BOTHELL — University of Washington Bothell has named Monroe Schools Superintendent Fredrika Smith the 2016 Distinguished Alumni of the Year.
Smith, who goes by “Deka,” earned her bachelor’s degree in the liberal studies program in 1994 and reconnected with the university as a lecturer six years ago in the Leadership Development for Educators master’s program.
Many of the program’s graduates go on to become principals.
When she attended UW Bothell, Smith says she didn’t realize she would have a career in education and that the “development of relationships, a focus on service, and a dedication to innovation would prove to be a primary driver of my personal core values.”
She said in a statement that the alumni award is a true honor. “It sincerely feels like my core values, the mission of UW Bothell, and my work in public schools have come full circle.”
The UW Bothell Distinguished Alumni Award was established in 2000 to recognize alumni for distinguished professional achievements and community service.
Mina Hooshangi of the UW Bothell Alumni Council said in the statement that Smith is clearly having a positive impact on community schools by addressing the unique needs of all learners and working to improve classroom instruction.
“Deka embodies the mission and values of UW Bothell in her work shaping the future generation of learners, and UW Bothell is proud to call her an alum,” Hooshangi said.
Smith was honored at University of Washington Bothell’s 25th commencement ceremony on Sunday at UW Seattle’s Alaska Airlines?Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion.
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