Lake Chelan educator and Manson school cook honored as regional award winners

WENATCHEE — Two North Central Washington school employees have been recognized with top regional honors by the North Central Educational Service District.

Madonna Carlton, a LifeSkills teacher with the Lake Chelan School District, has been named the 2026 North Central Regional Teacher of the Year. Robin Hanson, head cook at Manson Secondary School, was named the 2025 North Central Regional Classified School Employee of the Year.

Both honorees are now eligible for state-level recognition through the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. State winners will be announced in September.

Carlton, who teaches at Morgen Owings Elementary School, was selected for her advocacy on behalf of students with moderate to severe disabilities. She has spent 20 years in special education and has worked to expand services in the rural communities she serves.

“The students are thriving under Madonna’s thoughtful, inclusive, individualized, and joyful program,” her nominator wrote.

One recent initiative involved a multi-week swimming and water safety unit for students with disabilities, including those with Autism. Carlton partnered with an ADA-accessible pool, a volunteer lifeguard and an occupational therapist to teach students basic water safety skills and provide aquatic therapy.

“I love the challenge of creating and adapting lessons to meet the unique learning needs of my students,” Carlton said. “Teaching in this small rural community has led me to believe that when education is approached collaboratively, all individuals can be contributing members of their community.”

Carlton works closely with external partners including the University of Washington Autism Center, the MASH program, and local and state agencies. She advocates for improved access to special education services and increased funding for rural districts.

“I am passionately dedicated to advocating for children with complex needs,” she said. “Inequitable access to resources makes public education in smaller, more rural districts very challenging.”

Hanson was honored for her leadership in student nutrition and wellness. She has served as head cook at Manson Secondary School for 11 years and is known for scratch-cooked meals, the introduction of a robust salad bar, and efforts to promote student health.

“Robin brings creativity and passion to her role, crafting meals that are not only nutritious but appealing to students,” her nominator wrote.

She began her work in education as a parent volunteer, later taking on roles such as booster club bookkeeper, scorekeeper and event chaperone. When the head cook position opened, teachers and administrators encouraged her to apply.

“In the school kitchen, we stretch our budgetary dollars by using commodities in creative ways with fresh ingredients and scratch cooking,” Hanson said. “But what happens outside of school is just as important.”

Hanson led Manson’s participation in the “Fuel Up to Play 60” initiative, helping secure two $1,500 grants to support physical education and salad bar improvements. She also helped organize a school-wide health assembly featuring Blitz, the Seattle Seahawks mascot.

“Robin fosters a positive cafeteria environment where students feel welcomed and encouraged to make healthy food choices,” her nominator said. “She promotes a culture of collaboration, efficiency, and care.”

The state Teacher of the Year program has recognized outstanding educators annually since 1963. The Classified School Employee of the Year award was added in 2010. Regional honorees are selected by local committees and considered for statewide honors by a selection panel that includes educators, families, and education stakeholders.

For more information on the awards and nomination process, visit the OSPI website at k12.wa.us.

The North Central Educational Service District supports 29 public school districts across Chelan, Douglas, Grant and Okanogan counties. Learn more at ncesd.org.