Student Scholarships

Recipients of the 2007-08 AAEOP Student Scholarships were: Whitney Cullum (AMHS)--Whitney will soon be studying psychology and social work at Boise State with the goal of helping turn lives around for children and families. Lucas Garrison (ARHS)--Lucas' goal is to be the teacher who makes learning fun and inspires student to do great things.  Lucas will be studying to be an American Sign Language instructor. Scott Thorson (AHS)--Scott will going to GRCC to further an interest in teaching.  As a volunteer coach, Scott found activities with children to be very rewarding. Randie Wilson (WAHS)--Randie sees the importance of education and is pursuing a fulfilling career in cosmetology.  She plans to attend Cascade Beauty School. Congratulations to our student scholarship recipients! In addition to supporting scholarship programs offered by WAEOP and NAEOP, AAEOP offers a scholarship to a graduating senior at each high school in the Auburn School District.  Scholarships are awarded in the spring to qualified applicants.  Fundraisers help subsidize the AAEOP general fund and many fundraising activities are specifically earmarked for scholarships.  Your support of continuing education and AAEOP scholarships is appreciated.  To make a contribution to the scholarship fund, contact: Deyanna King (association co-president) Debbie Strand (association co-president) Loretta Kingsolver (scholarship committee chair) Contact the scholarship committee chair or and AAEOP board member for application materials.

AAEOP Member Scholarship

Jonna May was selected to receive the AAEOP Member Scholarship this year.  In the past few years Jonna has attended several WAEOP workshops, conferences, and/or institutes as well as workshops offered by AAEOP.  Professional Standards Certification will become a reality for Jonna May in the very near future!  Congratulations Jonna, you are commended for your commitment to education--especially modeling life-long learning. Educational office professionals in the Auburn School District may qualify for scholarships offered by AAEOP, WAEOP, NAEOP, and PSE, in addition to those available from several other sources.  The AAEOP Member Scholarship was adopted in 2005.  An award of $200 is available to one dues-paying, AAEOP member each year. For an application for the AAEOP Member Scholarship, contact Deyanna King. February 1--Deadline to Submit Application for WAEOP Scholarship (Forms are available on the WAEOP website.)

Educational Administrator of the Year

The 2007-08 recipient of AAEOP's Administrator-of-the-Year Award is Vicki Alonzo.  Vicki is a classified administrator who is described as having an unending wealth of knowledge coupled with the sincere desire to share that wealth with others!  Vicki Alonzo's professionalism, knowledge, and easy-going approach have made her an asset to the school district and a trusted leader whom office professionals appreciate. Vicki Alonzo recognizes the value of classified staff members.  She listens intently when an office professional has a thought to share or struggle to overcome and solicits information that will help affect change intended to streamline processes, increase productivity, and assure accuracy.  In completing the statement, "I value classified employees because. . .," Vicki said, "Classified staff are the unsung heroes in our district.  The demands placed on office staff continue to grow and our office personnel always rise to the challenge." One educational office professional described her observations (on many occasions) of Vicki's organized, efficient, and extremely knowledgeable contributions at district in-service training and user-group training session.  In her letter of support of Vicki Alonzo's nomination, Arlista Holman said, "I can attest that Vicki is unswervingly responsive, consistently kind, courteous, and professional in her interaction with staff.  I would credit my knowledge and proficiency to the expert training I have received and continue to receive from Vicki Alonzo." Cindi Rimer describes Vicki as originator of the term, "multi-tasking."  Cindi says, "She can be found handling a number of different tasks all with ease and efficiency.  She has an amazing attitude about work. . . and treats everyone with respect and equality.  Vicki's contributions and qualities are numerous." "One of the things I most appreciate about Vicki is that she makes herself readily available and is never too busy to assist a staff member in their request," says Deonna Steffy.  Vicki demonstrates, ". . . integrity and has a willingness and desire to see staff learn, excel, and achieve." Vicki says, "It is a privilege to work in the Auburn School District.  I feel so lucky that my career path brought me here."  Vicki, AAEOP members consider themselves fortunate that you chose a path that brought you to us!  Thank you for training, supporting, and representing our professional needs. Debbie Leighton was selected as the 2006-07 AAEOP administrator of the year.  She was recognized for her unwavering respect for and fair treatment of educational office professionals, leading by example, and supporting educational office professionals as they set and reach personal, professional, and career goals.  Debbie Leighton openly recognizes AAEOP members as essential, vital, and integral to the day-to-day operations of the educational environment.  In recognition of outstanding service and support of classified personnel, specifically educational office professionals, AAEOP members are encouraged to nominate an administrator for the Educational Administrator-of-the-Year Award.  Contact Deyanna King or Debbie Strand for application information.

