Bethel Pride - Bethel School District

Class of ‘03
INSIDE: Teacher of the Year, page 5
Retiring staff, page 9
Groundbreaking, page 11
Pages 6-8
Bethel
Pride
Grads celebrate,
www.bethelsd.org
June 2003
look to future
After 13 years of homework, tests and school
lunches, nearly 1,000 students graduated this month from
the district’s three high schools. Bethel High and Challenger ceremonies were June 11 at the Tacoma Dome
and Pacific Lutheran University, respectively. Spanaway
Lake High students graduated June 14 at PLU.
The class of 2003 earned scholarships totaling more
than $4 million. It had 125 winners of the President’s
Award for Educational Excellence. And it had nine valedictorians, all who graduated with a 4.0 grade point average.
Graduates were known for their excellence in athletics, arts and community service. BHS’s Johnny
DuRocher was widely regarded as one of the nation’s
best high school quarterbacks. Five SLHS students made
the highly selective All-Northwest Choir. And countless
students dedicated thousands of hours in community
service.
Graduation was an opportunity for reflection, appreciation and celebration. Challenger’s ceremony focused on the personal connection between students and
teachers. Many expressed gratitude to the staff.
“It was clear that the staff really put a lot of heart
into the ceremony,” said class speaker Michelle
Beckstrom. “They cherish every student.”
The crowd at BHS graduation nearly filled the
Tacoma Dome. Students filed in to the sounds of “Pomp
and Circumstance.”
“The best moment was walking up there to get the
diploma,” said valedictorian Mike Hondel. “I felt like I
had finished years of hard work and earned some time
to relax before the next step.”
Several members of the school’s graduating class
of 1953 attended the ceremony. Don Goddard and Dale
Tibbitts celebrated not only their 50th high school reunion, but the graduation of their grandchildren, Nicholas Smith and Katherine Balerud.
At the SLHS graduation, Principal Greg Eisnaugle
used the theme of “pictures” in his address. He told the
graduates they had left the school with visions of themselves as intelligent, thoughtful students. He said they
should picture themselves having a successful future.
“A basketball player visualizes the ball going in the
hoop almost simultaneously as he or she shoots,”
Eisnaugle said. “In life, it is your responsibility to create the picture in your mind of what success looks like.
Focus. The picture inspires you to move in that direction.”
Class president Asiha Grigsby challenged SLHS
graduates.
“Don’t be satisfied with the pleasures of today,” she
said. “You have so much more to give and even more to
gain. Press on towards higher goals. We have been
equipped with the tools we need. This is only the gateway to our new beginning!”
Three heads are better than one
Pioneer Valley students Kelian Schuman, Cameron Lieburn-Diaz and Eric Davis put their heads together over
a question in the recent Battle of the Books competition (not pictured: teammate Brett Koch). Librarian Martha
Miller was the team’s adviser. North Star Elementary won the championship.
District faces $4.9 million budget cut
The Legislature approved a 2003-05 budget earlier
this month that cuts K-12 education spending across the
state by $450 million. The cuts include funds to reduce
class size and boost teacher salaries. The “no new taxes”
budget relied largely on reductions in education and
human services to fill a projected $2.6 billion deficit.
Accordingly, the district plans to slice $4.9 million
from next year’s budget. Seventy percent of district funds
come from the state.
Superintendent Tom Seigel said the district had
planned for bad news from Olympia.
“We based our discussion of next year’s budget on
a worst-case scenario,” said Seigel. “It’s a good thing
we did because that’s what happened.”
Seigel said the district had worked closely with
school staff, parents and community members to cut the
budget without hurting student learning. The cuts include
six central administrative positions as well as savings
attained by attrition. Several retiring employees will not
be replaced.
“Sadly class size will increase,” said Seigel. “It’s
the only way we can balance the budget.”
District officials estimate that a class size increase
of 1.6 students per class will save the district nearly $2.7
million. That’s more than half of the savings needed to
balance the budget.
The state budget cuts frustrated some parents.
“Three years ago voters overwhelmingly supported
two ballot measures to reduce class size and pay teachSee Budget, page 4
Legislature approves $500,000 in state
construction funds for Art Crate Field
Say hello to a new athletic field at Art Crate Stadium. Thanks to $500,000 in the capital budget approved
by the Legislature this month, the grass field next to
Bethel High will become a state-of-the-art artificial surface next year.
The state money will match $500,000 that Pierce
County provided for the project earlier this year. County
funds come from the real estate excise tax (REET). Community supporters have donated more than $50,000. That
adds up to a grand total of $1,050,000.
Superintendent Seigel praised elected officials for
their efforts.
In the state Senate, Marilyn Rasmussen was instrumental in securing the funding. In the House, Rep.Tom
Campbell worked hard to pass the legislation. Rep. Roger
Bush also supported the measure. Earlier in the year,
Pierce County Councilmember Kevin Wimsett helped
the district come up with county funding.
“It’s really been a team effort,” said Seigel.
Seigel said work to replace the turf would likely be
done in the summer of 2004. The artificial surface will
allow the district to increase the number of activities on
the field. It will also provide a venue for playoff games.
The new field will be open to the entire community.
Replacing the grass field is the second step to upgrade the facility. The first step was replacement of the
visitors’ bleachers, which were destroyed by arson in
2001. The running track was also paved.
Step three is to improve the concessions stand and
Bethel School District No. 403
516 East 176th Street
Spanaway, WA 98387-8399
Kapowsin community members Heather Bateman,
Marv Bateman, Louise Harpel and Tonya (Harpel)
Black look for familiar names and photos in old
yearbooks at the school’s open house June 9. The
school, built in 1948, will be torn down this month.
The new school opens in September.
See Field, page 10
Non-profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 56
Spanaway, WA 98387
(253) 539-6000 / www.bethelsd.org
ECRWSS
Bethel School District Resident
2
Bethel Pride
Shout Outs
Cathy Wheeler is a teacher here at Challenger High School who has single-handedly
raised about $2,500 for scholarships for Challenger students. She did this by crocheting afghans and selling them to staff, students, and parents throughout the district.
Proceeds go to “Friends of Challenger,” part of the BEST scholarship program. We
greatly appreciate Cathy’s efforts!
Dulcie Joy, Challenger
Thank you Dennis Norton of Northwest Pizza. I work with students with special
needs at Centennial. We took 10 students and several eager parents and staff on a tour
of Dennis’ little pizza place. The students got to make one small pizza each – for free!
They put toppings of their choice on the pizza, set it in the hot oven, and – voila! – a
delicious pizza made all by themselves. The kids (and adults) had a fantastic time.
Katie Heermann, Centennial
Susan Dunaway at BHS every year organizes the Business and Marketing Education.
Luncheon and Awards ceremony that honors our FBLA and DECA officers as
well as our outstanding business and marketing students of the month. She has done
an excellent job. I have heard many positive comments about the luncheon from students. Thank you, Susan.
Lynda Schlosser, BHS
I want to send a shout-out to Vicki Nyborg and Harriet Maines at Cedarcrest. Thank
you for all the work you do behind the scenes. Your work does get noticed.
Lynda Parker, Cedarcrest
Tom Seigel and Ann Varkados helped with food donations to provide dinner to the
children of the adult GED students at the Spanaway Learning Center. A big heartfelt
thanks to both of them!
Sue Einert, Spanaway Learning Center
I’d like to say thanks to all of those who showed kindness to me when they learned of
my job cut. Many people have really touched me. The outpouring of support has been
amazing. I’m grateful.
Sheri Meigs, ESC
I have taken over a long-term position at Roy Elementary for Sandy Coulter, who is
on maternity leave. I was once a student at Roy, and many of the teachers who taught
me are still here. I’d like to thank them for first preparing me on my journey to become a teacher and then helping me through this transition into teaching. All the staff
members are absolutely amazing. They need to be recognized for their greatness.
Rachael Barger, Roy
Thanks go to Ed Burmester, athletic director at SLHS, and Debbie Ferderer, athletic secretary, for all of the help they give coaches during and in between seasons. Ed
and Debbie are always there to lend a helping hand. They make it possible for coaching staff to focus on coaching rather than worry about administrative tasks. They are
great assets to the district and, particularly, our school.
Shirley Baker, SLHS
Thank you, Frontier Jr. High teachers of foreign languages. In three years, we went
from having no program to having more requests that we can provide for! That’s
thanks to three GREAT teachers: Markay Kerr, Pat Flynn, and Scott Stirts!
Tom Mitchell, Frontier Jr. High
I’d like to thank David Cook, librarian at Naches Trail, for dedicating so much time,
energy and passion to helping kids at our school read. David has spearheaded “Reading is Fundamental,” a program to provide students with books. He has used grants,
PTA funds and personal money on the program. RIF is done three times a year so
every child attending Naches Trail has books to own. Over the course of the years, 2030,000 books have been given away. Good job, David!
