Steilacoom Historical School District is proud to announce Steilacoom High School (SHS) has been recognized as a 2025 Washington School on the Rise by the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP) and the Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL). This award celebrates schools where students and adults collaborate to improve culture and amplify student voice.

Recognition criteria for the award include established systems demonstrating students and adults collaborating and leading school culture together; tangible examples of co-design, collaboration, and joint leadership; examples of authentic student engagement and elevated student voice; examples of school engaging multiple student voices and perspectives; and quantitative and/or qualitative data to illustrate the outcomes of student-adult joint leadership.

The award letter from AWSP and AWSL shared, “SHS’s commitment to authentic student leadership and shared decision-making is inspiring. From expanding your leadership studies program fivefold, to creating a student senate, to honoring student voices in policy decisions, Steilacoom is a shining example of what it means to foster belonging, inclusion, and agency. You've shown the power of partnerships - whether it's students helping select your next assistant principal or collaborating on cell phone policies and school traditions. Every action you've taken reflects a culture where students are not only heard but empowered to lead. Your work embodies The Sentinel Way - a way of belonging, growing, and leading together. We are proud to celebrate your school and honored to present you with the Washington School on the Rise award. Congratulations to your staff, students, and entire community!”