Excellence Elevated

The second annual WASC Conference: Excellence Elevated took place on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, high above the Pacific in the Farallon Room at Skyline College in San Bruno, California. With sunlight glinting off the sea and coastal breezes lifting the morning air, the setting perfectly mirrored the spirit of the event—energizing, reflective, and full of promise. More than 200 educators gathered for a day devoted to reimagination, collaboration, and shared purpose. Fifteen distinguished speakers took the stage, tracing WASC’s legacy while envisioning its innovative future. The conference also paused to honor individuals whose volunteer service continues to strengthen the WASC mission and the schools it serves.

Guests entered a room bathed in ocean light and coastal elegance. Tables dressed in crisp linens with WASC blue accents and gold-plated centerpieces filled with chocolate set a welcoming tone. Each attendee received a WASC-themed gift bag and a beautifully designed brochure created by Meaghan Armstrong (Director, Public Relations). Throughout the day, raffle drawings of Connecting the Dots by Dr. Groves and Dr. George added moments of joy and connection.

From Northern to Southern California, participants represented every corner of education—adult, charter, private, and comprehensive schools. The WASC leadership team, including Dr. Barry Groves (President and CEO), Dr. Marilyn George, JoAnne Cacicedo, Nadine Elwood, Dr. Malia Pulido-Dahal, Dr. Jonathan Schild, Brigitte Sarraf, Rosalina Abello, Kristina Frey, and Kelly Munroe, welcomed attendees with gratitude and enthusiasm.

The day opened with San Bruno Chief of Police Matt Lethin, whose heartfelt remarks on service and perseverance set a tone of authenticity and connection. Dr. Linda Norman, WASC Commissioner Chairperson and Superintendent of Schools for the Diocese of Santa Rosa, shared insights on the commissioner’s role in the annual review process.

Dr. Barry Groves followed with an address celebrating progress and possibility, emphasizing adaptability, innovation, and gratitude.

Presentations by Dr. Malia Pulido-Dahal and Dr. Joel Rabin introduced a groundbreaking data-analysis model designed to simplify information gathering for schools.

Dr. Mohammad Warrad, Kelly Briggs, Dr. Odie Douglas, Honey Gubuan, and Mark Godi each offered compelling perspectives on growth, technology, and student success.

Dr. Marilyn George then led a dynamic panel with Kelly Briggs, Steve Graybehl, Mark Godi, Honey Gubuan, Dr. Kathryn Stewart, and Dr. Warrad, highlighting innovation and resilience across schools.

Later sessions featured Jenell Sherman and Shannon Breckenridge on flex-based learning, Dr. Stewart on neurodiversity, and Steve Graybehl on mentorship and continuous improvement.

As afternoon light turned silver over the ocean bluff, attendees were honored for representing more than 5,000 visits and 101,000 volunteer hours dedicated to WASC’s mission.

Dr. Barry Groves closed the day with gratitude and vision, his words carried by the ocean breeze—reminding all that the pursuit of excellence, like the sea itself, is ever-moving and endlessly renewing.

We are grateful to our sponsors for this event:  ACIS, Inform 2 Inspire, and SEAL.

Until next year in Southern California—where the tide of inspiration rises once more.