Mt. Adams School District is proud to announce that Harrah Elementary School and White Swan High School have been recognized by the Washington State Board of Education (SBE) and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) as recipients of the 2024 Washington School Recognition Award for their outstanding work in closing opportunity gaps and advancing student achievement during the 2023–2024 school year.
The Washington School Recognition Program, jointly administered by SBE, OSPI, and the Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee (EOGOAC), honors schools that demonstrate significant growth, academic achievement, and progress in equity. Of thousands of public and charter schools across the state, only 16% received this recognition in 2024.
“We are deeply honored by this recognition,” said Dr. Curt Guaglianone, Superintendent of Mt. Adams School District. “This is not just an award for two schools—it is a celebration of the work of an entire district team dedicated to student learning, wellness, equity, and success. From our bus drivers to our teachers, custodians to counselors, every staff member plays a vital role in creating an environment where students thrive.”
This marks the second consecutive year that White Swan High School, under the leadership of Principal Jennifer Tenney, has earned this distinction. The recognition for Harrah Elementary School, led by Principal Gloria Widener, underscores the district’s system-wide commitment to sustained academic growth and equity across all student groups.
Dr. Guaglianone extended gratitude to the entire Mt. Adams staff for their contributions, noting the importance of every department and role: transportation, food service, custodial and grounds, health services, counselors, safety personnel, paraprofessionals, clerical staff, coaches, administrators, and certified educators. “Together,” he said, “we are building a culture of high expectations and deep care.”
The district also expressed appreciation to its Board of Directors—Lacey Simon (Chair), Dolores Martinez (Assistant Chair), Larry Garcia (Legislative Representative), Michelle Bergevin, and Jill Delaney—for their steadfast leadership and ongoing support of the district’s mission.
Each recognized school will receive a commemorative banner from the state to proudly display their achievement on campus. The full list of 2024 recognized schools can be found on the Washington State Board of Education website.