It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of one of our long-time staff members, Diane Holtz.  Diane has been a major foundation of success at Public Academy.  She is our longest serving teacher, having been in our program since fall, 2000, the beginning of FWPA's second year.  She started in the Federal Way School District in November 1991 at Silver Lake Elementary and transferred to Saghalie Jr. High School in 1998 before coming to FWPA.

During most of her time here, Diane had been courageously battling cancer.  Even as she dealt with her illness, Diane stayed dedicated to her job and committed to her students.  She was a true inspiration to everyone who knew her.  Diane has been instrumental in formulating our seventh grade program, planning the 7th grade annual retreats, creating our yearbooks, building and maintaining our computer labs, and making Public Academy a leader in technology and academics.

Key to Diane's accomplishments was her commitment to the success of each student who walked in the school doors.  FWPA is a family, and Mrs. Holtz has been one of our closest and dear members.  We have all benefited because of Diane’s love and commitment to the school and will miss her immensely.

We will provide information about honoring her memory when arrangements have been announced.