Principals on the Pitch Selections

In honor of National Principals Month, the WIAA has teamed up with PEMCO Insurance and the Seattle Sounders FC for a special "Principals on the Pitch" promotion. The principals selected to participate in a halftime competition during the October 25, 2014 Sounders FC match against the L.A. Galaxy are Seth Adams of Issaquah Middle School, and Rick Harwood of Tyee High School.

During halftime, two principals will race against each other in giant hamster balls through an obstacle course on the pitch at CenturyLink Stadium. The winner will receive $2,000 for his school while the second place finisher will receive $1,000 for his school. In addition to the cash prizes, both principals will be given 25 tickets for students to join them at the game and come down onto the pitch to cheer them on during the promotion.

"The WIAA is excited for the opportunity to help facilitate the nomination process for this great promotion," said Mike Colbrese, WIAA Executive Director. "There are a lot of outstanding high school and middle school principals doing important work in their schools and communities throughout our state, so the Association is grateful for the opportunity to highlight two deserving individuals through this promotion with PEMCO and the Sounders."

The WIAA solicited nominations from its member high schools and middle schools during the final weeks of October asking nominators to explain how their principal is making a difference in their school. Adams and Harwood were selected from among 150 nominations to participate in the "Principals on the Pitch" promotion.

Seth Adams has worked hard to change the culture at Issaquah Middle School by building relationships with staff, parents, students and the community. As one nominator wrote, "His passion for education shines through in everything he does."

Several of Rick Harwood's nominators indicated that he is the best principal they have ever worked for as a result of his deep commitment to relationship building and social justice. "He believes in his students and staff and will do all that he can to ensure their success," said one of his nominators.

As an added bonus, both principals will also receive an appearance by a Seattle Sounders FC player at their respective schools.