05/01/2026
Celebrating Excellence: Stephanie Leitz Honored with the 2026 Annalee Braley Membership Award
Wahkiakum High School is thrilled to announce that our principal, Stephanie Leitz, has been awarded the prestigious 2026 Annalee Braley Membership Award by the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP). This honor recognizes her exceptional leadership, dedication to mentoring students and staff, and tireless efforts to create a thriving, innovative learning environment.
Stephanie has been a cornerstone of the Wahkiakum School District since 2001, starting as a reading specialist and later becoming principal. Over the years, she has transformed Wahkiakum High School into a place where both students and staff are empowered to succeed. Her passion for education, coupled with her optimistic and solution-oriented mindset, has left a lasting impact on everyone she works with.
Kaitlyn Kincaid, one of Stephanie’s colleagues, shared her admiration: "Mrs. Leitz is more than just a principal; she is a true catalyst for growth. Whether she’s advocating for a student or empowering staff to bring a new idea to life, she does it with tireless energy and a 'yes' mentality. She has single-handedly transformed our school culture into a place where both staff and students can truly thrive. Mrs. Leitz is a doer who leads with heart. Her infectious optimism and dedication to student success make her a constant source of inspiration for our entire building. I am truly honored to work alongside an amazing, kind-hearted leader who motivates us all to reach higher every single day."
This sentiment is echoed by many of Stephanie's colleagues. Rob Garrett reflected on her unwavering support:
"Stephanie has an amazing passion for our entire school and every person in it. This passion allows her to constantly see the best in her students as well as her teachers, and that gives her the ability to push the people around her to be the best versions of themselves. If you're on the fence about whether or not you can do something, just go talk to Steph, and you'll come out the other side with confidence."
Stephanie’s leadership goes beyond administration; it is rooted in collaboration and trust, as Audrey Petterson explained:
"Steph trusts us to know our subject matter and encourages us to collaborate to build strong platforms for education and procedures at WHS. Her leadership isn't top-down; it's circular, and we all—teachers, students, parents, and community members—have a place at the round table. When the question involves something that will open students' horizons, Steph doesn't say, 'No.' She asks, 'How can we make this happen?' Her constant exploration of ways in which we can benefit every student inspires me to innovate and extend!"
As a mentor, Stephanie has profoundly influenced her team's professional growth. Kayli Hurley shared: "Stephanie has been a mentor to me from the moment I stepped into my role here in the building. She challenges us to think outside of the box and to keep moving forward in our practice. Her ability to lead with empathy and kindness is unmatched, and she has an uncanny knack for making a person feel heard and understood. This building would be a completely different place without her."
Stephanie’s contributions extend beyond Wahkiakum High School. She has been an active AWSP member since 2012 and has devoted herself to mentoring fellow leaders, supporting student leaders through the Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL), and participating in regional professional learning communities. Her work embodies the values of the Annalee Braley Membership Award, which celebrates unwavering dedication, advocacy, and long-term commitment to AWSP and its mission.
Stephanie was presented with the award during AWSP’s annual PALLY Award Ceremony at the spring 2026 Grade Level Leadership Committee meeting in Leavenworth. The Annalee Braley Membership Award, created in 2022, honors educators who share Annalee’s legacy of dedication to supporting principals and the AWSP community.
Stephanie, we are so proud of you and grateful for the positive difference you make in the lives of students, staff, and families every day. Thank you for inspiring us all to strive for excellence and work toward a brighter future for everyone at Wahkiakum High School.
Please join us in celebrating Stephanie Leitz on this incredible achievement!
