A prestigious showcase last night for West Seattle High School, chosen to host the annual event centered on the Seattle Public Schools superintendent’s “State of the District” speech. Dr. Larry Nyland’s speech was only part of it – students and community leaders were showcased too. We recorded the entire event on video:

Among those welcoming the people who gathered in the WSHS Theater, after a reception outside (our top photo), was Chief Sealth International High School student Lashaunycee O’Cain:

(She is also an artist, featured here earlier this year.) Other students featured included Juan Betancourt-Old Chief, a Chief Sealth IHS Šǝqačib senior:

He was part of the event’s spotlight on Native American Education Identity Safety and spoke of how “welcoming” the Šǝqačib classroom is. Teacher Boo Balkan Foster explained that the name means “to raise hands,” signaling, “I hold you in the highest esteem.”

More local recognition: During the superintendent’s speech, Denny International Middle School was one of three SPS middle schools whose African-American students were lauded for leading the state in math proficiency: “They’re leading the way, and we’re learning from them.”

Another speaker was former King County Executive Ron Sims, who spoke stirringly about teachers who shaped his life.

Among those in attendance, West Seattle/South Park School Board director Leslie Harris, below with newly re-elected board colleague Betty Patu:

This may have been Dr. Nyland’s last “State of the District” speech, as the board is launching a search for a new superintendent, with the help of a consulting firm whose contract is on the agenda for tonight’s board meeting.