Two Renton schools won three of the 174 state education awards, which were given to the top 5 percent of improving and excelling Washington schools.

“Education gets slammed in the media,” said the Hazen High School Principal John Kniseley. “It’s good to recognize the schools that are improving.”

This was the first year the Washington Achievement Awards have recognized not only the top schools but also schools that have shown significant improvement.

“If someone is improving in one area, we can pat them on the back,” said Randy Dorn, Washington state schools superintendent. “They’ll work harder if they’re honored.”

Hazen, which hosted the state event, took two of the awards, one for graduation rates and another for overall excellence, which included only 20 state high schools.

Lindbergh High School won an award for language arts.

The new assessment tools have allowed the state to be more intentional about the awards.

Schools are now compared based on demographics and overall improvement, Dorn said.

“We recognize there is much more to a school than just a number,” said Connie Fletcher, a member of the Washington state Board of Education.

With districts facing millions in budget cuts, Dorn recognized that districts now have fewer resources than ever before.

At first he thought it would be difficult to encourage educators in this economy, but unlike the business world, which focuses on money, he’s found that they’re more motivated by recognition, he said.

“I’ve seen a lot of positive things,” he said, adding that teachers care most about helping students.

“Without the hard-working teachers, none of us would be here today,” said Alan Burke, deputy superintendent for K-12 education.

The crowd erupted in applause.

“My staff should be on the stage,” said Tres Genger, Lindbergh principal. “They are the ones who should be receiving the award.”

Including staff, Kniseley attributed Hazen’s success to several factors, including a program that groups freshmen so they take at least three classes with the same students.

He also credited Hazen’s awards to stable leadership over the years. He’s only the eighth principal since the school opened about 40 years ago.

At the event, hundreds of school administrators and staff took turns crossing the Hazen auditorium stage to receive their awards.

The awards were presented by both Dorn and the state school board.

“It certainly is good to celebrate success,” said Marcie Maxwell, a state representative who attended the event.