Ward honored in a new "spotlight"

Lacy Ward has been working hard and got caught doing it - by the new school district superintendent.

Superintendent Rod Broadnax honored Ward Monday night with the first of what he calls the "Superintendent's Spotlight" for "going above and beyond."

Broadnax said since his arrival July 1, he's been observing employees and noting who he thinks should be recognized for extra effort, noting Ward's work several times.

Ward runs the SHARP Kids program, which engages students after school and had a summer program.

"She's here working at a makeshift office in The Gallery, elementary side, working for the school, Broadnax said. "I saw her putting up the bulletin boards. ... She has students helping her. I think she has done a wonderful job."

A plaque to mark the recognition from the district reads in part: "Thank you ... in recognition for your hard work and dedication to the children in the Grand Coulee Dam School District and helping to build the future of public education in Washington State. Presented this day, August 14, 2023."

The presentation was a surprise for Ward, who thought she was attending the meeting only to give a report to the board on SHARP Kids.

"I love the school, and I love the SHARP Kids program," she said. "And it's such an honor to work with all of our students and youth. ... I have a great staff ... I couldn't do my job without them."