Al Young is synonymous with making a positive impact on students in the community. To celebrate his enduring legacy, MOHAI has renamed its Educator of the Year award in his honor to highlight those who embody Al’s spirit in the classroom, in after-school programs, in community spaces, or in cultural organizations.
MOHAI continues its yearly tradition of recognizing an educator who personifies excellence in education and meaningfully addresses challenges in their school or community.
This community nominated award recognizes an educator who:
- Works with youth and students in any education setting, including classrooms, after-school programs, community spaces, or cultural or education organizations.
- Demonstrates excellence in education.
- Meaningfully addresses challenges in their school or community.
2025 Winner - Rising Sons Extended
Rising Sons is an African American Male Achievement (AAMA) Mentorship Program within the Seattle Public School district.
In partnership with local philanthropic organizations, they offer Black-male mentorship and leadership opportunities at select schools in grades 3-5.
Rising Son Extended (RSE) is a one day-a-week affinity group that focuses on the cultural, historical, social, and emotional needs of young Black boys as it relates to their identity. RSE engages, empowers, and encourages these young Kings by creating opportunities within brotherhood-centered cohorts to make conscious, positive identity choices, thus supporting the elevation of their voices in advocacy for their educational justice.
Students in RSE learn how to manage their emotions, channel personal will, develop a positive sense of purpose in their roles in family and community, and develop important networks both in school and out of school to ensure academic achievement and develop life-long leadership skills.
Past Winners
2024 – Parkside Elementary
2023 – Eia Waltzer, Off Book Productions
2022 – Becky Laird, NOVA High School
2021 – Delbert Richardson, Unspoken Truths
2019 – Gerald Donaldson, Leschi Elementary School
2018 – Anna Howell, Meany Middle School
2017 – Clarence Acox, Garfield Jazz Program
2016 – Erin Chen, Seattle World School
2015 – Michael Oliviera, Interlake High School
2014 – James Ewing, Mount View Elementary
2013 – Lauren Blackburn, Cleveland High School
2012 – Patty Shelton, Bellevue School District
2011 – Liza Rickey, Newcastle Elementary School
2010 – Sara Williams, Margaret Lang, and Lisa Stroud, Westwood Elementary School