Known by her colleagues as a courageous leader, and someone who brings passion and purpose to the school, Lynch continues to make progress at closing the school’s achievement gap. At Shaw Middle School roughly 77 percent of the student body qualifies for free and reduced rate lunches. And, according to city-data.com, 17.9 percent of residents in Spokane lived below the poverty line in 2007.

In 2006, the middle school was named a Title I Distinguished School for closing the achievement gap in math. Last year, the school received a Title I Improvement Award from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) for improving performance in every student group. In the categories of special education, English Language Learners (ELL), low-income and students of color, Shaw is a leader in the Spokane district.

Lynch attributes her success to the hard work she has done together with parents and teachers. She encourages twice-a-year student-led conferences between students, parents and their teachers. And, Lynch also makes professional development for teachers a priority. Her door is always open to anyone who seeks mentoring or coaching. “I could never do this work alone,” says Lynch.

Lynch was one of six finalists chosen by the state’s 2009 Middle Level Principal of the Year panel, the Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). The categories evaluated in choosing Lynch and Shaw Middle School as the winner were collaborative leadership, personalization, curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

Lynch is making a difference with her continual commitment to excellence. She is dedicated to teamwork together with teachers and parents to ensure every student at Shaw Middle School has a chance for academic success and ample opportunity.