SK Way Awards December 2025

Mullenix Ridge Student Heroes
Three Mullenix Ridge students were recognized with Citizen Life Saving Awards and Challenge Coins from South Kitsap Fire & Rescue. Penelope, Lillian, and Iria sprang to action when they noticed their classmate Ava choking while eating. SK Fire Chief Faucett commended the fourth grade students on their quick thinking and courage which helped to save their friend's life. Way to go, Eagles. We are so proud of you!
Love People
Award Winner: Lillian, Iria, Penelope from Mullenix Ridge
Nominated by: Ms. Mustard
Doug Miller
Doug Miller from South Kitsap Properties truly embodies Love People in South Kitsap. He consistently shows up for students, staff, and families. Not for recognition, but because he cares. From supporting scholarships to helping behind the scenes to recently funding our community meals, Doug invests in people. Our district is stronger because of leaders like him. Thank you for living the SK Way!
Love People
Award Winner: Doug Miller, South Kitsap Properties
Nominated by: Tim Winter
Amanda Donn
Amanda lives the SK Way value of gratitude. As our Skyward Q guru, she trains and supports all staff at each school, supporting everyone through the transition to our new system. She answers questions so quickly, always kind and patient, reminding us we are not alone in this transition. Thank you, Amanda, from everyone at Marcus Whitman!
Attitude of Gratitude
Award Winner: Amanda Donn, ITS Student Data Coordinator
Nominated by: Staff at Marcus Whitman Middle School
Mandi Partsch
Mandi is filled with positivity and kindness and consistently looks for the good in others—asking about their day, sharing a smile, and taking the time to truly notice and appreciate people. She recognizes and celebrates the efforts of those around her, never letting contributions go unnoticed. Her calm, intentional presence creates a supportive environment where others feel seen, heard, and encouraged. People genuinely enjoy supporting her because she is grateful for every act of help.
Attitude of Gratitude
Award Winner: Mandi Partsch, Music Teacher at South Colby
Nominated by: Nicole Watkins
Becky Sciocchetti
Becky has taken on so many rolls that she fearlessly achieves. She greets students outside in the morning-rain or shine, while also helping a student have a place to be free from anxiety and a person to connect with. Becky has a natural presence with kindergarten students and is willing to help EVERY single one. She manages the lunchroom and comes up with new and creative ways to help them manage themselves. She is consistently aiming to improve our school and we are better because she is here.
Think Big
Award Winner: Becky Sciocchetti, Paraeducator at South Colby
Nominated by: Nicole Watkins
Keely Sawyer
Keely is the embodiment of South Kitsap’s "people first" belief. She creates belonging by treating every student, family, and colleague with respect and compassion, fostering the safety and connection students need to thrive emotionally and academically. Seeing needs at the high school level, Keely created weekly psychosocial groups for students and a Parenting Support Group for the community, consistently taking action to provide essential support.
Love People
Award Winner: Keely Sawyer, Social Worker at SKHS
Nominated by: Pattie Pritchard
Karen Richards
Karen demonstrates flexibility and a willingness to do any job our school needs. She substitutes in any position from F-A para to recess duty to the classroom, and even crosswalk duty. And she does every job with a smile! She is a positive light for all of us - staff and students. We are so grateful to have her and appreciate her lovely personality.
Think Big
Award Winner: Karen Richards, Building Substitute at Hidden Creek
Nominated by: Patricia Taormina
We are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels they belong and are supported in becoming their best selves. We truly understand the value of a positive, cohesive culture that brings out the best in each of us. Our actions, behaviors, and interactions are all guided by the core values of the SK Way.
The SK Way, is our unique identity and the story of the South Kitsap School District. Each month, we acknowledge and celebrate staff members, students, volunteers, and community members who exemplify our core values.
If you catch a district employee, student, volunteer, or community member exhibiting one of our core values we want to hear about it!
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