Auburn School District No. 408
915 4th Street Northeast, Auburn, WA  98002

5/1/06

NEWS RELEASE
Auburn School District's Board of Directors
Honor Staff Member Donna Dussault-Walker

On Monday, April 24, the Auburn School District Board of Directors recognized Donna Dussault-Walker, principal of Lea Hill Elementary School, for her outstanding service to the Auburn School District.

Donna Dussault-Walker learned about compassion and perseverance at a young age. She  by no means enjoyed living with leg calf perthes—a disease confining Donna to a leg brace and wheelchair—yet it awakened Donna to the realization that she could still live life like “normal” kids with the help of her family and friends. “My parents continually reminded me that I could do anything I set my mind to,” recalls Donna. “And because my life was filled with compassionate and caring teachers like Mrs. Batterberry, my kindergarten teacher, I always knew I wanted to teach and give back to others.”

Donna eventually overcame her hip disease and walked again by the end of first grade. She relearned how to walk, achieving what was highly improbable, because she had already learned she could do anything she set her mind to. And so foreshadows most of Donna’s life.

Donna has set and achieved many life goals, including college degrees and career promotions, but what’s resided at the core of her goals has always been about giving back—to yourself and to others. Donna has also come to the conclusion that to give to her full potential she must replenish her mental, physical and relational reserves.

Giving to one’s full potential is possible, and Donna is a testament to this. Donna has dedicated 30 years of her life to the education profession. She spent her first 18 years in the Tahoma School District, teaching third and fifth grades, and then moved to the Kent School District, balancing a classroom of sixth graders, a handful of cross-country runners and the duties of camp director. At this time, with a nudge from her husband, John, she began pursuing her master’s in curriculum and instruction and a certificate in education administration. In 1999, degree in hand, Donna accepted the Principal post at Lea Hill Elementary School and has experienced an unexpected but wonderful seven years.

“In my first months at Lea Hill we lost a fifth grader to an unexpected brain tumor. One year five staff members all had babies. The mixture of tragedies and joys during my time at Lea Hill has created a community bond unprecedented in my career,” reflects Donna. “What is remarkable is that the bond extends into the classroom. The kids feel the connection, giving them a better sense of community.”

Donna extends herself above and beyond for her Lea Hill students. She hosts groups of kindergarten students in the principal’s office for “Munchies with Mrs. Walker.” Kindergartners share goodies with Donna as she reads them stories, setting a positive tone for the new students. Donna never fails to remember a birthday. Every morning during announcements, Donna wishes students and staff members with birthdays a warm birthday greeting and delivers a birthday pencil to those students. Life is in the details for Donna. It matters to her to greet each child by name and to offer warm hugs and kudos.

For Donna, a cohesive and relational community environment is paramount to the children’s academic successes. Her philosophy has even helped parents overcome cultural differences. “If a child feels safe and secure in a structured environment, the child will succeed. We are setting them up for success,” states Donna.

Donna is a heartfelt educator who inspires others to give back to their communities, to their schools and to their families. Even though Donna will be retiring from the Auburn School District this June, she will always live by Lea Hill’s “Pride” motto, which colorfully adorns the gymnasium walls: positive attitude, respectful, integrity, dependable and effort.

For additional information, contact Superintendent Linda Cowan at (253) 931-4914.