Karen Penewell, the Office Manager at Bellevue’s Robinswood School, is one of 36 people from across the state honored for their hard work and commitment to students.

Penewell received a $1,000 check and a certificate from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson. It is the first year the award was offered to classified staff members.

Classified employees include “paraeducators” as well as security officers, custodians, secretaries, cooks, bus drivers and other individuals.