lori Davidson, Allison Greener Grant, RJ Knuutila, Alara Langley, Andrea Larson, Tonia Mark, Tom McDonald, Robert Munroe and Ruth Nims.

The nominator shared, “The team’s collaboration is not a meeting on a calendar; it is a living practice woven into every hour of the school day.”

The team provides data-driven instruction with progress monitors and intentional planning to ensure students are provided with what is needed to grow academically, socially and emotionally.

This is achieved through co-designing lessons, co-teaching in classrooms, synchronizing schedules and more. Through it all, the team keeps students at the center of the work.

The nominator shared, “They model the concept that compassion builds community by consistently stepping in for one another; rearranging schedules to support dysregulated students, co-planning lessons with classroom teachers, and offering to help our Geneva community when needs arise.”

For example, when playground or lunchroom challenges arise, the team collaborates to teach lessons and implement modifications to maximize accessibility and increase students success. For schoolwide events, the team designs inclusive experiences that allow every student to participate fully.

The team is also commended for engaging families.

The nominator shared, “They engage families as genuine partners, communicate proactively, and invite feedback that strengthens student outcomes and builds trust.”

Internally, the nominator highlighted the team’s strength in caring well for one another to create a powerful team culture that celebrates, lifts ups and honors unique experiences.

 

Compassion and Service Award

Bob Lazzar-Atwood, extracurricular event staff member at Squalicum High School
 

Bob Lazzar-Atwood is a positive force of support and care at Squalicum High School.

A retired paraeducator, the Squalicum community is elated that he stays connected to Squalicum after he “retired”.

Bob is everywhere in support of Squalicum athletics and activities. Taking tickets, public address announcing, and organizing track and field meets are a few examples.

His approach goes far beyond simply working an event. His care fosters a sense of family and connection.

Bob is known for kind greetings to each attendee and fist bumps for student-athletes. He often brings a tub of fresh-baked cookies for those he serves, and a colleague recounted occasions during which he brought enough cookies for student-athletes, staff and the entire marching band at events.

A colleague shared, “During games, Bob is often the loudest and most enthusiastic supporter in the gym. While collecting tickets and directing fans, he is still fully engaged – cheering, encouraging, and celebrating our athletes. Our players can hear him from the court, and they know he is there for them. He models what it means to love your school and support your community.”

Because Bob is so reliably present at many events, the community connects with him and his presence furthers a sense of unity. His impact is also seen via posters he created to thank senior student-athletes in the gym. He acknowledges families and he makes it known that they are part of something bigger than themselves.

A coach shared, “Throughout our entire basketball season, Bob did not miss a single game except our final one – and even then, he reached out with the most heartfelt email expressing his pride in our team. His words spoke volumes about his character and the depth of his care for our students, athletes, fans, and staff. He consistently goes out of his way to make our players feel seen and valued. On two separate occasions, he baked homemade cookies for our entire basketball program – players and coaches included. That simple but meaningful gesture perfectly captures who Bob is:  thoughtful, generous, and intentional."

 

Great Teaching Award

Kristle Craft, Special Education teacher at Kulshan Middlle School
 

Kristle Craft is an outstanding Special Education teacher whose innovative approach and deep expertise are essential to her work.

She is a vital bridge between students, families, teachers and administrators. A colleague shared that Kristle is “a pillar of reliability within our school community.”

Colleagues, students and families can rely on her to be consistent, follow through with commitments, and provide steady support in even the most challenging situations. This approach goes beyond simply being present.  She has a special ability to anticipate needs, response promptly to concerns, and ensure no student or staff member is left without the support they require.

A nominator shared, “One of Kristle Craft's greatest strengths lies in her exceptional ability to work with students who face behavioral challenges. She operates from a foundational belief that all children should be loved and that every child can learn at high levels – they  may simply lack the support to do so successfully. Along with her innovative strategies, Kristle approaches behavior not as something to be managed or punished, but as an opportunity to teach essential life skills and conflict resolution strategies.

Another colleague shared that she makes every student on her caseload feel safe and trusted.

Kristle collaborates with many staff colleagues at Kulshan, teaming with eighth grade staff to co-teach across subjects in classroom settings with class rosters that include students served within and outside Special Education.

She has also been a leader in helping improve school systems to provide high levels of support for all students. Kristle has helped create surveys, analyze data, set up collaborative models for teachers, and provided a system to collect data and intervene with students in need of support.

For example, she leads the school’s check-in/check-out program, which provides a systemwide approach to identify students needing individualized support. Students have personalized goals created for them as well as custom rewards.

A colleague shared, “When she works with students individually, Kristle always makes sure that student voice is front and center in creating plans, and students know that their voice is respected.”

 

 

One Schoolhouse Award

James Hayes, district director of activities and athletics
 

James Hayes is a selfless leader who works tirelessly to support others. As the district’s activities and athletics director, his efforts support a One Schoolhouse approach to providing activities and athletics opportunities for students across the school district.  

Activities and athletics are beloved for students and our community – there are many within one school, let alone when counted districtwide.

In his role, James supports each offering and is present at many of the events – it is not uncommon to see him at events four or five nights a week followed by postseason events on weekends. His intentionality in building relationships and being present at many evening and weekend events is appreciated by staff peers who nominated him.

His nomination included remarks from leaders at many schools, exemplifying his widespread impact and efforts to further the One Schoolhouse mission.

James’ work includes presence in many areas – meeting with coaches, middle school assistant principals and high school activities and athletics coordinators in support of experiences for students in activities and athletics.