Sheila Koyama, Naches Trail
I’d like to thank Beth Mercer and all the other great teachers at SLHS. Many of the
teachers at the school took their time, cared about us, and did their best to help us
succeed. Mrs. Mercer, for example, stayed after school to tutor students in any subject
we needed. She wanted to make sure we graduated with a well-rounded education.
Keith Guerrette, Spanaway Lake High (’03)
I’d like to thank all the teachers at BHS, particularly Joe Ball, Dianna Main and Jim
Sawatzki. These teachers never stop teaching – whether it’s before school, after school,
or during their planning period. They inspire us to work hard because they really want
us to succeed. They are more than just teachers. They are mentors.
Remy Castro, Bethel High (’03)
June 2003
An Inside Look
Grad’s learning disability
doesn’t stop his success
By Mark Wenzel, Communications Director
Dean Pepitone is one of more than
400 seniors who just graduated from
Bethel High.
Dean is not your typical student. He
was first diagnosed as having a chemical
imbalance at age 4. Since then, he’s been
diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Asperger’s
disorder.
Asperger’s is a mild variant of autism. It’s usually characterized by high
academic ability, but poor social skills.
People who suffer from the condition often experience sensory overload and can
easily feel overwhelmed.
In 1993, when Dean’s family moved
to Washington from Oregon, his mother,
Dawna, came up first to check out
schools. She contacted Peggy Rich, a special education teacher at Rocky Ridge.
Dawna was so impressed with what she
saw that she decided the family had to
live in the district.
That was the beginning of a bumpy
10-year ride that took Dean to Rocky
Ridge, Frontier, Cedarcrest, Connections
(a self-contained behavior program) and
BHS. The ride included numerous suspensions, time in the classroom corner,
visits to the principal’s office, psychiatric evaluations – you get the picture.
“Dean was a big challenge for everyone who worked with him,” said Rich.
“He was pretty much out of control and
behind academically. But we saw his potential. He needed someone to believe in
him, and we tried to show him that we
did.”
Things were similar at Frontier. Dean
became a regular in then Assistant Principal Tom Mitchell’s office.
“I was in Mr. Mitchell’s office twice
a week,” said Dean. “We’d have a talk,
and he’d tell me how I could resolve
things without anger.”
Mitchell eventually earned Dean’s
respect by being a good listener and treating him with respect.
Others along the way played an important role in Dean’s development:
Nancy McKeeman and Karen Maguire
at Cedarcrest, Tracy and Chris Nelson in
the Connections program, Sonja
Hemmerling and Carl Peterson at BHS.
These teachers and specialists helped
Dean gain confidence by setting reasonable goals for him to achieve. They identified interests. They created specialized
activities to help him grow. When he had
a meltdown, they would take him for a
walk or find other activities to help him
regain focus.
Dean’s parents also played a huge
role in his success. His father, a trucker,
made special arrangements to allow his
son to join him at work for several hours
BHS grad Dean Peppitone shares a
moment with Assistant Principal Carl
Peterson. Peppitone, who suffers from
ADHD and Asperger’s disease, encourages similar students not to give up.
a day when Dean was in junior high.
Dawna collaborated constantly with
school district staff to find ways to make
Dean’s education work. She also took him
out of class now and then – just to give
his teachers a break.
“It’s a team effort all the way,” she
said. “Bethel School District has been extremely supportive. There’s never been a
dead end. They’ve never stopped believing in him.”
Of course, a lot of credit goes to
Dean himself. It would have been easy
to give up on school during one of the
rough patches. But he pressed on.
His junior year, Dean transitioned –
one class at a time – to BHS. The first
semester of his senior year, he pulled
down a 3.1 grade point average. One of
his academic highlights was getting a B+
in Kris Bohnert’s biology class. A social
highlight was going to this year’s senior
ball.
Dean’s uncertain about the future. He
likes science and would eventually like
to go to college. But money is tight, so
he may have to work first.
Looking back at the last 10 years,
Dean seems thankful that the people who
mattered believed in him.
“When I was young, people tried to
convince my mom to place me in a specialized institute,” he said. “But she
didn’t. She stood by me.”
His mom’s response is simple, but
poignant.
“He’s not a throwaway kid,” she
said.
Indeed, he isn’t.
A team effort and Dean’s own perseverance helped him overcome obstacles
and move on to the next stage in life.
When you think about it, that’s what
good education is all about.
Bethel Pride
Bethel Pride accepts
signed shout outs
from both staff and
community. Deadline for next issue is
Aug. 8th.
Bethel Pride is produced by the Bethel School District. It is mailed to all addresses in the
district during the school year to promote community/school relations. Please let us know
if you have an item of interest for publication.
Bethel School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all federal rules and regulations
includingTitle IX/RCW 28A.640 and Sec. 504. Bethel does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national
origin, sex or handicap including student participation in educational programs and extracurricular activities. Contact
Laurie Barckley, 539-6009 about Title IX or Ben Runyun, 539-6078, about Sec. 504 compliance procedures.
Mark Wenzel, communications director
editor/photographer
[email protected]
253-539-6859
Steve Brown, Tom Fitzpatrick,
Irene Hicks, and Dodie Raden
3
Bethel Pride
June 2003
News Briefs
SLHS senior Christina Dodson was named a Washington scholar. Three students are
selected from each of the state’s 49 legislative districts. Students receive a full-tuition
scholarship at an in-state university. Criteria are high grades, activities, and community service. Dodson had a 4.0, participated in drama, FCCLA and other clubs. She
plans to attend the University of Washington to study psychology.
North Star won the first Battle of the Books competition. The contest involved six
south-end elementary schools. Team members had to answer questions about books
from a list of 20 titles. The North Star team included Chelsee Britt, Jordan Bush,
Charlene Duggins and Sadie Marshall. Their adviser is librarian Beth Gould.
Seven SLHS students from Family, Career, Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)
qualified to represent the state of Washington in parliamentary procedure at the
organization’s National Leadership Meeting in Philadelphia in July. The students are
Curtis Alexander, Wesley Brockman, Ben Budinger, Louis Goldman, Mary
Najdzin, Jon Stern, and Catherine Tryon. Their adviser is Michelle Hamilton.
Summer fun for kids
Sports
(For more information, call Jim Ball at 539-6582)
Five BHS sophomores placed first or second at the state National History Day competition, qualifying them for the national tournament at the University of Maryland June
14-19. The five are Jillian Greenaway, Rebecca Lopez, David Cate, Aubrey Tapia
and Rachael Hendrickson. Their adviser is Jim Sawatzki.
Four SLHS students qualified for nationals in the Math Science Engineering Achievement (MESA) balsa wood glider competition in Albequerque, New Mexico, June 2729. The four are Carlos Drum, Matt Savageau, Thanh Nguyen and Virginia Klemm.
BHS sophomore Neva Clairmont was selected to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine in Boston July 20-29. The 10-day forum introduces concepts
on public health, medical ethics and research. Her community sponsors include Nancy
LeMay, Alice Vosburgh, Daril Sims, Russel Cunningham, Orting Eagles and the
Rainier Company.
Three major art projects were under way at Kapowsin this spring. Students studied
the works of 13 artists including Picasso, Van Gogh and Grandma Moses. Art specialist Joan Harstad coordinated the schoolwide project. Ceramic tiles to be used in the
new building’s hallways were a community project organized by first grade teacher
Colleen Tumlin. Replication of the murals from the old building was led by former
student Bo Magluyan.
Choral and instrumental ensembles from the district’s junior and senior high schools
participated in Puget Sound Mountain League contests this spring. Performing groups
all received a “superior” rating. Directors include Matt Armstrong, Bernard Crouse,
Jim Craig, Katie Elshire, Scott Fry, Brent Hogenson, Andrea Klouse, Debby
Puskas, John Wetherington, and John Williams.
SLHS’s Music Company spent six days in Hawaii this spring. The group sang at the
Governor’s Memorial Day service and at the USS Arizona. Director Bernard Crouse
said the performance on the USS Arizona was particularly moving, both for the students and the audience. The students paid for the trip by working concessions throughout the year for the Mariners, Seahawks and Huskies. They earned a total of $65,000.
Elementary boys baseball
Jr. high boys baseball
Grades 5-12 boys baseball
K-3 boys baseball
Grades 4-7 boys baseball
K-12 wrestling
Elementary fastpitch
Elementary volleyball
Secondary volleyball
Elementary girls basketball
Secondary girls basketball
More than 1,000 people representing Team Bethel participated in the April 26 March
of Dimes WalkAmerica. They raised $35,000 to fight birth defects. School Board
president Ken Blair accompanied the team, walking the entire distance in a suit of
armor.
