Shorewood principal presented with UW mentor award

From left: Ann O'Doherty, Director of the Danforth Educational Leadership Program;
Superintendent Rebecca Miner, Principal Bill Dunbar and Dean of Students Melyssa Stone
Photo courtesy Shoreline Schools

The University of Washington's Danforth Education Leadership Program has selected Shorewood High School Principal Bill Dunbar as this year’s recipient of the prestigious John W. Morefield Mentoring Award.

Danforth Program Director Ann O'Doherty presented Dunbar with the award at a surprise reception this morning at the high school. She noted the award is presented annually to an educational leader who has selflessly given of themselves to mentor, guide, challenge and support educational leaders, teachers and students in the Puget Sound region.

Shorewood Dean of Students Melyssa Stone nominated Dunbar for the prestigious recognition. “He’s a mentor who models hard conversations, holding to an unyielding belief in the growth and development of his students and staff,” said Stone. “As he evaluates systems and measured outcomes, he holds himself to growing and learning more and more every year, to do better for students.”

Dunbar stated that the learning in an internship is not a one-way street. “I’ve learned as much or more from interns over the years as they have from me,” he said. “It has been an honor to work with these talented educators as principal interns and as they move into new roles in our district and elsewhere.”

Dunbar will also be honored at an awards banquet this August at the university.