SPU doctoral student Zakariya Palsha has been recognized for his outstanding educational leadership with a 2013 Golden Apple Award, one of the most prestigious educational honors in Washington state. Palsha, principal at Campbell Hill Elementary in the Renton School District, is enrolled in Seattle Pacific’s Doctor of Education (EdD) program while also earning his superintendent certificate here.
Under Palsha’s leadership, Campbell Hill Elementary has made extra efforts to reach out to their ethnically diverse community. (Students of color make up 95 percent of the student body.) He has also initiated wide-reaching after-school programs and extensive staff training. “He’s the number one principal I’ve worked under,” says Campbell Hill instructional facilitator Helen Babbin. “He really is a global educator.”
This year’s eight Golden Apple Award winners will be featured in a television special to be aired across the state.