The district Web site was one of six in the state to win an “award of excellence” from
the Washington Schools Public Relations Association this spring. A three-member
panel of PR professionals said the Web site was well designed, had good content and
was easy to use. Other award winners were writers Irene Hicks and Mark Wenzel,
and photographers Diane Karl and Wenzel.
Seven BHS students were selected for the competitive Bates Summer Academy. They
are Robert Brim, Sarah Daggett, Daniel DeLaTorre, Rachel Hooper, Aaron
LeBoeuf, Tricia Rittenhouse, and Cassandra Thompson. The students will intern at
local business, earning a $400 stipend. They will also participate in a four-week career
exploration program.
Vivace Treble Choir performed in Central Washington University’s Music
Department’s West Coast premiere performance of “Star Child” May 16 in Benaroya
Hall in Seattle.
Three Elk Plain students won first place in poetry at the Puyallup Spring Fair. They
are: second grader Zachary Zebruck, fourth grader Bryce Park, and fifth grader
Mariah Gonzales.
Naches Trail first grade teacher Erin Anderson used a diversity grant to coordinate a
multicultural fair May 20. More than 100 students shared folk dances and music from
around the world.
Kapowsin was recently the site of a national research project aimed at finding ways to
keep children safe during school hours. Twelve students acted as mock victims and
emergency medical personnel determined which patients needed immediate care. The
project was coordinated by district head nurse Janice Doyle. District nurses Sandra
Boyer and Kandice Lleta and parents Terry Woyak and Linda Moffitt also participated. Kapowsin was one of only three sites in the nation selected for the project.
Cedarcrest Jr. High ninth grader Amber Harvey was selected as a Top Ten finalist in
a contest sponsored by Utah-based Creative Communications, a company devoted to
the promotion of writing, teaching and appreciation of poetry. She won a $50 savings
bond and a free copy of an anthology written by students throughout the US.
Maggie Leger, a first-year seventh grade teacher at Cedarcrest Jr. High, was a finalist for Rookie of the Year awarded by Washington Education Association.
9-11:30 a.m.
noon-2 p.m.
11-1:30
10:30-noon
1-3
9-noon
8:30-11:30
9-11
noon-3
9-11
11:30-3
$25
$25
$40
$30
$35
$60
$25
$40
$40
$20
$25
Other recreation
Horse camp: 4-Star Farm
Horse camp: Pegasus
Jim’s U-Fish
NW Trek
week-long or daily camp
3-week sessions, July & August
fishing, pony rides, train rides, trails
day-long, crafts, family fun
847-0783
847-1487
875-0356
832-7166
Junior golf (ages 5-17)
June 24-Aug. 19; 8-10 & 11-1
Contact Lake Spanaway Golf Course at 531-3660
$10
Fun Fitness Sports camps (grades 7-12)
Pierce County Recreation, 798-4739
$62-77
all summer
Wild Waves Family Trip July 6 & Aug. 2 305-1030
$17
Sprinker Recreation Center: gymnastics, fitness, aerobics, etc. 798-4000
Youth dance camp at Elk Plain
SLHS junior Paul Pogreba placed second in timpani at the state solo and ensemble
contest in Ellensburg last month.
June 30-July 3
June 30-July 3
June 24-June 26
July 8-July 11
July 8-July 11
June 23-June 26
June 30-July 2
June 23-June 26
June 23-June 26
July 7-July 9
July 7-July 9
July 7-11
798-4176
$43
Summer food service
At Spanaway and Thompson elementaries
11:15 a.m., Monday-Friday
New phone numbers effective this August
In an effort to reduce district costs and greatly improve service,
the Bethel School District is changing to a new phone system.
These new numbers become effective after August 4.
District Office
Transportation
Bethel High
Challenger Secondary
Spanaway Lake High
Bethel Jr. High
Cedarcrest Jr. High
Cougar Mountain Jr. High
Fronter Jr. High
Spanaway Jr. High
Camas Prairie Elementary
Centennial
Clover Creek
Elk Plain
Evergreen
Graham
Kapowsin
Naches Trail
North Star
Pioneer Valley
Rocky Ridge
Roy
Shining Mountain
Spanaway
Thompson
683-6000
683-5900
683-7000
683-6800
683-5600
683-7200
683-7500
683-8000
683-8300
683-5400
683-7400
683-7700
683-7800
683-7900
683-8200
683-8500
683-8600
683-8700
683-8800
683-8900
683-5000
683-5100
683-5200
683-5300
683-5800
4
Bethel Pride
Spanaway mom to serve
as state PTA president
For the second time in its history, the
top spot in the state’s PTA will be filled
by a mom from Spanaway. Meg Bushnell
was elected last month to a two-year term
as president of the Washington State Parent Teacher Association (WSPTA). She
follows in the footsteps of another district parent, Barbara Webb, who served
as president
from
19951997.
Bushnell
takes over duties
of the 141,000member organization at a time
when schools
are facing severe
budget
cuts
from
the
state.
Meg Bushnell
“The state
budget cuts hit
programs that help kids,” said Bushnell.
“We’ll have to refocus our efforts to find
ways to fund education, health care and
social services.”
Bushnell became involved in PTA in
1992 at Elk Plain Elementary. She has
since worked with PTA groups at
Cedarcrest Jr. High and SLHS. She has
also played a leading role on several district committees, including the Bethel
Area Council, the district site council and
the boundary committee.
She joined the WSPTA board in 1997
and has served as regional director, program director, finance officer and leadership director.
Bushnell said one of her goals is to
keep parents informed about changes in
education.
“There are so many new rules coming from the state and federal government,” she said. “It’s important for parents to understand how these rules affect
their children.”
Bushnell said getting out information
is important, especially with time-sensitive issues.
“After 9-11, we immediately put resources
on
our
Web
site
(www.wastatepta.org) to help parents discuss the tragedy with their children,” she
said. “Our goal is to support parents in
whatever way we can.”
WSPTA Executive Director Jean
Carpenter said Bushnell is the right person for the high profile job of president.
“Meg has been a leader in our organization for several years,” she said. “Her
greatest strength is that she can empower
others to do great things. She’s a master
at collaboration.”
Bushnell, who has a full-time job as
coordinator of student records at the district office, has three children: Jeremy
(SLHS, ’99), Brittany (SLHS, ’02) and
Cassie (SLHS ’05). Her husband, Dan,
is an electronic technician.
This is Bushnell’s second major
honor this year. She was recently selected
by the Washington Association of School
Administrators (WASA) as the 2003 Region 111 Golden Gavel Award winner for
her statewide efforts to promote public
education.
Test scores move higher,
achievement gap shrinks
Test scores across the district are on
the rise.
Nearly 2,500 third and sixth graders
took this year’s Iowa Test of Basic Skills
(ITBS) in March. When the scores came
in the mail, district educators were
pleased with the results.
“Our test scores are at a historical
high,” said Linda Dugger, director of assessment. “It’s really a tribute to the incredible efforts that school staffs have
made to ensure student achievement.”
Most improvement came in reading
and math.
Third graders came in at the 55th percentile. They scored in the 63rd percentile in math. Sixth graders did well too.
Their reading scores were at the 50th percentile; math came in at the 55th percentile. These scores put district students at
or above average.
The test measures basic academic
skills. It is only given to third and sixth
graders. Most school districts in the state
administer the test.
ITBS is only one of the assessment
tools the district uses to check student
achievement. The Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) is
given in April. It is more of a performance-based test that requires longer,
more in-depth responses than the multiple-choice ITBS.
Results over the past three to four
years show consistent improvement on
the ITBS.
• Since 1999, third grade math scores
are up 13 points.
• Since 1999, third grade reading is
up 13 points.
• Since 2000, sixth grade math is up
7 points.
• Since 2000, sixth grade reading is
up 3 points.
The achievement gap between white
and minority students has narrowed significantly in the last year.
Superintendent Tom Seigel said that
the district is headed in the right direction.
“These results show a cooperative
effort between schools, parents and students. The bottom line is that we’re doing a lot of things right.”
Budget, continued from page 1
ers more,” said Spanaway Jr. High parent Jennifer Barnstien. “Now the Legislature is saying education isn’t a priority.
I can’t believe they didn’t find a way to
support what the voters want.”
The state budget suspends Initiative
732, which guaranteed annual pay raises
to teachers.
Instead, only teachers in their first
seven years in the classroom will receive
anywhere from a 3 percent to a half-percent salary increase. It also cut Initiative
728 funding, which would have provided
the district with an additional $212,000
to reduce class size.
