The Selah School District is celebrating two of its staff members as they have been recognized by ESD 105 as the 2023 Regional Certificated and Classified Employee of the Year award recipients. Congratulations to Selah High School teacher, Shari Brink, who was recognized as Certificated Employee of the Year, and District Custodial Lead, Chris Harris, who was honored as Classified Employee of the Year. Both Shari and Chris were celebrated during a Selah High School assembly packed with students, colleagues, parents and community members. The ESD 105 Region encompasses school districts from Yakima, Kittitas, Grant and Klickitat Counties, stretching from the areas of Easton to Goldendale. The fact that both representatives are from Selah is a tribute to the District’s strong school system. As regional award recipients, both will advance to OSPI’s statewide Certificated Employee of the Year and Classified Employee of the Year competitions.
Congratulations to Selah High School Teacher, Shari Brink, for her Regional Teacher of the Year honor. Shari is in her eighth year as a Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher at Selah High School and has played an instrumental role in helping to create and develop pathways for students. Shari has helped establish an Early Childhood Education Pathway that is thriving and which continues to develop. Additionally, Shari currently serves as a member of the school’s Building Leadership Team and is the co-chair and advisor of the FCCLA Program. Also, Shari teaches several courses that focus on preparing students for life beyond high school and encourages her students to develop a passion for the profession of teaching.
In the nomination supporting Shari it was written, Mrs. Brink is the teacher everyone wants to be or wants to have. There is nothing she can’t do. She juggles being a teacher to so many students in her classes and being a FCCLA advisor. I can’t describe how good of a teacher she is as she pushes her students to try their hardest….Mrs. Brink makes everyone around her feel included and happy, she makes a difference in lives.
Joining Shari as an award recipient is Chris Harris, who was honored as the Regional Classified Employee of the Year. Chris is the District’s Custodial Lead and Athletics Events Coordinator. Chris, a graduate of Selah High School, is in his 16th year of serving the District. Prior to his current role, Chris worked at Selah High School as the Lead Custodian, having earned the leadership role after beginning his Selah career as a student worker in the Nutrition Services Department, then transitioning to summer employment and eventually, a custodial role in the District. It is shared that Chris has the knack of anticipating staff needs, which greatly benefits the individual school buildings, but also the entire District. Chris' touch of service can be found in every building, department and extra-curricular event.
In the nomination for Chris it was written, I was a student of Selah High School’s 2020 graduating class...In four years, there is one staff member who has put in more time and effort than I'm sure the community has recognized. Through his time and dedication, Mr. Harris has been fundamental in facilitating and managing sporting events, ASB events, and other school functions that the community has enjoyed….In my senior year, I was a TA with Mr. Harris and the experience allowed me to gain a perspective on the workforce and community service....I still use the experience and opportunities that Mr. Harris shared with me in my interactions at work. You will not find a staff member who dedicates as much time and effort and goes above and beyond as much as Mr. Harris. He embodies the "Viking Way."
Congratulations Shari Brink and Chris Harris for your regional award recognition. Good luck as you move forward representing the Selah School District at the state level!
