By Neva-Nataia L. and Sophia S., Puma Press Reporters

UPrep Athletic Director Rebecca Moe has won the esteemed state-level Award of Merit from the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA). This award recognizes commitment and leadership within athletic directing and is the high­est award to be received in the interscholastic athletics field. In addition, she will receive the Bruce D. Whitehead Distinguished Service Award in December. This second piece of hardware is even larger than the prior award, recognizing her out of just 10 people chosen on a nation­al level for her outstanding service and accomplishments as an athletic director.

With the 2023–2024 school year coming to a close, every person had one last thing to do at the closing ceremony before leaving the year behind: give Moe (her nickname) a standing ovation. At the announcement of her accom­plishment, students, teachers and staff rose to their feet, clapping loudly to commend Moe.

Kayla Robertson, the PE department chair, admires Moe for her ability to form meaningful bonds.

“She connects. I think that’s one of her strengths is that she connects with her staff, but also with the kids,” Kayla said. “She’s at the games, and she’s influential, not just in our little school, but statewide and nationwide.”

Kayla has worked closely with Moe for the past 12 years.

“I can still remember my interview with Ms. Moe,” Kayla said. “I was like, whoa, I want to work with this woman, she’s a rock star and has the energy and seems super supportive.”

Upon talking about her awards, Moe proudly smiled.

“It reflects the work I’m doing … and it means I’m doing the right work,” Moe said.

In her 26 years of work at UPrep, she dedicates a part of her success to the school program.

“I think it reflects on University Prep,” Moe said. “People know who UPrep is, and they know we run a good show.”

Moe’s success stems from the values she holds herself to at work.

“I’m consistent, I’m committed, and I’m loyal.” Moe said. “I am making a difference, and this is really valuable.”

In reflection of her career at UPrep, Moe made many heartfelt memories.

“We’ve had our tough times, but we’ve also had some really great times. When people are here, they get it, they understand they’re part of something special. At the end of the day, it remains constant that we’re just Pumas,” she remarked.

Senior Bethania B. has participated on the volley­ball, basketball, and track teams.

“Moe has been the glue to the sports department.” Bethania said.

Bethania noted that although Moe is an athletic director, she does so many other jobs.

“I think she makes sure everyone’s on track, making sure everyone is included in the sport and making sure everyone has a space in the UPrep athletic community,” said Bethania.

Junior August R. has participated on the soccer and tennis teams.

“If I’m playing in a soccer game and I see Ms. Moe on the sideline, I definitely feel that support, and I think it helps me on the field,” August said.

August believes Moe’s awards are well-earned. “She deserves all the praise that she can get for her work.” August said.

 

A Q&A WITH THE PUMA PRESS REPORTERS NEVA-NATAIA L., 11TH grade, AND SOPHIA S., 12TH GRADE

How did you come up with this story idea?

Sophia: Everyone loves Moe. I felt like she is under-appreciated. Last year, Moe got this huge award and I thought we should do a story on her winning this award. While we doing the initial interview, Kayla told us Moe was getting an even bigger award this fall.

What surprised you while working on this article?

Neva-Nataia: I’m not involved at sports at UPrep. (I’m a dancer.) I didn’t know the impact she had among students and how beloved she was. I also realized she got this big award while working at this small school in North Seattle.

Sophia: The fact that she got the second, even-bigger award that was the biggest surprise.

What did you learn while working on this piece?

Neva-Nataia: I learned about Moe’s dedication to the school. She’s loyal and passionate about UPrep. I’m learning about outreach and storytelling, and that journalistic writing is different than writing for English class. You have to know how to use your words. You have to learn to get important information, be concise, have an eye for the aspects of the story that are important and figure out what words will encapsulate the story.

Sophia: I’ve never done journalism before. This was a huge learning process. I learned how to create graphics, titles, and subtitles. I learned how to write in a new form, which helps you become a better writer overall, from writing an email to writing an essay. It helps you become a more concise writer with an eye to interviewing to uncover what is going to be important to the reader.

To read more about Moe and more articles from The Puma Press, click here.