The superintendent has made the
budget recommendations to the school
board. The board will vote this summer
on a final budget. The district’s budget
this year was $119 million.
June 2003
Ninth Grade Awards
Cedarcrest Jr. High President’s Award
for Academic Excellence
Benjamin Bailey, Floyd Beaman, Jessica Cabanillas, Kaitie Caramandi, Katie Egan, Jason Epperly,
Victoria Faircloth, Jessica Laney, Donovan Lange, Sara Martell, Jessica Payton, Meagan Sinclair,
Cassandra County, Amanda Green, Georgina Maulupe, Justin Clouser, Sarah Dreyer, Jonathan
Graciano, Brian McKenzie, Nicole Emery, Misti Miller, Alexandra Spencer, Alexis Whitney,
Michael Bruins, Shane Johnson, Ryan Cross, Joseph Crowder, Matthew Dutton, Courtney McGrue,
Latosha Robb, Michelle Howard, Erika Coit, Katrina Larsen, Marcela Sanchez, Kaylee Copeland,
Stephanie Gross, Victor Ortiz, Neil Basconcillo, Jessica Collado, Logotaeao Kennach, Andrew
Caris, Chase Dutcher, Alex Pitsch, Toni Waldres, Roxanne Headley, Breanna Spencer, Lewis
Salers, Shinel Sands
Spanaway Jr. High Honor Roll
Megan Blom, Ashley Braae, James Borgatti, Ana Britcher, Colleen Brown, Monica Chase, Cecilia
Chiera, Ashley Comitale, David Coss, Sean Dodd, Lakeisha Crawford, Jana Ekstrom, Tiffany
Fernanzdez, Trevor Foote, Bryan Forsberg, Heather Hamilton, Somaly Heng, Jessica Hicks, Julia
Hutt, Keithea Jackson, David Johnson, Chelsea Kelly, Lynette Kho, Peter Kang, Ashley Kennedy,
Steven Kent, Amanda King, Derrick Lewis II, Marco Manuel, Jennifer Marescalco, Megan
McGarrah, James McIntosh, O’Brien Mitchell, Dagmara Monfort, Elina Nasibova, Khiem Nguyen,
Loan Nguyen, Marcel Orun, Marlon Perry, Jessica Peterson, Kayla Quinata, Jessica Radomski,
Mark Richards, Desiree Schuman, Ryan Short, Marcus Simmons, Brandy Smith, Season Smith,
Jared Stefani, Lovea Stewart, Julianne Stricherz, Courtney Swan, Alyssa Tanhueco, Shannon
Taylor, Tawnya Tifft, Cody Thompson, Mallory Torgerson, Richard Vonner, Sara Weller, Allison
Wilburn, Doc Williams, Corissa Williamson, Zachary Winburn
Bethel Jr. High Academic Awards
Stephen Bailey, Alyssa Boettger, Rebecca Brasili, T.L. Brewer, Katherine Brayton, Caleb Clapp,
Neisha Dunn, Bryan Funk, Shawn Geary, Lindsay Gelinas, Rejino Guillen, Paul Hunter, Andrea
Iverson, Kim Iverson, Lei Kapaku, Erin Kemp, Stephanie Landis, Jennifer Massey, Lisa McCollum,
Juan Carlos Mendez, Cody Neis, Julie Nordgren, Kelli Skeim, Charles Sloan, Zachary Smith,
Danielle Swindahl, Angela Taft, Lyssa Tolliver, Brent Watson, Brett Williamson
Frontier Jr. High President’s Award for Academic Excellence
Erek Arnold, Erica Baumes, Nichole Best, Caitlin Bronson, Danielle Depersio, Aubrey Ennis,
Lindsey Flatebo, Chantelle Hausmann, Chelsea Herbrand, Kendra Kimball, Travis Laird, Erika
Loftus, Wayne McNeal, Nicole Moore, ValeciamNelson, Spencer Oberg, Kirstin Poch, Ashley
Satter, Kelsie Smith, Kelly Stol, Abbie Thetford, Carissa Ware, Jessica Wilsco, Greg Welch
Institute provides summer training
Even though it’s summer vacation,
many teachers aren’t taking a break. At
least not right away. Nearly 300 teachers
have signed up for the Summer Institute
professional training program June 2527 at Bethel Jr. High.
Summer Institute is a professional
development opportunity for certificated
staff to brush up on the latest research on
how to improve student achievement. The
Institute will offer 27 sessions on topics
like using technology to improve learning, addressing the achievement gap and
working with special needs students.
Experts from within the district – and
throughout the state – will lead the seminars.
The district’s coordinator for professional development, Kathy QuickGunther, said the summer program offers
something for everyone.
“The Summer Institute is designed
to support schools’ strategic plans for improvement,” said Quick-Gunther. “Educators are learners. We do all we can to
help them grow in the skills they need to
help their students achieve. ”
Participation in the summer seminars
fulfills the core training requirement in
the certificated employees’ contract. A
second summer institute is planned for
Aug. 18-22 at Frontier Jr. High.
For more information, call 539-6887
or go to www.bethelsd.org/certProDev
Elk Plain wins Gates grant
Elk Plain School of Choice was one
of 10 schools in the state to receive a grant
from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The three-year $160,000 award was
announced last month.
The Gates Foundation recognizes
schools for their commitment to help students achieve high standards.
“Our work has demonstrated that all
good schools possess similar qualities: a
personalized learning environment, a
shared culture of respect and responsibility and high expectations for all students,”
said Tom Vander Ark, the foundation’s
executive director of education.
“These grants represent our support
of local educational leaders who are committed to creating innovative educational
models that embrace these critical principles.”
Elk Plain was one of only two elementary schools to get the award. Principal Machelle Beilke credited school
staff members, who worked closely together to write the proposal.
The three-year grants will accelerate the school’s efforts to improve teaching and learning and enhance student access to technology.
Elk Plain is a K-6 elementary school
that serves 401 students selected through
a districtwide lottery program. The
school makes an effort to integrate the
arts and sciences in its curriculum. For
more information on the school, call 5384000.
Alumni groups announce summer class reunions
• BHS, Class of 1953, July 12, Frontier
Park. Noon-6 p.m.
• BHS, Class of 1973, Aug. 9, Tacoma
Elks Club. Contact: 848-4073 or 425481-2471.
• BHS, Class of 1983, Aug. 8-10. Contact: www.reunionswithclass.com
• BHS Class of 1993, Nov.1. Contact
above Web site.
• SLHS Class of 1983, Aug. 1-3. Contact above Web site.
Additional reunion information will
be posted on the district Web site. Call
539-6859 to report reunion information.
5
Bethel Pride
June 2003
Sue Johnston makes learning fun
Veteran educator wins honors as district’s teacher of the year
It was “Crazy Day” as the school
year came to an end, and Sue Johnston’s
class dressed for the occasion. Some children wore their shirts inside out, others
wore two different color socks, and one
little girl had her hair done in both a pigtail and a ponytail.
Their teacher followed suit.
Her “crazy” outfit included mandarin orange bib overalls, an orange and
white striped T-shirt, blue Keds and ladybug earrings. It all looked pretty good
with her spiked haircut.
“My friend Erik... he didn’t have no
underwear on today!” reported a first
grader.
Yup, it was a crazy day!
But Bethel’s 2003-2004 Teacher of
the Year took it all in stride, just as she’s
done for the last 35 years.
The North Dakota native came west
after high school to attend Pacific
Lutheran University. She didn’t plan to
become a teacher. Her mom had taught
in a one-room school, and Johnston didn’t
think it was for her.
“I thought I didn’t want to be a
teacher because I knew it was really hard
work,” she said.
But that all changed when she realized how rewarding it is to share.
“I got so excited whenever I learned
something new. I wanted to share!”
She did her student teaching at Clover Creek in the spring of 1968 and was
hired at Elk Plain the following fall. From
there, she taught at Spanaway Elementary, Evergreen, Shining Mountain, and
Centennial.
She has been at Camas Prairie for the
last five years. She also spent one year
working as the district’s literacy subject
specialist.
Johnston is an expert in the art of
teaching.
“To teach kids, you have to use everything you can because all kids are different,” she said. “They come to you from
all different places.”
Literacy – teaching others to read –
has become her passion.
“If you come to kindergarten, and no
one’s ever read to you, you could be thousands of stories behind,” she said.
Children in her multi-age classroom
are kindergarteners and first graders,
ranging in age from 5 to 7. All of them
Songs, laughter and fun are all part of the learning in Sue Johnston’s multi-age class at Camas Prairie. These kindergarteners
and first graders were the most recent students to learn from Johnston, who has been teaching since 1968.
are well on their way to reading.
rang. Seigel would be there.
