Beloved staff member recognized for 20 years of service, leadership, and compassion
In a heartwarming surprise ceremony on Thursday, Becky Purvis—kitchen manager and lead paraeducator at Hood Canal School—was named the 2025 Education Support Professional of the Year by the Public School Employees of Washington (PSE). Chosen from over 30,000 classified school employees statewide, Becky was honored during an all-school assembly surrounded by cheering students, colleagues, family, and friends.
Becky’s story is one of deep roots and extraordinary commitment. A former Hood Canal student herself, Becky attended the small rural school from third through eighth grade. Now in her 20th year as an employee, she has become a cornerstone of the school’s culture and success.
“Becky represents the heart of Hood Canal,” said Superintendent Dr. Lance Gibbon. “Her kindness, work ethic, and dedication to our students make a difference every single day. This recognition is so well deserved.”
In her leadership role as Lead Paraeducator, Becky supports, trains, and mentors the school’s entire paraeducator team—helping to create a collaborative and welcoming learning environment. This fall, she also stepped into the role of Kitchen Manager following the sudden loss of longtime manager Lois Frank. Her compassionate leadership helped the kitchen team heal while continuing to grow and improve the child nutrition program in Lois’s memory.
“Having Becky take over kind of meant that Lois wasn’t leaving in a way,” said Maintenance and Grounds Specialist Joe Stanley. “She’s been here during the lowest lows—and she’s often the reason for the highest highs.”
The surprise assembly featured heartfelt speeches and a touching tribute video filled with reflections on Becky’s incredible impact—how she supports new staff like family, brings out the best in those around her, and consistently goes above and beyond for students.
“She’s Wonder Woman. She can do anything,” said School Board Vice Chair Annie Robbins.
One staff member noticed a second grader in tears during the ceremony. When asked what was wrong, the student replied, “I’m just so happy for Ms. Becky.”
Becky is known not only for her leadership and work ethic, but for her selflessness, humor, and unwavering care for every student. Whether she’s mentoring struggling learners, covering recess, welcoming new staff, or serving as treasurer for the Hood Canal Education Foundation, she does it all with humility and heart.
“She is one of those people who takes what we've got and turns it into gold,” said Stanley. “It shows in the way kids light up when they see her. Even graduates come back to say, ‘If you weren’t here, I wouldn’t be here.’”
Becky Purvis now joins an elite group of honorees recognized for their extraordinary commitment to service, equity, and student success—individuals who have helped transform schools and communities across Washington State. At Hood Canal, she is not just an employee. She’s family.
Watch the heartwarming video about Becky shown at the ceremony here:
