State Honors & Awards
The WSLB Honors Program is a legacy recognition program the board has administered since 1975.
By state statute, WSLB is one of the few trustee agencies with the authority to officially bestow honors on behalf of the state. Traditionally, the Honors Committee has managed the following awards and ceremonies:
Washingtonian of the Year
For the past 45 years, the WSLB has highlighted individuals who are making an extraordinary positive impact in our state. The Washingtonian of the Year Award is an accolade bestowed upon a Washington resident who has demonstrated leadership, selflessness, generosity, and compassion in their service to others and our state over their lifetime.
Washington Organization of the Year
The Organization of the Year award aims to provide statewide recognition to an organization making significant contributions to their community through their programs and initiatives.
Legacy of Service Award
The Legacy of Service award is a way of recognizing a recently deceased or retired individual
for their leadership, selflessness, generosity, and compassion in their service to others and our state over their lifetime.
Justice for All Award
The Justice For All Award is a way of recognizing an individual or an organization specifically for their profound impact on advancing social justice and equality in our state.
Emerging Leader award
The Emerging Leader Award recognizes a WSLB program alumni or current students who have demonstrated exemplary leadership qualities and made measurable positive impacts within their schools and community.
Past Awards and Ceremonies
State of State | Consular Reception
The annual State of State address was one of the most significant ceremonial days of the year for the State Legislature. Both chambers met for a joint session, the Governor delivered his State of State Address, and dignitaries visited the legislative chambers to watch the proceedings. For decades, it was traditional for the WSLB to host the Consular Reception at the State Capitol in partnership with elected leaders.
The WSLB Honors awards sit on a table with a vase of flowers in front of the American flag.
Washington Leadership Awardees | 1975 - 2023
2023: Ceremony in the Columbia Room at the State Capitol, February 22, 2024
Washingtonian of the Year: Jan Yoshiwara, Former Executive Director of the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC)
Washington Organization of the Year: Weld Seattle
Justice For All Award: Washington Building Leaders of Change (WA-BLOC)
Legacy of Service Award: Dr. Marsha Linehan
2022: Ceremony in the Columbia Room at the State Capitol, December 1, 2022
Washingtonian of the Year: Julia Colson, Director of the Seattle/King County Clinic
Washington Organization of the Year: ANEW
2021: Virtual Celebration, February 16, 2021
Washingtonian of the Year: Dr. Helen Chu
Washington Organization of the Year: Northwest Harvest
Justice For All Award: Community Passageways
Legacy of Service Award: Bill Gates Sr. & Jim Ellis
2020: Ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion at the State Capitol, February 20, 2020
Washingtonian of the Year: Carla Peperzak – survivor of the Holocaust and a member of the Dutch Resistance in WWII
Washington Organization of the Year: Hilltop Artists
Legacy of Service Award: Doreen Marchione
2019: Ceremony in the Columbia Room at the State Capitol, February 25, 2019
Washingtonian of the Year: Mimi Siegel – Kindering CEO
Organization of the Year: Treehouse
2018: Annual date of award changed from December to February
2017: Ceremony at Senate Rules Room on December 12, 2017
Washingtonian of the Year: Gregory K. Alex & Dora R. Krasucki
Community Service Award: Assunta Ng
2016: Ceremony at Senate Rules Room on December 13, 2016
Washingtonian of the Year: Nancy LeMay
Community Service Award: Bridgette Hempstead
2015: Ceremony at Senate Rules Room on December 16, 2015
Washingtonian of the Year: Peggy LaPorte
Community Service Award: Leslie Mayne
2014: Ceremony at VMAC on April 12, 2014
Washingtonian of the Year: Seattle Seahawks
2013: Ceremony moved to 2014
2012: Ceremony at VMAC on October 6, 2012
Washingtonian of the Year: Mike Flynn
Community Service Award: Norma Gallegos
2011: Ceremony at VMAC on September 17, 2011
Washingtonian of the Year: Mack & Zoe Strong
2010: Ceremony at Emerald Queen Casino on October 29, 2010
Washingtonian of the Year: Frosty Weatherly
2009: Washingtonian of the Year: Luis Fernando Esteban
2006: Washingtonian of the Year: Lt. Gov. Brad Owen
2003: Washingtonian of the Year: Gene Sharratt
2001:Washingtonian of the Year: Bill & Melinda Gates
2000: Washingtonian of the Year: Paul Allen
1999: Washingtonian of the Year: Priscilla Bullitt Collins
1998: Washingtonian of the Year: Sunny & Don Culver
1997: Washingtonian of the Year: Dr. David McIntyre
1996: Washingtonian of the Year: Lenny Wilkins
1995: Washingtonian of the Year: Donald Nielsen
1994: Washingtonian of the Year: Michael K. Copass
1993: Washingtonian of the Year: Don James
1992: Washingtonian of the Year: Egan Rank
1991: Washingtonian of the Year: Jean Gardner
1990: Washingtonian of the Year: Bob Walsh
1989: Washingtonian of the Year: Dr. Lester Sauvage
1988: Washingtonian of the Year: Dr. Stan Bigos
1987: Washingtonian of the Year: Lt. Gov. John A. Cherberg
1986: Washingtonian of the Year: Kenneth M. Ritchey
1985: Washingtonian of the Year: Joseph Marshall
1984: Washingtonian of the Year: Sen. Warren G. Magnuson
1983: Washingtonian of the Year: Ruth M. Sterling
1982: Washingtonian of the Year: Justice W. Goodloe
1981: Washingtonian of the Year: Joseph Feldman
1980: Washingtonian of the Year: Marguerite Kelly
1979: Washingtonian of the Year: Earl A. Phillips
1978: Washingtonian of the Year: Dr. Harry A. Kretzler
1977: Washingtonian of the Year: Rabbi Rafael Levine
1976: Washingtonian of the Year: Earl Averill
1975: Washingtonian of the Year: Dr. Belding Scribner