“I start teaching through songs,”
The superintendent not only read to
Johnston said. “They learn a song then
the children, he said he’d come back
match the words to the melody. They
again another day.
touch the words
At a reception for Johnston at Caand read through
mas Prairie on
the song.”
May 29, Seigel
“Watching students discover they can
Early in her
praised her work.
truly read and write is amazing. Begincareer, Johnston
“Sue’s classning readers use every fiber of their
learned the imporroom is everybeing to get their tongues and teeth
tance of fun in
thing you would
aligned to make sounds. Sometimes my
class.
hope for in good
most difficult task is to convince stu“I decided
education. She has
dents that they truly can read. When
I’m never doing
an amazing pasthey discover they can, their demeanor
this again without
sion for what she
changes. You can almost see the gears
having fun,” she
does, and her stuturn, and then “poof,” the light bulb goes
said. Lessons indents thrive beon!”
Sue Johnston, teacher cause of it. She’s a
clude
music,
rhythm, poetry,
model teacher.”
jokes and riddles.
Johnston also
Her class learned the power of the
has praise for district schools.
written word when they wrote to ask Su“Bethel has been on the cutting edge
perintendent Tom Seigel to read to their
for a long time. We’ve always sought to
class. The next day Johnston’s telephone
improve instruction. We’ve always had
Nominees:
people with vision.”
Although teaching takes a lot of time,
Johnston claims, “it isn’t my whole life.”
“I like being outside!” said the downhill skier, scuba diver, horseback rider,
hiker and bird watcher.
Not surprisingly, she also reads. She
likes biographies and historical fiction.
Another very important part of her
life is her son, Eric Platt, a 1985 graduate
of Bethel High.
Platt graduated from the University
of Washington and is currently a pilot for
Horizon Airlines.
What’s next in this crazy, fun life?
Johnston will go on to compete for
the title of Washington State Teacher of
the Year, attend her son’s wedding this
summer, and head back to the classroom
in the fall.
“I’m going to stay in teaching until
it’s not fun anymore,” she said.
Judging from the laughter in her
classroom, that could be a very long time.
Teachers show passion, talent, warmth in
guiding students to higher levels of learning
Susan Bishop
Camas Prairie
6th Grade
Christine Coleman
Shining Mt.
3rd Grade
Karl Hoseth
SLHS
Social Studies
“Mrs. Bishop is the type
of person who will never
hesitate to lend a
helping hand to a
person in need.”
Jill Wilbur, 6th grader
“She has worn antennas
made of paper clips to
help her detect unnecessary noise.”
Ellen McCracken and
Karen Robbins, teachers
“He has opened my
eyes to the idea that
we have the power to
make a better future.”
Jacquelynn Trueitt,
11th grader
Mary Morley
Graham
Kindergarten
Lynda Parker
Cedarcrest
Communication Arts
Michelle
Scott-Beach
Bethel Jr., Drama
“I am very impressed
with Mary Morley’s
ability to accomodate
my son’s academic and
social needs.”
Christine Cole, parent
“Lynda is always assessing and adjusting
the teaching strategies
she uses with her
students.”
Vickki Nyborg, teacher
“She celebrates
diversity and enjoys
students with unique
gifts and talents.”
Bonnie Westmark,
teacher
6
Bethel Pride
7
Bethel Pride
June 2003
Bethel School District congratulates class of ‘03
Bethel High School:
Aaron Dean Adams, Sabrina Lynn Adkins, Ivy Anne Akers, Heather Ellen Aleckson, Ryan James Alwert, Ashley Elizabeth
Amell, Sarah Marie Amell, Thomas R. Amundsen, Nicole Marie Andreasen, Jeremy J. Andrews, Mark P. Anikusko, Lindsay Marie Anonson, Jennifer Lynn Aszklar,
Maurice R. Atkinson, Vonna Lakeytta Autry, Ashley Sayuri Bachmann, Thomas Milton Baker, Katherine Anne Balerud, Kristi E. Balmer, Jaron Michael Banks, Austin C.
Barlow, Bryant Christopher Barrington, Katherine Elizabeth Batie, Michael Braden Batten, Derek Steven Baumann, Joshua David Bava, Jonathan E. Beals, Annie L.
Beatty, Tammara L. Beer, Jason Michael Behling, Erica Lynn Belieu, Rashid Mimoun Ben Mohamed, Lisa M. Benningfield, Melissa F. Benson, Peter Anthony Bissen,
James Michael Blakely, David Terrell Blakesley, Jr., Justin Bleakley, Jenna L. Bloczynski, Julia Nicole Bonagofsky, Whitney Lynn Bonagofsky, Cyrille Jimenez Bongat,
Kathleen Elizabeth Bonner, Jeffery Dean Borton, Clement J. Bowman, Marie L. Brain, Devon E. Britton, Terry J. Britton, Michael Brandon Brooks, Brittany Marie
Brotherton, Jason Ray Brown, Justin B. Brown, Victoria Marie Bryan, Melissa Catherine Bucholtz, Jacob Stephen Bullock, Angela Elizabeth Burcar, Adam Eugene Burris,
Valerie Marie Burris, Lacey DelRae Bushnell, Shanna Frida Butts, North Austin Cady, Christopher W. Calero, Jared Michael Dean Campbell, Mikael Rae Campbell,
Samantha Rachelle Campeau-Klos, Casey Lee Carlson, Kelli D. Carrano, Kenneth Robert Carroll, Courtney Janet Casey-Tuttle, Remedio Mariana Camacho Castro,
Melissa Michelle Challender, Michael Patrick Ray Cheatham, Ray Otha Cheers, Ju-i Chen, Jesse Robert Chiarolla, Vannesa Pelin Childers, Garrett Michael Christensen,
Stephanie Alexandria Christopherson, Christopher J. Clancy, Alexia Denise Clayborne, Christina Nacole Clemmons, Karri L. Clinton, Paige Kristen Cloke, Brandon Robert Watson Clouse,
Jordan M. Coffman, Derek A. Colonna, Pierre Michael Cortez, Ben E. Craig, Cory T. Croft, Tanya Son Crook, Katrina Michelle Csonka, Nicholas Jonathan Csonka, Tara Lynn Cuda, Cristina M.
