Northeast Washington Honorees Receive Statewide Recognition
Posted on 07/09/2026
Two northeast Washington honorees were recognized June 29 during the 2026 AWSP/WASA Summer Conference at the Spokane Convention Center, bringing statewide attention to the leadership, service and community-centered commitment that strengthen schools across the NEWESD 101 region.
The conference is jointly hosted by the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP), which supports principals and assistant principals across the state, and the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA), which serves superintendents, central office leaders and other school system administrators.
During the conference, WASA honored the Hagan Foundation with the D.A. Davidson Barbara Mertens Legacy Award and NEWESD 101 Superintendent Robert Roettger with the Golden Gavel Award.
The Hagan Foundation was recognized for its longstanding investment in innovative, student-centered learning throughout the NEWESD 101 region. For more than two decades, the foundation has awarded approximately $500,000 each year in grants to local school districts. With nearly $8 million awarded to date, the Hagan Foundation has helped educators design forward-thinking programs that emphasize collaboration, creativity and future-ready skills.
Its support has expanded classroom opportunities, encouraged bold ideas and strengthened connections between schools and the communities they serve.
Robert Roettger was recognized for leadership rooted in care, encouragement and deep commitment to people. Known for making others feel valued, seen and supported, Roettger has helped shape a culture where educators are empowered to lead with humility, serve with purpose and keep students at the center of the work.
The statewide recognition follows a strong regional celebration held last month in Spokane Valley. On May 7, the Northeast Washington Association of School Administrators hosted its annual awards celebration at CenterPlace Regional Event Center, recognizing more than 50 students, educators and community partners from across the region for exceptional leadership and contributions to public education.
This year also marked the first presentation of the Don Baribault Student Champion Award, created in honor of the late Northport superintendent, educator, mentor and coach whose deep care for students defined his life and career. Baribault dedicated 29 years to education and was known for placing students at the heart of his work. The award recognizes a school administrator who centers students in every decision and champions the full student experience, including academics, athletics, arts, activities, clubs, student voice, well-being, teamwork and belonging.
Regional award highlights included Brian Freeman, superintendent of Inchelium School District, for the Student Achievement Leadership Award; Mike Morgan, 5-12 band director in Colfax School District, for the Don Baribault Student Champion Award; and Community Leadership Award recipients representing Benge, Deer Park, East Valley, Newport, Reardan-Edwall, Spokane and West Valley school districts. Student Leadership Awards also honored students from Central Valley High School, Riverside High School, St. John-Endicott Cooperative Schools and Washtucna School District. View Awards Program and all 2026 Regional Honorees.
NEWASA is a regional branch of WASA and supports superintendents and school leaders across Adams, Ferry, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens and Whitman counties. The organization promotes professional collaboration, leadership development and a shared commitment to student success.
The recognition of northeast Washington honorees at both the regional and statewide levels underscores the impact local educators, leaders, students and partners continue to have across Washington. From philanthropic investment to compassionate leadership, this year’s honorees represent a shared commitment to helping schools serve students with excellence, creativity and heart.