Senate honors CKJH principal

OLYMPIA — Central Kitsap Junior High Principal Barbara Gilchrist can add another honor to her already very feathered cap.

The 2003 Washington State Principal of the Year was recognized last week by the Washington Senate for her commitment to educational excellence in Kitsap.

“When I heard about Principal Gilchrist’s numerous awards, I thought a resolution read on the Senate floor would be a good way to honor her, as well as highlight the excellence of our leadership in the Central Kitsap School District,” said Sen. Betti Sheldon (D-Bremerton) who sponsored Senate Resolution 8711.

“With the assistance of her outstanding faculty, Barbara does a great job nurturing young people toward adulthood.”

Gilchrist has been an educator for 28 years. She taught in the Clover Park School District near Tacoma for 12 years before coming to Central Kitsap 16 years ago. She has been principal at the junior high for six years.

In addition to her 2003 recognition by the Washington Middle Level Principals Association as the state principal of the year, Gilchrist was named the Olympic Regional Assistant Principal of the Year in 1997 and was honored by the Par-

ent Teacher Association, which gave her the Golden Acorn Award for her outstanding service to the youth of Central Kitsap Junior High.

Although she receives the plaque, Gilchrist credits everyone at the school for the success seen at CKJH.

“I support them, give them the training that they need in the classroom,” she said of the faculty. Her school pride is more than evident in the paw prints on the lamp shades and a wall that awaits a coat or two of “Hunting Coat Red” paint.

Gilchrist, who commutes from Fox Island near Gig Harbor, has spent her career working with junior high children.

“I like junior high kids,” she said. “They’re trying to figure themselves out,” and the maturity from seventh to ninth grade is incredible to watch.

“No day is ever the same.”

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