Cummings, Jason Robert Cummings, Imelda Melissa Elizabeth Darnell, Russell William Davis, Garrett Patrick Day, Tasha Marie Day, Christina Rose DeJesus, Kira Natasha DeLavern, Lacey
Leona DeLong, Elwood M. Dietsche, Russell J. Dietsche, Richard M. Dinwiddie, Anthony David Doll, Jonathan Martin Donohue, Kate M. Dory, Kimberly Latoya Douglas, Brianna Marie
Downey, Christine Marie Drane, Amanda Nichole Dupuis, Kathleen Elizabeth Durham, John Lawrence DuRocher, Jr., Nicole Marie Dutchak, Lisa De’Nae Dvorak, DeChaun Yu Dyson, William
T. Edwards, Michael E. Ehresman, Tara E. Elli, Emily Daris Ellis, Anthony J. Eschenbaum, David N. Espinosa, Cindy Marie Fadness, Daniel David Fath, Nathan P. Fegley, Jasmine Leialoha
Gladys Fejerang, Michael Alexander Flosi, Jr., Danielle N. Flynn, Jessica Renee’ Foley, Johanna M. Foster, Christopher Lee Frank, Kaitlyn Louise Freitas, Robert Michael Frey, Dennis E. Fuga,
Lamont Depree Funchess, Christopher Thomas Funkhouser, Shanae Leanette Gardinier, Joshua Ryan Gartman, Shawna M. Gates, Elizabeth A. Geisler, Stephan Andrew George, Chelsea Lynne
Gerber, Joshua Jason Gere, Eric L. Gibbs, Haden Andrew Gienger, Jessica Giles, Christopher M. Giskin, Shanna DeLynn Givhan, Tina Ann Goff, Krystal Naomi Gordon, Brian Jay Gornowich,
Alexis L. Gray, Krystal Marie Greene, Erik Anthony Gregory, Amanda Lynn Griffin, Kyle Justin Grimes, Kara Marie Gubany, Karla Luise Gubany, Blaine Aaron Guenther, Brandan Gunderson,
Shana Rae Gunderson, David Lee Guntle, John A. Guthrie, Jesse Gene Gutierrez, Desilee Chauntel Hader, Adam Leon Hallgren, William J. Halse, Dorthy Denise Hamburg, Shawn Patrick
Hansen, Stephanie E. Hansen, Trevor Jay Hanson, Christopher Harris, Nichole Rose Harris, Matthew G. Haverluk, Timothy Jason Hawes, Christina Marie Hawkins, Zachary Lawrence Hawn,
Britney Nicole Haynes, Mychal Rae Hendrickson, Pamela Y. Hensley, Zebb N. Herbrand, Sara Michele Hert, Isaiah Leione Kapepa Hiapo, Kari Elna Hicks, Ethan Samuel Hiden, Sarah Young
Joo, Choi Higgins, Toby Thomas-Charles Hilton, Robert Paul Hippensteal, Tonya Marie Hirn, Alisha Lynn Hitchner, Chelsea Monique Hogge, Leo B T Hogue, Sarah B. Holloway, Michael
Joseph Hondel, Michael Alan Hueneka, Erik W. Hughes, Ashley Kay Hunt, Bandy Cole Hyatt, Ryan A. Hyatt, Michael J. Jakubec, Michelle L. Jakubec, Jessica Michelle Jellison, Steven Michael
Jeremy Jennings,Vanessa Jennings, Benjamin Nathaniel Johnson, Benjamin Nicholas Johnson, Cameron Jerome Johnson, Kyle Gregory Johnson, Melissa Ann Johnson, Philip John Johnson,
Randi L. Johnson, Ryan Jay Jones, Judiann Nikkole Joyce, Joel David Kaasa, Jason Michael Kaelin, Sabrina Rose Kanis, Nicole Catherine Katras, Kacey K. Kelley, Larry K. Kennedy, Matthew
Lawrence Kennedy, Cheree Ryan Kibodeaux, Michael David Kidd, Jr., Tiffany Lynne Kiehn, Christina Nicole King, Susan Ann King, Katlin Marie Kinkela, Erica Renelle Kissler, Ellissa Marie
Koch, Brandon John Koe, Joshua Clifford Koivisto, Kaile E. Koncel, Kolby E. Koncel, Andrew Wallace Kramer, Ronald K. Krotzer, Justin Todd Krupa, Erica Lynn Lab, Ashley Grace
LaFountain, Lacey Michelle Lalicker, Lisa Gail Lambert, Joseph R. Landis, Daniel Robert Lantz, Timothy Floyd Lantz, Devan Nicole Lawrence, Nicholas William Lawson, Danielle A. Lee,
Tanner Jack Leggett, Lee Birger Lerdal, Luther Ronald Lessor, Nichole Christine Levens, David L. Lewis, Kevin Shawn Lewis, Jennifer
Anne Lind, Matthew Alan Lindula, Tera Nicole Lopez, Melissa Rose Lorentzen, Nicole Christine Louck, Danielle Colleen Loyer, Megan
Diane Loyer, Brandon A. Lyons, James Walter Maier, Jr., Timothy Ray Maines, Jr., Steven Joseph Malick, Jamie L. Manford, Lindsey
Shareen Marenco, Brandon Scott Mares, Sharon D. Marston, Ariel Dawn Martin, Isaiah Thomas Martin, Shannon Tara Mason, Thor
Mathiason, Angelic Micheal Matthews, Gus Merritt Matthews, Melissa L. Mavity, Joseph Michael McCarthy, Cortney M. McCloskey, Daniel
Robert McCoy, Rebecca L. McGilberry, Luke John McIntosh, Andrea L. McKinley, Nikole Erwin, Miaya McMullin, NeLeesia Marie Means,
Jennifer Lynn Medinger, Travis D. Menghini, Skylar W. Metcalf, Ryan Kenneth Taira Metz, James Henry Miller, Jr., Jennifer Mae Miller, John
Scott Miller, Jr., Anthony R. Mills, Cheryl Ann Mirkil, Joshua Patrick Mitchell, Nathan Curtis Mock, Andy Efren Molina, Colorei Janee’ Moody,
Ryan P. Moody, Rachael Luise Mooney-Erdahl, Joshua Lee Moore, Jorge L. Morelles, Jr., Andrew William Morgan, Richard H. Morgan, Ryan
E. Moriarty, Travis Garry Morris, Grace Kim Morrison, Leisha G. Moul, Siabhon Eva Mower, Celinie Christine Muir, Jennifer Frances
Myers, Steven Kenneth Neff, Sabrina Nelson, Ryan Patrick Nielsen, Tamara Rae Noble, Robert Leonard Nokes, Adam D.
Nowlin, Jessica J. Ochse, Stephan J. Ockimey, Shelly Louise Olsen, Jesse D. Olson, Julie Ann Olson, Mallory Anne
Olson, Nichole Danielle Olson, Zachary John Orlosky, John Robert Orton, Amanda Rose Palmisano, Nicole Marie
Palmisano, April Lynn Parke, Caitlin Alicia Parke, Patricia Jean Parton, Kenton L.Pase, Courtney Lynne Paul,
Samuel Jacob Paul, Samantha-Jo Saenz Paulino, Brian D. Peck, Meryl Lynn Pelton, Dean A. Pepitone, Adam Emil
Percich, Dean William Pertner, Amber Rose Philliber, Chance Brendan Porter, Dustin Allen Potter, McKayla N.
Potts, Nathan Vincent Pratt IV, Montgomery Thomas Preuitt, Alana Lee Prior, Shawn Glenn Privette, David
Aldon Putnam III, Stephen Jon Pyeatt, Tamarynn Erlinda Quiming, Shane Michael Rafferty, Dana Justine
Rakos, Hollis-Anthony William Ramsey, James Edward Reardon, David L. Redington, Christopher A. Reed,
Tarina Rose Reichert, Callie Lynn Rhee, Christopher M Righi Holmes, Makenzi M. Ring, Ashley L.
Roberts, Michael James Roberts, Ronald Patrick Jaycee Robertson II, Chad W. Robling, Ashley Rae
Rodriguez, David William Rogers, Christina R. Root, Brittny Dianne Rose, Andrew James Sand, Lori L.
Sandlin, Jason C. Schenck, Dustin Mason Schumacher, Sean James Scott, Jennifer Juantina Self, Zachary
Allan Shadle, Sean Randal Shepard, Carlin J. Shoemaker, Hazelmae Arrozal Siongco, Cassandra Lynn
Smith, Nicholas Benjamin Smith, Rainey Robin Smith, Katrina R. Snelson, Nicholas E. Snow, Joseph
K. Sok, Jennifer Lee Song, Eric Blaine Soto, Jessica Jane Splinter, Zachary Pharris Spotts, Sierra Ellen
Spreckelmeier, Ryan J. Stahl, Joshua Ryan Steele, Nicholas Robert Steele, Chelsee Raye Steffey,
Jessika Ann Steiner, Katherine Stevens, Darlene Marie Stewart, Danielle Sullivan, Joni Nicole Suttles,
Rachel M. Sweeney, Kimberly A., Swetland, Eric A. Swofford, Amber Marie Taylor, Kristi Rae Taylor,
Matthew Lee Taylor, Travis Lee Taylor, Zachary Steele Taylor, Jonathan E. Tengesdal, Johnathan P.
Thaut, Allen W. Therrell, Courtney Rachel Thetford, Jennifer Marie Thompson, Spencer James Thun,
Jeffrey James Tiefenthaler, Loretta Kae Tilberg, Steven S. Tilka, Nichoel Lynn Topping, David V.
Toves, Joseph R. Toves, Jr., Houston Douglas Tressler, Michelle RayAnn Tribbett, Steven Alexander
Trujillo, Peter W. Tunnell, Johura Eugene Turner, Justin Alan Ulbright, Amber Marie Valencia,
Benjamin Robert Vallone, Scott Ray Vanning, Gene Avery Van Sickle, Rachel Visker, Derek Scott
Vrieze, Cherlyn Fredia Walden, Kathryn LeAnne Wall, Nicholas Alan Wanderscheid, Matthew Thomas
Ware, Russell Ross Webb, Caroline Ann Webster, Jacob Richard Weigel, Douglas L. Weiss, Aaron
Mitchell Wentz, Howard Lee West III, Damon Tylor Wheelhouse, Nicole Elizabeth Whitaker, David
Andrew White, Felicia January White, Jonathan Michael Williams, Alyssa Anne Williamson, Jamie Lee
Wilson, Kameko Nicole Wilson, Brittany A. Winn, Rikky M. Wolters, Joseph Alexander Womack,
Benjamin Troy Wood, Alisha Marie Woodruff, Joshua Timothy Worden, Adrien Lamont Wright, Callie
J.Wright, Jennifer Ann Wrobbel, Robert Ray Wyant, Valerie Renee Yandall, Fransisco Ynosencio, Joseph
Russell Yusko, April Earlene Zeirott, Jamie Lynne Zeutschel, Adam Zielke
SLHS valedictorians (left to right) : Mary Najdzin, Leanne Tifft,
Keith Guerrette and Christine Dodson.
Spanaway Lake High student Steven Lynch hugs a classmate after
the graduation ceremony at PLU, June 14. SLHS graduated 396
students. Graduates expressed bittersweet feelings as they said
good-bye to their high school career.
