Washington State PTA Awards

Outstanding Service Award

The WSPTA Outstanding Service Award was added in 1962, building on the success of the Golden Acorn Award program. This award recognizes statewide service to children. It is awarded to an individual who has given dedicated and long-term volunteer service that positively impacts every child throughout Washington state while demonstrating the WSPTA core values.

This award may not be given by a local PTA, but a local PTA can recommend a candidate to its council or to the WSPTA board of directors.


Honorary Life Membership Award

The WSPTA Honorary Life Membership Award recognizes an individual who has contributed significantly to the development, growth, and sustainability of WSPTA at the state level. It is awarded to someone who has shown extraordinary commitment to WSPTA's vision and mission.

This award may also be given by a local PTA or council to honor an individual who has made significant contributions to the development and growth of the local PTA or council.


Outstanding Advocate Award

The WSPTA Outstanding Advocate Award was established in 2004 to recognize an individual for his or her statewide advocacy and commitment in helping to create strong policies relating to the health, welfare, safety and education of children and youth. The individual should have furthered WSPTA's policy positions (legislative principles, resolutions, and legislative issues) by activities such as, but not limited to, submitting policy positions, testifying on policy positions on behalf of WSPTA, or representing WSPTA on workgroups or coalitions


Outstanding Educator Award

The WSPTA Outstanding Educator Award is presented to an individual who has exhibited continued and dedicated statewide contributions and efforts to enhance the educational outcomes of all children or youth. This is the "Educator of the Year" award from WSPTA (an educator is not limited to a teacher).

This award may also be given by a local PTA or council to honor outstanding educators who have made significant contributions in their community. An educator may be defined as a teacher, assistant, specialist, support staff, administrator or community members.


Golden Acorn Award

A Golden Acorn Award is presented by a local PTA or council to a school or community volunteer in recognition of her or his dedication and service to children and youth. Since the beginning of this program in the 1930s, more than 54,000 Golden Acorn Awards have been presented to volunteers throughout Washington state. Recipients receive a certificate and pin, and a contribution is made in their name to the Washington State PTA Scholarship Program that benefits students.


Outstanding Student Advocate Award

In 2011, Washington State PTA created the Outstanding Student Advocate Award to recognize student PTA members who have made significant contributions through leadership and service in their school and community.

The Outstanding Student Advocate Award may be presented by local PTAs, councils and regions. Recipients receive a certificate and pin, and a contribution is made in their name to the WSPTA Scholarship Program that benefits students.