Randall, Jahnke honored by educators

Jeff Randall and Rick Jahnke have received Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) certificates of merit this year for their outstanding community leadership and service to education.

The two were nominated by Port Townsend School District Superintendent John Polm.

Randall received an award at the WASA awards ceremony on April 17, and Jahnke was honored May 8 at the Port Townsend School Board meeting.

“Both Randall and Mr. Jahnke have made significant contributions to the vision for a new elementary school and for accessibility improvements to Port Townsend High School,” Polm said in a press release.

“Their efforts helped build community engagement with the schools, and their expertise was instrumental in a successful bond and subsequent school design,” he said.

Success of Ace-It interns recognized at May 24 celebration

Ace-It – a program aimed at assisting adults with development disabilities in gaining work experience and independent living skills – is celebrating one year of operations at Fort Worden.

Ace-It hosts an open house from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 24 at the Fort Worden Commons. The program fits in well with Fort Worden Public Development Authority’s (FWPDA) lifelong learning mission, officials said.

People have an opportunity to learn more about the program and to meet the four interns who have been members of food and beverage, hospitality and grounds maintenance teams.

“The Ace-It program places interns in support roles that allow them to learn skills while assisting staff in daily operations,” said Taylor Webster, director of Ace-It.

Krista Hathaway, Fort Worden human resources manager, is to be available to discuss the program as it relates to Fort Worden’s operations and employees.

“Fort Worden is proud have been the inaugural partner for Ace-It,” Hathaway said.

“Ace-It and Fort Worden are collaborating to address the misconception that adults with developmental disabilities cannot maintain competitive, integrated employment,” said FWPDA spokesperson Megan Claflin. “It is our hope that the challenges and successes celebrated in this first year at Fort Worden will help to pave the way for other community businesses to adopt this business model.”

PTEF celebrates with new members

Port Townsend Education Foundation (PTEF) is celebrating its 10th anniversary with four new board members.

PTEF has awarded nearly $400,000 during the past 10 years and welcomes incoming board members Carma Feland, Steve Feland, Missy Nielsen and Gregg Miller.

“It’s an exciting time as we approach our 10-year anniversary with such strong talent on our board,” said Holley Carlson, president of PTEF.

“PTEF focuses on enhancing academic excellence one grant at a time with the guidance of community members like these. We are thrilled to have them on board,” she said.

For more information about the organization’s board opportunities, contact Holly Petta, board development member, at pteducationfoundation.org.