Challenger:
Coreen Aguon, Sydel
Altman, Mark Anderson,
Nicole Anderson, Lisa
Anseth, Anna Arbic,
Helena Artis, Krystal
Atkins, Elizabeth Baker,
Michael Baker, Adam
Baldwin, Regina
Bartlotti, Michelle
Beckstrom, Jason Bemis, Sheena Benningfield, Holly
Berry, Amber Betschart, Renita Bjornstedt, Eric Boesen,
Elena Bossinas, Kristina Boyle, Donald Bruton, Rhonda
Buck, Desiree Cantu, Benjamin Cassidy, Shannon
Chacon, Melissa Dore’, Kristen Elder, Patrick Elder,
Haydan Faircloth, Latausha Fentress, David Fowler,
Jessica Gariepy, Christine Gershick, Amy Gillispie,
Regina Griffin, Jessica Guevara, Angela Harvey,
Amanda Heaney, Debra Hoeft, Don Hudgins, Kevin
Hurd, Dean Johnson, Heather Karpiak, Lyudmila
Kopytin, Kristina Long, Mary Manning, Lottie Marin,
Mandijean Marsh, Nicole Martin, Nicole Mayslik,
Laarni Mendoza, Daniel Messer, Heather Meyer, Echo
Miller, Lisa Mitchell, Nicolette Neal, Helen Nelson,
Nicholas Newman, Vera Ostroukhov, Andrea Pace,
Nicole Pardy, Joshua Phelps, George Real II, Tiffney
Ricca, Kristen Richards, Jeneta Riley, Patricia Russell,
Sean Russell, Jerry San Nicolas, Shelby Sandoval,
Ginnean Scherr, Sarah Scholl, Trenton Schwarz, Amber
Siebert, Kenneth Smith Jr., Amanda Strader, Sarah
Sykes, Divina Taimanglo, Converick Thomas, Lee
Thomas, Casondra Thompson,
Nichelle Truman, Shawna
Vickery, Shauntae Waffer,
Joshua Washburn, Bridget
White, Timothy Willett, Noah
Woodring, Shantee Wyatt,
Carlene Young
Challenger grad P. Sean Elder takes a moment to express his
appreciation to parents, teachers and friends at the school’s
ceremony June 11 at PLU. Challenger had 92 graduates this year,
its largest class ever. Looking on is teacher Cathy Wheeler.
Spanaway Lake High School:
Qusway Mohamed Abdalla, Marvin Adan, Portia LaNette
Alexander, Erik S. Andrade, Lindsey M. Anthony, Holli Lynn Appelgate, David Beltran Archer, Laura Marie Ashley, Edwin
Lionel Aviles, Kyle Franklin Austin, Ernesto Rezano Ayudan, Eddie Backmon III, Beau D. Baggenstoss, Jordan Matthew Bailey,
Cori D. Baker, Lori Ann S. Barcenilla, John Paul Barkdull, Anthony Robert Bass Jr., Maria Ann Batschi, Adam Bednarek, Brenda
Kay Beehler, Brandon Lee Bell, Hope Nadine Bell, Ehrin Dena, Bell-Campbell, Rachel Annette Bellona, Joshua John Benson,
Pieter Yan Bertomeu, Alisa Ann Bible , Bill Bingham, John F. Boheman III, Hailey S. Bolam, Robert William Bolander Jr., Jenna,
Dyan Bolman, Juanita Mary Bond, Shellie Lee Bowman, Darryl James Briggs Jr., Ryan Christopher Brokaw, Rose Ellen Bronson,
Dusty Marie Broome, Brandi Lee Brown, Lucas Brown, Ryan Brown, Tanisha Bellamy, Adam A. Brunner, Benjamin Carl
Budinger, Justin Burns, Arlene Deguzman Butchayo, Justin Terrell Caldwell, Adam Scott Carter, Rebecca Caseman, David Phillip
Charboneau, Christopher Allen Ching, Sarah Seung In Choi, Rattana Tanya Chouvapanyanonta, Sean Darren Christian, Young Jin
Chu, Karen Cline, Hannah Cole, Kiel A. Coles, Jewel Marie Coley, Kristian C. Collier, Mykal Anthony Col¢n, Lauren G. Comitale, Geoffrey A. Cook,
Michael Cook, Shala M. Cooper, Vanessa S. Cooper, Zackary Brian Cornelius, Jessica Ann Cowan, Katherine J. Cowart, Michael Troy Croger, ChasityJohanna D. Cruz, Tawnya Lynn Curtis, Bryan J. Dann, Bryan Matthew Davis, Tamika Mytrice Davis, Jennifer C. Dawson, Dorothee Desbourget, Desiree
Michele Diel, Christina Marie Dodson, Joshua W. Doyle, Travis Tramayne Dozier, Kelsey Elaine Draper, Geneva Rose Ducharme, Caitlin Marie Duff,
Jonathan Michael Dutton, Melissa Lynn Dye, Douglas Anthony Dzierzanowski, Gary W. Eason, Ernie Espino Eborde, Brittney Nicole Edensword, Dorothy
F. Edwards, KyLee Michelle Edwards, Erin Marie Ehlert, Shawonika Shaunt, Elliott, Matthew Mark Eltrich Jr., Cody Lane Engelhardt, Maria Cecelia
Engermann, Kimberly Ann Evans, Jared Ellis Everman, Kendal Lee Farmer, Craig Anthony Fawcett, Jason A. Filkins, Nicole S. Fischer, Lauren Rae Flaaen,
James Lamar Flournoy, Katie Marie McKenzie Forch, Charles Steven Ford, Carlton Philippe Foreman, Elyse R. Fowley, Chandra Diane Franklin, Rachel L.
Fullerton, Viviana M. Gavronski, Jonathan Scott Geltmacher, Chartise Chaprix Nyre George, William M. Gerg II, Katrina Marie Gibson, Louis C. Golden
Jr., Jessica Elaine Gomez, Daniel Herrera Gonzalez, Kristina Marie Gourdine, James Antonio Graham, Erik Timothy Gray, Asiha MaryAnn Grigsby, Adam
P. Gronvold, Keith A. Guerrette, Alethea Kristin Gullett, Meagan Marie Gullett, Darryl A. Hair, Andrew S. Haley, Stephanie R. Hammer, Robert Ray
Hammond Jr., Kristin Mie Haney, Janice K. L. Hardie, Alicia La’Nee Haskins, Joseph Lawrence Hegedus III, Brandon W. Henderson, Daniel Keith
Henderson, Bopha Heng, Lyda Heng, Nicole Marianne Henrikson, Yanko Her, Casey A. Hickcox, Yavont, Derek Hicks, Nathan D. Hines, Tara Jean Hines,
Martez Nathanial Holland, Ryan Kristopher Holmes, Mark R. Hughes, Vanessa Huizar, Erin Kathleen Humphries, D, Mar Isiah Hursey, Brandon Paul Ihlen,
Melody D. Iliria, Molly N. Irvin, Ryan David Ivey, Melissa M. James, Michelle K. James, Alvin Jones Jr., Constance Maria Jones, Joshua L. Jorda, John
Robert Joseph, Kristopher Kimo Kaili, Geneva Ruth Kaiser, Olesea Kamerzan, Coral J. Kelley, Catina Michele Kelly, Amanda D. Kidney, Kyle King,
Jessica Marie Kinsman, Michael A. Bartram Kloppel, Tawny Nicole Koch, Amanda Gail Krambule, Earrl Jr Kropelnicki II, Christopher Magnus Kyle,
Brandi Anne Kuchnsky, Charlyn R. Laguana, Vanessa Catherine Lammert, Jesse L. LaMora, Shawn Michael Lanham, Dena Larissa Lawthers, Tao V. Le,
Shelly Kyong Lee, Veronica Rose Lee, Michael Keith Lewis, Sean R. Lindquist, Ch,ri Nicole Lomker, Jennifer Lee Long, Kristofer Dean Long, Jacquelyn
Alexis Luii, Kyle Luther, April Eileen Lynch, Steven Michael Lynch, Stacey Reanellia Macon, Nicholas Tyler Madden, Yuri Malamura, Dana K. Mallory,
Lacey Jeanette Manning, Chanel Noelani Mariano, Tara E. Marler, Aaron N. Martin, Sarah Martinez, Dayshue R. Mason, Brittany H. Mastro, Michelle M.
