“This is a very prestigious award. There are 28,000 PSE members in the state, and only five received the award this year.”
— Larry Guenther, Washougal PSE president
Washougal School District employee Trish Happs was recently honored for her leadership at a statewide convention.
Happs was awarded the Public School Employees of Washington President’s Leadership Award.
The award recognizes PSE members who demonstrate outstanding leadership in their local chapter, who make special contributions to PSE members through their role in the chapter or by serving on state committees.
“This is a very prestigious honor,” said Larry Guenther, Washougal PSE president. “There are 28,000 PSE members in the state and only five received the award this year. Trish has done a lot for our chapter, our zone and our state.”
Happs was nominated for a PSE Lifetime Award, so was caught unaware when her name was announced at the convention for the higher honor.
“I was completely surprised,” she said. “It is rewarding to know that others have noticed what I have done for members. I did not do all of this for the recognition. I just did this work because it needed to be done.”
Sandra Goza, PSE Washougal chapter secretary, said Trish demonstrates good leadership and serves as a spokesperson for other members.
“She has helped with many PSE programs within the district and the state that benefit not only the students but the district and the union,” she said. “She has encouraged many members to step up and run for office or just get involved. Trish is a true leader to all of us.”
For years, Happs has reached out and communicated to local and state members to describe the benefits they are entitled to through union contracts, according to Goza. She has also lobbied for union-supported issues for the betterment of education, students, teachers and PSE members, and assisted with local bond and levy campaigns.
“I share what I learn with administrators and encourage others to keep taking training,” Happs said. “I support any kind of training we can get.”
The leadership and commitment that Happs has demonstrated was presented to the PSE awards committee in letters by Goza, Guenther, PSE Field Representative Debbie Asby and former Washougal School District Superintendent Dawn Tarzian.
Happs has worked for the Washougal School District for 18 years and currently serves as day custodian at Jemtegaard Middle School.
“I work in this district because of the students,” she said.
“I love middle school kids. Some people are scared of that age, but I see so many opportunities in front of them. I am not in the classroom but I get to know the kids in a different way while working as a lunchroom monitor. I want to help them to be well-rounded individuals. They have so many roads to take. I like to talk to them about the roads that can be taken to follow their interest.”
Before becoming an employee of the district, she volunteered as a booster at Hathaway to be involved in her children’s education.
“I still have a lot to do,” Happs said, “I am not sure what it, is but I am going to keep working hard.”
