Kelso Students, Community Partners, And Superintendent Honored With Regional WASA Awards (Photo) - 05/22/26

Several members of the Kelso community were recognized Friday, May 15, during the Educational Service District 112 regional breakfast ceremony for the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA), celebrating leadership, service, and commitment to students across Southwest Washington.

The honors recognized students, community organizations, business partners, and educational leadership that continue to make a lasting impact on Kelso students and schools.

Students Receive WASA Student Leadership Award

Kelso High School students Isayah Eddleman and Mallory Wells received the prestigious WASA Student Leadership Award, which recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional leadership in promoting inclusivity, equity, access, and belonging within their school and community.

The award highlights students who serve as role models, inspire others through collaboration and community engagement, and demonstrate integrity, initiative, and a strong commitment to making a positive difference.

Eddleman and Wells have become powerful ambassadors for inclusion through Kelso’s Unified Sports and leadership programs. Together, they have helped foster belonging and connection for students of all abilities while representing Kelso at regional and statewide events.

“These students lead with heart,” said Superintendent Mary Beth Tack. “Isayah and Mallory exemplify what it means to create a school culture where every student feels valued, seen, and included. Their leadership is changing lives and inspiring others to do the same.”

Eddleman and Wells will be presented with their awards at the June 8 Kelso School District board meeting.

Kelso Business & Community Association Honored for Community Leadership

The Kelso Business & Community Association (KBCA) received the WASA Community Leadership Award for its outstanding contributions and partnership with Kelso schools and students.

The award recognizes non-WASA members whose leadership and service have significantly benefited education and students in their local community.

Over the past year, KBCA has helped create opportunities for hundreds of students and families through initiatives such as the Hilander Hustle, which raised more than $5,000 to help Kelso FBLA students attend nationals, the Kelso Kids Bridge Market that empowers young entrepreneurs, and partnerships supporting agriculture and beautification projects with Kelso FFA students.

“KBCA continually demonstrates what community partnership looks like at its best,” said Tack. “Their investment in students, totaling over $10,000, goes far beyond financial support—they help create experiences, opportunities, and connections that build confidence and pride in our community.”

Lindsey Cope accepted the award on behalf of the Kelso Business & Community Association.

Community Partners Recognized for Expanding Career & Technical Education Opportunities

Kampgrounds LLC and Clear Choice Construction LLC were also recipients of the WASA Community Leadership Award for their partnership and support of Kelso High School’s Career & Technical Education program.

Their collaboration helped bring Cowlitz County’s first Veterinary Science program to life by transforming a space into a fully functional, real-world veterinary learning lab in just two months.

The project created hands-on opportunities for students interested in veterinary medicine and animal science while removing barriers to career exploration and early access to industry experience.

“This partnership represents the very best of what happens when community leaders believe in students,” said Tack. “Their generosity, vision, and willingness to work side-by-side with our staff created opportunities that simply did not exist before for students in our region.”

Gleeann Kamp of Kampgrounds LLC and Reece Wampler of Clear Choice Construction LLC accepted the awards during the ceremony.

Superintendent Mary Beth Tack Receives WASA Award of Merit

Kelso Superintendent Mary Beth Tack was honored with the regional WASA Award of Merit, recognizing educational leaders who have made significant contributions to public education and demonstrated outstanding leadership within the region and state.

Tack was recognized for her leadership in advancing mathematics instruction and professional learning across Southwest Washington and for her mentorship and support of fellow superintendents throughout the region.

Colleagues described Tack as “a veteran superintendent whom many of us look to for guidance, support, and inspiration,” praising her collaborative leadership and commitment to strengthening public education.

The recognition is in addition to recent honors celebrating Tack’s impact on student success. Last year, she received the regional WASA Student Achievement Leadership Award and the statewide WASA Learning From Leaders Award, which included a $5,000 grant to support innovative student learning initiatives in Kelso School District.

“I am deeply honored and humbled by this recognition,” said Tack. “The work we do in education is never done alone. I’m incredibly grateful to serve alongside dedicated educators, students, families, and community partners who care deeply about creating opportunities for every child.”

About Kelso School District
Kelso School District has a goal of 100% (bit.ly/ksd-100) of students graduating high school and having post-secondary plans for college, career, trades, or military. Our mission is to prepare every student for living, learning, and achieving success as a citizen of our changing world.