Honoring Inspirations

Eatonville High School gives Award of Distinction to distinguished alums

By Rick Stedman

In South Hall at Eatonville High School, class photos adorn
the walls, honoring the students who have attended the
school since its cornerstone was laid in 1915. In North Hall,
the Award of Distinction exhibit honors graduates who have
gone on to great achievements.

This year, EHS gave the Award of Distinction to Paulette
Gilliardi, Jessica Erickson Kerr, and the nine graduates who
gave their lives in World War II.

In 2010, the Award of Distinction was created under the
guidance of biology teacher Jim Clague. It spotlights EHS
graduates who have gone on to make achievements in areas
of business, academia, service, the arts and philanthropy.

Award criteria includes the honorees’ degree of
professionalism, academia, humanitarianism, philanthropy
and personal service. To receive this award, an applicant
must demonstrate that their accomplishments are well
beyond what would be normally expected and serve the
common good in a fashion that is deserving of recognition.

“It is to honor those individuals for their achievement,
but also to inspire current students in their quest for
success,” says Rich Williams, chair of the committee that
evaluates applications and gives the award. “It is the intent
of the award to honor and celebrate those graduates who
serve as powerful role models to us all, and—as such—they
provide a beacon to guide the aspirations of our current and
future student population.”

Paulette Gilliardi, Class of 1962

Paulette Gilliardi’s dedication to the Eatonville
community—particularly its youth—in a career that
included 25 years on the school board has helped shape
local education.

She entered the world of education when she served as a PTA member while her children were in school. The commitment grew into leadership roles, including the PTA presidency. Her focus included supporting students struggling with math and reading.

Paulette is currently the school board’s chairperson. She’s also been a part of many school district committees, working on bond and levy campaigns, as well as facility design and curriculum approval.

Outside of the classroom, Paulette was also involved with sports. She was a scorekeeper for 20 years, a certified volleyball official and supported cheerleading activities.

You also may have seen her at the Daffodil Festival, where she served as Queen Mother and logged more than 1,200 miles as she escorted the queen to functions.

Jessica Erickson Kerr, Class of 2008

Jessica Erickson Kerr was a high-achieving student who
now works as an attorney and teaches at the University
of Washington School of Law.

After graduating from EHS with a 4.0 GPA, she
attended University of Puget Sound and double
majored in communications studies as well as politics
and government. She went to law school at the
University of Washington, graduating first in her class.
Jessica began her legal career as a law clerk for
the Washington Supreme Court, before becoming a
principal attorney at a Seattle law firm. She was named
a “Rising Star” by Washington Super Lawyers.
She also volunteers with many legal organizations,
and mentors students.