Inaugural Heroes Banquet honors 45 community heroes

Published 10:00 am Saturday, May 7, 2016

Federal Way Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Tammy Campbell, district staff, and local students paid tribute on April 30 to the citizens and community organizations that “lean in” to support our neighborhood schools.

Through a commitment to student achievement, acts of service, support to children and families, and contributions to the school community, the honorees demonstrated their service to students in countless ways.

Forty-five individuals and organizations were honored for their contributions to schools at the event, which was held at Todd Beamer High School. The principal of every school in the district nominated an individual or organization to be recognized, while the district itself invited seven honorees that impacted Federal Way Public Schools at a system-wide level.

High school students were front and center during the event, serving as emcees and providing the introductions for each school honoree. They were Tyler Lum from Decatur High School, Josh Moran from Todd Beamer High School, Kylie Mader of Federal Way High School and Sandra Ojeaburu and Jesus McCloskey of Thomas Jefferson High School.

The Decatur Jazz Band, under the direction of Jeff Chang, also provided a musical backdrop as guests arrived and mingled. Rainier View Elementary’s Honor Choir performed as well, singing “Who Do We Appreciate” and “Gratitude Attitude” following the intermission.

Campbell provided introductions for each of the district’s honorees. They were:

• Community member Bobby Jennings, who helped envision and plan the United in Greatness Student Rally.

“Bobby, you were my hero in that moment and continue to be,” Campbell said. “Right now he is talking about how he can mentor in our schools, making a difference in the lives of our young people.”

• Tom, Karen and Caroline Vander Ark were honored for their contribution to education for the role they play in supporting the use of technology to innovate and enhance instruction.

• Wild Waves general manager Todd Suchan accepted the award for Wild Waves and owner Jeff Stock. Wild Waves has made significant donations, including $10,000 toward the United in Greatness Student Rally and $10,000 toward the district’s upcoming summer camps that will provide STEM experiences for district elementary students.

Campbell noted that Wild Waves provides hundreds of jobs to students in the district. In a district that has a significant level of poverty, the jobs are paying big dividends to local students.

“Wild Waves is paying it forward every day for our schools,” Campbell said.

• Gary Robertson was honored for his ongoing advocacy for the district.

“He seeks to be transparent, devoted, and humble in his service to schools,” Campbell said.

• Monna Lux and Robert Thomson accepted an award on behalf of the Rotary Club, which provides many scholarships for graduating students.

• Dennis Hulse accepted on behalf of the Kiwanis Club of Federal Way for their continued partnership with the district over the years. Kiwanis Club has run the concessions stand at Memorial Field since 1971, donating 50 percent of their proceeds to the district to support the activities fund, as well as providing scholarships for seniors, dictionaries for all third graders in the district, and sponsoring Terrific Kids, which honors students that are progressing well in school.

• Federal Way Police Chief Andy Hwang accepted the award on behalf of the Federal Way Police Department, which provides ongoing support in keeping students and staff safe.