Across Highline, people make a difference every day in ways big and small. The 2026 Gold Star Awards recognize educators, staff, volunteers and alumni whose care, commitment and service help bring the Highline Promise to life.
Presented by the Highline Schools Foundation, the awards honor people whose work makes a lasting difference for students, schools and the broader community.
This year’s winners were selected from a strong pool of nominations, each telling a story of care, connection and commitment in action.
- Outstanding Teacher: Mario Pilapil, Highline High School
- Outstanding Rookie Teacher: Betsaida Ortiz-Gonzalez, Hilltop Elementary School
- Outstanding Paraeducator: Rann San, Mount View Elementary Elementary
- Outstanding Student Support: Naisha Erickson, Health Services & Gregory Heights Elementary School
- Outstanding Operations Staff: April Williams, Waskowitz Outdoor Education Center
- Outstanding Office Support: Nikki Ashe, Chinook Middle School
- Outstanding Leadership: Kimberly Jones, North Hill Elementary School
- Outstanding Volunteer: Sharon DaDalto, Highline High School, Mount Rainier High School, Puget Sound Skills Center
- Outstanding Alumni: Community Partnerships & Family Engagement Teams: Arone Andu, Evergreen High School; Roderick Branca, Tyee High School; Rosa Manriquez, Highline High School; Rocio Ceja, Highline High School; Rosie Santiago, Mount Rainier High School
“We are honored to celebrate the incredible individuals who show up every day for Highline students,” said the Highline Schools Foundation. “Their commitment, compassion and leadership make a lasting difference in our schools and community.”
Read more about this year’s Gold Star winners below.
Outstanding Teacher
Mario Pilapil, Highline High School
Mario Pilapil embodies excellence, empathy and high expectations in his work with newcomer multilingual learners. He builds strong partnerships with students and families—maintaining regular communication, celebrating growth and offering support when challenges arise. As a multilingual educator and a son of immigrants, he represents what is possible, inspiring students through both his teaching and his lived experience. His classroom blends language development with rigorous, meaningful content, creating opportunities for students to think critically and express complex ideas. Most importantly, his classroom is a place where students feel safe, known and valued. As one student wrote in the museum exhibit: “In Highline, belonging feels like Mr. Pilapil's class. It looks like a teacher who cares.”
Outstanding Rookie Teacher
Betsaida Ortiz-Gonzalez, Hilltop Elementary
Betsaida Ortiz-Gonzalez is a strong advocate for all learners, ensuring students receive the accommodations and support they need to succeed. She approaches her work with intention and care, building meaningful relationships and creating consistent, supportive routines that help students thrive. One student, who benefits from a structured and positive end to the day, now looks forward to time in her classroom—a reflection of the trust and connection she has built. In a short time, she has demonstrated an impressive ability to support diverse learners, including multilingual and nonverbal students, while delivering high-quality special education services. Her compassion, skill and commitment are already making a powerful difference.
Outstanding Paraeducator
Rann San, Mount View Elementary
For 28 years, Rann San has built a legacy of care, connection and impact across Highline. At Mount View Elementary, she is known for her warmth, kindness and dedication to student success. She leads engaging literacy support for first graders, building both skills and confidence through interactive learning experiences that leave a lasting impression. Beyond the classroom, she extends her impact by leading after-school cultural learning opportunities that celebrate Cambodian language and traditions, bringing students and families together. Her enthusiasm, care and ability to build community make her an integral part of the school—a presence that helps every student feel a sense of belonging.
Outstanding Student Support
Naisha Erickson, Health Services & Gregory Heights
Naisha Erickson is deeply committed to supporting both students and staff through her leadership in school nursing. She invests in developing others, modeling strong clinical practice and building confidence across her team—elevating the standard of care throughout the district. A fierce advocate for equity, she works to remove healthcare barriers for students, ensuring care is culturally responsive, respectful and affirming. Through strong relationships with families and consistent follow-through, her work has led to improved health outcomes across multiple schools. By supporting student health, she helps ensure every learner can fully participate, stay engaged and succeed.
Outstanding Operations Staff
April Williams, Waskowitz Outdoor Education Center
For more than 25 years, April Williams has been a steady and caring presence in the Waskowitz kitchen, ensuring students feel supported and at home while away from their families. She understands the important role food plays in student well-being and works to create an environment where students can fully engage in their learning experience. Her leadership and openness to new ideas have helped strengthen programs over time and her commitment continues well beyond the workday as she seeks ways to improve and innovate. Her dedication and thoughtfulness leave a lasting impact on every student, guest and colleague she serves.
Outstanding Office Support
Nikki Ashe, Chinook Middle School
Nikki Ashe plays a vital role in creating a safe, inclusive and supportive school environment. She works intentionally to remove barriers for students, helping them navigate challenges while ensuring they feel seen, heard and valued. At the same time, she partners closely with staff, providing the resources and support needed to help students succeed. Much of her impact happens behind the scenes, but her steady presence and leadership are essential to the strength of the school community. Through her humility, dedication and care, she makes a meaningful and lasting difference every day.
Outstanding Leadership
Kimberly Jones, North Hill Elementary
Kimberly Jones leads with both heart and purpose, creating a school environment where students and staff feel supported and inspired. Through intentional relationship-building, she helps students find a sense of belonging and grow into leaders themselves. She brings positivity, professionalism and a hands-on approach to her work, stepping in to support both daily operations and long-term goals. By fostering trust and respect among staff, she has built a strong, connected school community. Her ability to balance decisiveness with compassion makes her a steady and trusted leader for all.
Outstanding Volunteer
Sharon DaDalto, Highline High School, Mount Rainier High School, Puget Sound Skills Center
For more than 15 years, Sharon DaDalto has generously given her time and talents to support Highline students in meaningful ways. From providing internships and leading classroom learning to launching fashion clubs and organizing clothing closets, she has created opportunities that directly impact students’ lives. Most recently, she revived Project PROMise—ensuring all students have access to prom attire and can fully participate in this important milestone. Her nominator describes her as one of the most generous people she has ever met, deeply committed to supporting young people. Her dedication continues to make a lasting difference across the Highline community.
Outstanding Alumni
Community Partnerships & Family Engagement Teams:
Arone Andu, Evergreen High School; Roderick Branca, Tyee High School; Rosa Manriquez, Highline High School; Rocio Ceja, Highline High School; Rosie Santiago, Mount Rainier High School
This year’s Outstanding Alumni recognition honors five Highline graduates who have returned to serve the community that shaped them. As immigrants, refugees and children of immigrants, they bring deep cultural understanding, language skills and trusted relationships to their work with students and families. Together, they strengthen connections between schools, families and community partners—ensuring students have the support they need to thrive. Their work is rooted in listening, collaboration and care, often extending beyond the school day into evenings and weekends. For them, Highline is home—and their commitment is reflected in the meaningful impact they make every day.
Gold Star Breakfast
Join the Highline Schools Foundation in celebrating this year’s winners at the Gold Star Breakfast this spring.
More details coming soon.
Learn more about the Gold Star Awards