What does it take to receive a lifetime achievement award from the Burien/White Center Rotary Club?

In the case of Walt Carsten, he's earned four college degrees including a doctorate in school administration, served as assistant superintendent of the Highline School District, Evergreen High principal and Hi-Liners director.

He retired from the Highline district in 1982 and now lives at the Judson Park Retirement Community in Des Moines.

Before going into education, he's was a fireman, worked as a carpenter's helper, built boats, played the piano and sang.

Carsten is also the last original member of the local Rotary Club, where he was elected president in 1968-69. During that term, the local Rotary initiated the Service Above Self award in local schools. The award was designed to honor students who contributed great public service to their school and community but were not necessarily competing for scholarship money.

He is retiring from the Rotary so the Burien/White Center branch is honoring him on Thursday, Sept. 16 at noon. The event is being held at Angelo's Restaurant, 601 S.W. 153rd St. in Burien.

Carsten has always been involved in a myriad of activities.

It was at Washington State University where he earned four degrees, including a doctorate.

He started in Highline as a teacher at Sunnydale Elementary in Burien and served as a principal at all three school levels.