The Sumner School District announced  Sumner High School teacher, John Norlin, is the recipient of the 2014 Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) Region III Community Leadership Award.

The Award is presented to select WASA members who have provided leadership and innovation resulting in measurable growth in student achievement. The award was presented to John at the regional WASA meeting on May 16.

“Servitude and dedication to students makes John an impactful and purposeful leader in our community,” Sumner School District Superintendent Sara Johnson said. “John is the founder of a servant leadership model that is being implemented and recognized by school districts statewide. We are so proud of the impact John has on our district culture and students. John is a perfect example of a single person creating a tidal wave of positive change by being intentional with his actions.”

Each spring, Sumner High School students host a student-led professional development leadership conference bringing in 1500-2000 students from around the state. The conference teaches students how to create a culture of servant leadership and coaches them on becoming a positive influence to those around them.

“For almost a decade, John has combined his talent and true heart for service to others. He successfully leads by example,” Sumner High School Principal Bill Gaines said. “John’s leadership and influence has launched youth councils, benefit nights, community dinners and various student give back programs raising thousands of dollars and supporting hundreds of individuals in need each year. Through John’s leadership he conveys the importance of communication, character, personal growth, and strong relationships. John teaches with energy and enthusiasm within this servant leadership model. His teachings are impactful to Sumner School District students are life changing. The curriculum is relevant, engages all students, and serves community need.”

John holds a masters degree in organizational leadership and endorsement in servant leadership. In addition to his work in schools, John has been the featured speaker at numerous conventions and workshops including the State of Hawaii’s Association of Student Leaders State Conference, the Washington Family and Consumer Science Teachers’ state convention, University of Washington Student Leaders Workshop, and Washington Activity Coordinator Association Conference. He has been the recipient of the 2007 Sumner/Bonney Lake Community Impact Award, 2007 Daffodil Festival Educator of the Year Award, 2009 WSASCD Washington Outstanding Young Educator of the Year Award and the 2011 WACA Activities Advisor of the Year award.