Washington Education Association grants Rep. Sells Friend of Education Award

 

May 20, 2009

OLYMPIA – The Washington Education Association (WEA) granted State Rep. Mike Sells (D-Everett) the Friend of Education Award on Saturday, May 16th.

“I was honored to accept the Friend of Education Award, and humbled to be in the company of truly exceptional people,” said Sells. “Some say teaching is known as the noblest profession because it’s a selfless job that demands total commitment, but every single one of the Washington Education Association members and I know the real reason is because educators really do help build strong communities.”

“The WEA does not present this award every year, but Rep. Sells went above and beyond the call of duty in his opposition to 2261 and supporting keeping class sizes small and trying to keep money in K-12 so cuts could be as far away from the students as possible,” said Lucinda Young, WEA Chief Lobbyist.

Rep. Mike Sells (D-Everett) speaks at the Washington Education Association Representative Assembly on May 16, 2009

Sells was greeted by members of the Pilchuck UniServ Council where he served for over 18 years. Council President, Kim Mead (EEA/UTE President as well) began by stating that he was not only her mentor, but the mentor for many educators represented by Pilchuck UniServ. She followed by reading the proclamation:

“Whereas, Representative Mike Sells is recognized for his years of contributions in the classroom and making a difference in the lives of thousands of students by his service to educators during his 18 year leadership as the Everett Education Association President; and

“Whereas, he is a staunch advocate for labor through his work serving as the elected Secretary-Treasurer of the Snohomish County Labor Council, AFL/CIO coordinating 65 different AFL/CIO unions in Snohomish County, representing more than 42,000 working people; and

“Whereas, in his terms serving the people of Washington as a State Representative he has been a staunch advocate for public education; and

“Whereas, As vice chair of the House Higher Education Committee, he works tirelessly to create greater access to higher education opportunities for Washington’s students; and

“Whereas, he exemplified leadership, dedication and commitment in the battle against ESHB 2261; and

“Whereas, he has been a tireless, effective advocate for students everywhere; and

“Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved, that on behalf of its 82,000 members, the Washington Education Assoc8ation hereby recognizes, honors and thanks the Honorable Mike Sells as a WEA Friend of Education for his continuous service in making a better life for every public school student and public education employee in Washington State.”

Pilchuck stood with signs for Rep. Mike Sells and also presented him with a framed poster that was printed during his office as President of the EEA/UTE. Sells received a framed version of the proclamation and an etched statue.