Other Awards 2023:
Organizational Award went to Cascadia Deaf Nation, Ashanti Monts-Treviska
for setting up an organization to reach out and spread diversity and wellness to the deaf community.
President Award went to President Will Roach, Puget Sound Association of the Deaf [PSAD].
Will Roach has been serving on the PSAD board as the president for 8 years. He joined the association a couple of months before the president position was open for the election. During his tenure, he has bought in more members with various backgrounds and ages as well as diversified types of social events and programs. He’s currently working on a huge project with the board, committee, and consulting company to reorganize the association to become more sustainable [stable] and beneficial for the members and the community moving forward.
On personal side, he works for the Boeing company full time as an engineer, and he is a proud father of one year old baby and loves being outdoors with his family.
Appreciation Award went to Dr. Taralynn Petrites, Coordinator of Central Washington University ASL Program.
Taralynn had worked and helped WSAD host its biennial conference at CWU and with our chairs and committees. Her ASL students also volunteered and received rich exposure to Deaf culture and ASL.
Deaf-owned Business Award is new this year. This award went to Visually Speaking business owner Kellie Gillespie.
The COVID-19 pandemic didn’t stop or shut down visually speaking from teaching ASL in-person. Kellie was able to provide online ASL classes and this had expanded her business and the awareness of ASL to the public.
[2019 name changed to Washington Center for Deaf & Hard of Hearing Youth]
In recognition of extraordinary service & dedication to quality of life & education
Organization Award 2015 to Washington State Center for Childhood Deafness & Hearing Loss
President’s Award 2013 to Eric Raff
for outstanding service & leadership
Organization Award 2013 to Puget Sound Association of the Deaf
In appreciation for support & service to WSAD
Organization Award 2013 to Northwest Washington Community of the Deaf
In appreciation for support & service to WSAD
Appreciation Award 2013 to Allie Joiner
In recognition of extraordinary service & dedication to the Deaf community
Appreciation Award 2013 to Representative Cathy Dahlquist
In recognition of extraordinary service & dedication to improving Deaf education
Appreciation Award 2013 to Harley Applin
In recognition of extraordinary service & dedication to improving Deaf education