Educational Office Professional of the Year

Laurali Larson is the recipient of AAEOP's 2007-08 Educational Office Professional-of-the-Year Award.  Laurali has devoted many years to supporting AAEOP as an association, and AAEOP members as individuals.  In addition to serving on several committees, chairing committees, and serving on the executive board, Laurali was elected to serve one term as treasurer and one term as Area 7 Director for the Washington Association of Educational Office Professionals.  Laurali's involvement in professional activities has not been limited to the local and state levels!  She has served on the National Association of Educational Office Professionals' advisory council and the NAEOP middle/secondary council.  In July 2007, Laurali chaired the first-timers' orientation and reception and the NAEOP Conference and Institute in Seattle, and during one of her terms as AAEOP president, she hosted a professional development day for NAEOP. Supervisors describe Laurali Larson as an organized office professional who has built strong relationships with staff, students, and parents.  The quality of her work is exceptional and her demeanor is both positive and supportive.  Even under pressure, or while working with difficult or sensitive issues, Laurali effectively multi-tasks and makes contributions that have a positive effect on the school climate. Beyond her "normal" school day, Laurali Larson demonstrates a commitment to staff, students, and community by supervising in the student store and/or at athletic events and dances and takes an active role in celebration week and the school technology committee.  She demonstrates a commitment to personal and professional development, and life-long learning by taking classes and workshops (including participating in the apprenticeship program and earning a Master Level in the PSE Leadership Academy and an Advanced III PSP Certificate with the distinction of CEOE). Laurali's tenure in the district and the fact that she has worked in multiple locations has given her a global perspective that makes her a valuable resource person in the district.  Debbie Leighton was honored to add her support to Laurali's nomination for the educational office professional-of-the-year award stating, "Ms. Larson's hard work and excellent clerical skills had her advancing quickly through various office personnel roles. Teacher, Lynda Randolph, recognizes Laurali Larson's support and encouragement of staff, students, and parents.  Lynda says, "Mrs. Larson advocates for the students. . . has developed rapport with many students who she checks on frequently."  Laurali works hard to ensure that the office is efficient, organized, and welcoming, and in Ms. Randolph's words, "Mrs. Larson works hard," to make all this happen at Olympic Middle School.  Principal, Paul Douglas, describes Laurali as, ". . . a dedicated employee who goes out of her way to help others."  Even when she is interrupted by students, staff, and/or parent issues, Mr. Douglas says, "Ms. Larson ensures that all projects and tasks are completed. . . she shows her dedication to the team. . . and confidentiality is always protected."  School personnel often deal with difficult and/or heart-breaking issues (personal and relating to students and/or co-workers).  Being in the midst of these issues can easily hurt morale.  Mr. Douglas says Laurali has a "contagious sense of humor that promotes laughter. . . creating a more relaxed atmosphere and an outlet for stress."  These attributes are welcomed and appreciated by many.  Congratulations, Laurali, and thank you for your competent commitment to your professional association! Deyanna King was selected as the first recipient of AAEOP's educational office professional-of-the-year award in 2006-07.  Deyanna's work "in the trenches" made her a top candidate for this recognition.  She models professionalism and presents herself in a way that generates interest in and respect for the professional association.  Recognizing the superior accomplishments and contributions of colleagues is gratifying.  The Educational Office-Professional-of-the-Year Award is designed to shine the spotlight on an office professional in the Auburn School District who is a positive role model who exemplifies professionalism; involvement in local, state, and/or national association activities; and life-long learning.  For information about this award, or a nomination packet, contact Deyanna King or Debbie Strand..

Congratulations to. . . AAEOP celebrated a "first" by honoring Marilyn Wiegand, CEOE, for her contributions to the association.  The Outstanding Achievement Award allows the executive board to recognize a non-board member for outstanding personal achievement and/or thank them for professional involvement and/or service to the professional association. Thank you Marilyn, and congratulations on being the first recipient of this prestigious award. Since Marilyn was unable to attend the spring installation and awards banquet, members of the board "dropped in" on Marilyn at her job site to present the award.  Mt. Baker Principal, Louanne Decker, and office professionals, Paula Fox, Denise King, and Deonna Steffy were present when Marilyn received her certificate and engraved mug.  Marilyn said, "I am very honored to have received the Outstanding Achievement Award. AAEOP is like a family that I am proud to be a part of. The opportunities we receive as members has helped me in the work place over the last 22 years."  If you are working on your Professional Standards Program (PSP) certificate and are concerned that Marilyn's time off will affect your application, have no fear. . . Marilyn says, "I will have plenty of time on my hands,". . . AAEOP members may contact her at home (contact Deyanna King or Debbie Strand for Marilyn's home phone number). Arlista Holman, CEOE, recipient of a $1,000, OSPI Classified School Employee Excellence Award!  Last February, Arlista was noted in an issue of the AAEOP Connection (newsletter) as being an AAEOP member who "epitomizes what leading by example means."  Arlista is known for "making time."  Rather than saying, "I don't have time," she decides what she is going to do, rolls up her sleeves, and does it!  When deciding which educational office professional AAEOP would nominate for this award, the choice was clear and easy.  Arlista's wholesome comportment, sincere sense of humor, no-nonsense approach, and superior people skills make her stand out.  She gives praise generously, listens with passion, directs with kindness and humility, and is willing to go the extra mile and walk the talk!  It is with great pleasure that AAEOP congratulates Arlista Holman as a recipient of the 2007-08 Washington State Classified School Employees Excellence Award!