The 2014 Robert J. Handy Most Effective Administrator Award was recently presented to Bonney Lake High School Principal Linda Masteller.

Since Masteller became principal, Bonney Lake has received multiple awards in recognition of growth and leadership within the institution. The Washington State Innovative School Award was presented in 2011, the High Schools That Work Outstanding High School Award was presented in 2013 and just this year, the Washington Achievement Award was presented for growth in student performance over the past five years.

“When Bonney Lake High School opened nine years ago, Linda, along with teachers, parents, students, and community adopted the vision, ‘Excellence of Mind, Strength of Character,” Superintendent Sara Johnson said. “Linda handpicked the most excellent and top-notch teachers around and the success of the school is reflected in the outcomes.”

The Robert J. Handy Awards were established in 2002 to honor the hard work and achievements of public education administration. A cash reward is offered to the winners, which may be used for professional growth, or to benefit a school program. It is currently sponsored by PEMCO, the Washington Association of School Administrators, and the School Employees Credit Union of Washington.

The awards are named after Handy, the deceased founder of PEMCO Insurance Company and a Depression-era teacher in Seattle. His desire to provide affordable loans for educators helped develop the School Employees Credit Union, according to the Washington Association of School Administrators.

Those wishing to nominate themselves or other administrators as future recipients of the award can contact Marilee Jensen at the Washington Association of School Administrators office, mjensen@wasa-oly.org.