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Two Saint Paul high schools honored as Cognia ‘Schools of Distinction’; librarian and staff recognized
Summary
The board and Cognia representatives recognized Central High School and Washington Technology High School as Schools of Distinction; the meeting also honored Rebecca Orrenston as Minnesota's School Media Innovator of the Year and memorialized Scott Rota, Assistant Director of Operations and Maintenance.
Cognia representatives Michael Noss and Betsy Diehl presented Schools of Distinction awards to Central High School and Washington Technology High School in recognition of sustained improvement and notable practices. Central was singled out for a culture of fairness and data‑informed decision making; Washington was recognized for real‑world learning partnerships, strong leadership for continuous improvement and emphasis on student well‑being.
Principals Charice Ayres (Central) and Elias Auguste (Washington) accepted the honors and described their staffs’ and families’ contributions to school culture.
The board also recognized Rebecca Orrenston, Library Media Specialist at Obama Middle School, as the Minnesota Library Association’s School Media Innovator of the Year for her work building makerspaces and expanding access to technology; Dawn French introduced her. Interim Director of Facilities Kathy Wallace announced a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award for Scott Rota, Assistant Director of Operations and Maintenance, and his wife Tracy Rota spoke briefly; the board offered appreciation.
