Longtime College Place Public Schools employees and community volunteers Pam Deccio and Dan See were honored tonight with a Community Leadership Award at the annual South East Washington Association School Administrators (SEWASA) Honorary Awards Ceremony Banquet in Richland.  Both Ms. Deccio and Mr. See are steadfast servants in both the College Place community and College Place Public Schools.  Neither recipient was especially keen on receiving an award for something they do for the good of the schools.  “It was really difficult to get such humble community servants to accept well-deserved recognition.  I didn’t think I would even get them in the car to go to the banquet,” Superintendent Jim Fry quipped.


Dan See, a retired teacher, coach and administrator in both Touchet and College Place Public Schools, served as the Treasurer for the Citizens for College Place Schools levy campaign this year that was passed with nearly 60% support from the community.  Additionally, Mr. See serves as the Treasurer for the CPHS Boosters Club supporting student activities across all campuses in the district and helps out in many other roles as well.


“From the first day I set foot in College Place, people said 'Dan See this Dan See that.'  I didn’t know who he was except that he had to be something special.  Soon after meeting him I realized what a special person he was.  He has the heart of a servant and a work ethic to which no one can hold a candle.  He is a tremendous asset to the entire College Place community,” said Superintendent Fry.


Pam Deccio, a thirty-year para educator and custodian for the district and so much more, was awarded as well.  Pam participates in every school board meeting, including work sessions, and is always concerned with the welfare of others above herself.  Ms. Deccio, like Mr. See, was instrumental in the work for the successful CPPS February 2022 levy.  Pam’s home was the hub for all the yard signs and banners that adorned the streets of College Place during the campaign.  Pam worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the levy for the children of College Place. 


“The name Deccio is synonymous with College Place.  Her diligent work to make things better for each individual child and each generation of children is amazing.  This award does not begin to do justice the amount of time, love, and commitment that Pam gives to  our schools and community,” Fry praised.


Annually, South East Washington Association School Administrators holds an awards banquet for the region’s schools to nominate local heroes for a variety of awards. 

##