A colleague shared, “Athletics and activities, perhaps more than any other area in education, bring passion and emotion to the forefront. They are highly visible and often come with complex challenges. James does not shy away from difficult conversations. Instead, he approaches them thoughtfully and professionally, serving as a steady voice of reason. Because he has built strong relationships across the district, people trust his leadership and decisions.”

James has also navigated the challenging responsibility of maintaining and expanding extracurricular opportunities while addressing budget constraints. He has helped increase revenue by engaging with community partners and providing opportunities for digital advertisement that translate to equipment upgrades and meaningful team-building experiences.

He is commended for his steady, reliable approach and responsiveness as a leader who embodies servant leadership.

A colleague shared, “As I reflected on the people in Bellingham Public Schools who consistently show up for me – often without being asked – the first name that came to mind was James Hayes. James is someone you can rely on to do exactly what he says he will do – and more. He is kind, thoughtful, reflective and willing to engage in hard conversations in order to support staff and students.”

 

Outstanding Leadership Award

Laurel Peak, principal at Squalicum High School
 

Laurel Peak is commended for being a tireless, amazing advocate for students and staff as principal at Squalicum High School.

Her top priority is helping and advocating for a diverse population of students, while also making sure staff are supported. She embodies what it means to be a part of the Squalicum family.

A nominator said, “She never gives up on a student.” The nominator also said, “I can genuinely say I’ve never had a principal that was so hands-on with the minutia of thousands of things going on around a high school.”

Laurel has genuine care for each student at Squalicum, and is constantly present throughout the school to communicate this care to students. This same care of modeled in leadership of staff – as evidenced by separate nominations from several staff members applauding her leadership.

A colleague shared that Laurel “…engages herself in the school community to the point that students know she cares, while still realizing she is an authority figure – a tricky line to walk and pull off.”

Another colleague shared, “Her visible presence in the building – working directly with students and staff – creates an environment where teachers know they are genuinely supported. This consistent, joyful engagement builds the trust and psychological safety that educators need to take instructional risks, innovate in their practice, and focus their energy on student learning rather than navigating administrative obstacles.”

Laurel brings warmth and joy to conversations and interactions, which helps empower students to achieve their potential. She also shows grace and flexibility for letting students find success in their own way. A student nomination shared that Laurel has changed the campus community, and that her ability to lead by example changed the student's heart as well.

A series of short quotes from students and staff in one nomination exemplify Laurel’s leadership impact.

·         “Ms. Peak always remembers me and always seems happy to see me.”  

·         “I feel like I can talk to Ms. Peak about anything without her judging me.”    

·         “Ms. Peak is always in a good mood, I don’t know how she does it.”  

·         “Ms. Peak is a G.O.A.T. (GOAT - Greatest of All Time) goalie.”  

·         “Dang, that was a perfectly written email from Laurel.”  

·         “Laurel is a superhero; she advocated for me as a staff member when I was having trouble getting others to listen to me.”  

·         “As a teacher, it's amazing to go to work and know my principal will support me in any way she can.”  

·         “Just ask Laurel, she’ll get it figured out.” 

 

 

Volunteer of the Year Award

Lauren Bunke, volunteer at Sunnyland Elementary School as well as other schools throughout the district
 

Lauren Bunke is an exemplary volunteer and instrumental to the success of many beloved events at Sunnyland Elementary School.

A school day volunteer and PTA treasurer, her impact is widespread and much appreciated.

A nominator shared, “She works together with the PTA, with multiple teachers, and outside of Sunnyland at other schools in the district to make school an enriching place for kids.”

Lauren volunteers during the school day during several different class times in the library, exuding a care for all students to help them discover a love for books and have a positive experience. She also assists with inventory at the end of the year.

Each school event she supports takes time, energy, and people to run. Lauren simply makes things happen – sometimes with others and sometimes singlehandedly.

Examples of these events include a back-to-school pizza party, Sunnyland Dash, Harvest Carnival, Story Night & Book Swap, Sunnyland Snow Ball, Sunnyland Yard Sale, family movie nights, Bike to School Day, Camp Sunnyland and Field Day and an end-of-year barbeque. These events bring together families to build relationships in the neighborhood and community.

A staff member said, “I might cry because I love her so much. She anticipates the needs for others before those needs are even voices, and she is constantly finding ways to make her answer a ‘Yes’ when it comes to supporting kids and helping them to have long-lasting, positive, community-based memories during their elementary experience.”

Her willingness to teach, volunteer and chaperone ensure that after school enrichment programs happen.

For example, a colleague shared about her impact leading the school’s Yearbook Club. Students share touching remarks about her impact and a staff nominator said, “She’s getting kids involved in service by having them look for ways to feature all students in the yearbook. Students develop compassion because they start to look beyond just their friends or their grade level to what other students are doing throughout the school.”

Her impact does not stop at Sunnyland. She is signed up to volunteer at every single elementary school in the district, plus Whatcom Middle School and Bellingham High School. Lauren volunteered with a bike safety unit at Sunnyland and recognized a need for bike safety support at other schools and volunteered at those locations as well.

 

These award recipients represent our school district and help increase awareness of the important contributions of all staff and volunteers. Members of the Promise Awards Advisory Group score nominations for districtwide awards using a rubric based on The Bellingham Promise. (Outstanding Leadership Award and One Schoolhouse Award are reviewed and selected separately by leadership colleagues.)

We receive many nominations of amazing staff and volunteers across our school district each year. Recipients represent highlights of so many amazing individuals and teams across our school district.

We encourage families, staff and students to nominate impactful individuals and/or teams when the nomination window opens each February. We welcome repeat nominations if your nominee did not receive the award, and we seek as many nominations as possible.