Eatonville High School names Award of Distinction winners

The Eatonville High School Award of Distinction Committee has announced the winners of this year’s award. They are Paulette Gilliard and Jessica (Erickson) Kerr. They will receive their awards on Aug. 27 at a teacher welcome-back meeting.

Also being honored for their ultimate sacrifice and service are nine Eatonville graduates who died defending their nation during World War II. Their names are John Ward, Irvin Fry, James Battle, Rudolph Jugo, Gordon Wordon, John Davie, Charles Biggs, Raymond Lockhart and Edwin Norberg. Family and friends are invited to attend the presentation which begins at 7:30 in the morning in the high school auditorium in North Hall.

Paulette Gilliardi is a quintessential example of selfless community service. Her unwavering dedication to the Eatonville community, particularly its youth, has left an indelible mark.

Educational Foundation: Gilliardi’s involvement in education began with her own children, where she served as a dedicated PTA member, organizing creative and memorable class parties. Her commitment grew into leadership roles, including PTA presidency and numerous volunteer positions. She was instrumental in supporting struggling students, particularly in math and reading, providing invaluable assistance to teachers and students alike.
Athletic Support: Beyond academics, Gilliardi’s passion for sports led her to become a dedicated scorekeeper for over 20 years, contributing to the excitement of countless games. Her involvement extended to becoming a certified volleyball official and supporting cheerleading activities.

Community Leadership: Her dedication to Eatonville is evident in her service on various school district committees, including bond and levy campaigns, facility design, and curriculum approval. She also represented the district at the state level. Her community involvement extended to the Daffodil Festival and chaperoning school trips.

School Board Service: Gilliardi’s commitment to education culminated in her service on the Eatonville School Board, where she held various leadership positions. Her tenure has been marked by her unwavering support for students, staff, and the community.

Kerr is a shining example of academic excellence, professional achievement, and community involvement. Her journey from a high-achieving high school student to a successful attorney is truly inspiring.

Jessica Kerr

 

• Academic Excellence: Kerr graduated as valedictorian of her high school class with a 4.0 GPA. She continued her academic pursuits at the University of Puget Sound, where she double majored in communication studies and politics and government, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Her legal education at the University of Washington culminated in graduating first in her class with High Honors. She also began to work for the University of Washington and became an Affiliate Instructor in 2024.