Matias, Guinevere Siulepa Maulupe, Laura Erin McCarty, Erik Douglas McConnell, Marie Imelda McCreary, Chris McDonald, Sean Patrick McFadden,
Joshua Ryan McGowan, Shayna Kaleinani Losa McKenzie, Cherie Lynn McNiven, Shardae LaNiece McQueen, Vanessa E. Mendez, Erick Angelo
Mendieta, Sarah Britteny Menefee, Danielle Marie Miller, Britney Christine Mitchell, Reeshah Mitchell, Jessica Salido Molina, Rickey Moody Jr., Richard
Eugene Moore Jr., Timothy Handford Moore, Heather Lynn Morgan, Raquel Juanillo Morillo, Gregory W. Morrow, Adam M. Mounts, Alicia Marie Murray,
M a r y Stephanie Najdzin, Louis J. Neira, Austin M. Nelson, Dan Nelson, Ashley Nicole Nevares, Jessica A. Olsen, Ashley Evan Olson, Dena Marie
Orabanec, Daniel W. Orozco, Lisa Marie Ortiz, Orlando Ortiz Jr., Sheena Nicole Overstreet, Kaylene Vianne Owen, Marissa Caiban
Padilla, Matthew C. Panipinto, Stephanie M. Parido, Angie Micha Park, Sang Yon Park, Jason E. Parker, Ryan D. Parker, Shyla Inez
Parsons, Erin Michelle Passmore, Kristen Amy Patton, Amber Nicole Payton, Kyle David Penrod, Sheri Ann Perdue, NoelleLynn Peregrino, Maria Margarita P,rez-Fraga, Danielle Louise Perry, Christopher Robert Petersen, Cenderella A. Pfortmiller,
Joshua A. Piehler, Patrick Allan Pitsch, Elizabeth Irene Pitzl, Janine Marie Plank, Jyoji Alan Powers, Amy Rene, Price,
Karen Elaine Putman, Jonathon Ray Putra, Reggie D. Pyatt, Jessica Marie Janeway Rabe, Danielle Charleen Rand,
Crystal Marie Rector, Amber Chanelle Reed, Mia Jewella Reyes, Shayna Layne Richmond, Brian Lee Rigney,
Melissa Anne Riley, Jennifer Renae Ring, Nathan Daniel Riveira, Eddie Rivera, Anthony Kalani Rojas, Fabiola
Ortiz Romero, Christina Nichole Rose, Wayne Nathaniel Rowser, Jared Jeffrey Royce, Marjorie Folaiula
Sagapolu, Zachary Adam Santos, Richard A. Sargent, Leauna Renae Schopf, Rustin Robert Schreiner, Joshua
William Schroeder, Melanie Elaine Scollick, Aaron Anthony Score, Adam Michael Seelye, Anthony J. Seidelman,
William J. Severson, Barry J. Sevig, Norman Shaw, Michael O’Brien Sheldon, Jerome Cordell Shepherd, Chelsea
Marie Sherman, Jennifer Ann Shumate, Milana A. Simms, Nicholas R. Simon, Harold Charles Lee Simpson, Chasity
Skinner, Patrick Arnold Small Jr., Melissa Katherine Smallwood, Crystal Michelle Smith, Jacqueline Marie Smith,
Michael Keith Smith, Tabitha Suk Smith, Tristan James Smith, MiZie So, Ul So, Ho-Yong Song, Jerome Do-Han Song,
James Spence, Janelle K. Springer, Keyonia K. Stabler, Stephanie, Vera Steed, Jillian Rae Stefani, Jon Stern ,
Jessica Jeannette Stone, Sophia Jonette Storaasli, Terrence J. Street, Britainee Nichole Suher, Phillip M.
Sullivan, Holly Lynn Swan, Jill Elizabeth Swick, Violet Lynn Switzer, Richelle Lois Sylstad, Jamie Lynn
Taijeron, Natisha Ateliana Tarrant, Jordon W. Tate, Chat, M. Taylor, Jason M. Taylor, Scott Michael
Taylor, Jeffrey Christopher Thacker, Theresa Marie Theriault, Charlie Caleb Thomas, Eric Reyes
Thomas, John Tibbitts, Leanne Marie Tifft, David Anthony Tittsworth, Tara B. Todd, Joel DePerio
Toledo, Kristine C. Tomilloso, Megan Elizabeth Torgerson, Stephanie Lee Travis, Kyle Damien
Troup, Ted Trust, Catherine Elaine Tryon, Danielle Rene, Tudor, Moimoi Tuiolosega III, Anthony J.
Turner, Alicia Marie Underwood, Yaneth Urrieta, Octavio Urueta, Sandra R. Utley, Crystal Marie
Vasil, Rachel Ann Vasquez, Karla Vazquez, Jazzmine Latrice Vital, Brianna Michelle Keohi Voller,
Christina L. Waldroupe, Tanya Marie Walker, Tristan James Walter, Justin Hugh Ward, Michelle
C. Ward, Rosemary Obico Ward, Tyler James Ward, Kimberly Ann Warden, Carolyn Jane Warner,
Midoli Watkins, Cory Scott Watterson, Daniel Joseph Weatherford, Elizabeth M. Webb, Carman
A. Wederquist, Johnathan Robert Westfall, Roshir Kristina Weston, Shaun D Whatley , Andra D.
Wheeler, Crystal J. Whitman, Robin Lee Wilbur II, Christopher Marquelle Williams, Kenny
LeRoy Williams Jr., Tara Michelle Williams, Jessica Nicol, Wilshire, Gabriel Arlen Arthur
Wilson, Michael R. Wilson, Stefanie Marie Wilson, Garrick-Cole Mafnas Winter, Jeremy P.
Winters, Rachel Charity Womack, Caprice E. Wright, Larissa Anne Wright, Amanda Lynn
Wunsche, Jonathan Glen Yates, Zachery Joseph Zirkle
Sweet success! BHS graduate Steven Malick, SLHS
graduate Asiha Grigsby and Challenger graduate Lottie Marin.
Bethel High grads give a jubilant ’03 sign to signify their pride in
this year’s class. Pictured are (back left to right) David Lewis, Ben
Craig, Cherlyn Walden, Valerie Burris, (front left to right) Haden
Gienger and Derek Baumann.
Bethel High valedictorians (left to right): Sharon Marston, Steven
Malick, Cherlyn Walden, Mike Hondel and Courtney Thetford.
8
Bethel Pride
June 2003
Scholarships, honors & awards
* Denotes scholarship award
Bethel High School
Ivy Akers: President’s Award for Educational Excellence, Graceland University Academic and Vocal Music*, College of Wooster
Academic*, University of Portland Arthur A. Schulte, Jr.*, Evergreen State College Academic*, Senior Class/B.E.S.T.*; Heather
Aleckson: Director’s Award, BHS/PTA B.E.S.T.*; Ryan Alwert: Top Ten %, President’s Award for Educational Excellence,
Washington State Honors Award, PLU Academic Excellence Award and Alumni Dependent, WSU University Achievement and
Scholar-in-Residence Awards, Herb Jones Memorial*, Senior Class/B.E.S.T.*; Mark Anikusko: Top Ten %, President’s Award
for Educational Excellence; Jennifer Aszklar: Top Ten %, President’s Award for Educational Excellence, Washington Principals
Scholars’ Award for Academic Excellence, Washington State Honors Award,C. J. Knaggs Activity Award, Linfield College
Faculty*, Willamette University Merit*, Senior Class/B.E.S.T.*; Ashley Bachmann: President’s Award for Educational
Excellence, Business Department Award, Fix Family Memorial/B.E.S.T.*; Bryant Barrington: Seattle University Costco and
Campion*, and Regent’s Award; Katherine Batie: Top Ten %, President’s Award for Educational Excellence, WSU University
Achievement Award, Rainier Group/B.E.S.T.*; Derek Baumann:U. S. Navy Athletic Award, Antonio Terry Memorial/B.E.S.T.*;
Josh Bava:Associates Degree, Pierce College; Annie Beatty: Top Ten %, U. S. Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award,
PLU Academic Excellence Award; Melissa Benson: Top Ten %; Peter Bissen: Top Ten %, President’s Award for Educational
Excellence, Washington Principals Scholars’ Award for Academic Excellence, Washington State Honors Award,U. S. Navy
Scholastic Leadership Award, Ben Cheney*, New Nebraska*, Senior Class/B.E.S.T.*; James Blakely: Bethel Band Boosters
Club*, B.E.S.T.*; Jenna Bloczynski:Sportsmanship Award; Julia Bonagofsky: President’s Award for Educational Excellence,
Pierce First*, Washington Contract Loggers Association*, Parkland-Spanaway Kiwanis Club*, B.E.S.T.*; Whitney Bonagofsky:
Top Ten %; President’s Award for Educational Excellence, WSU University Achievement Award, Senior Class/B.E.S.T.*; Cyrille
Bongat: Top Ten %, President’s Award for Educational Excellence, UW Minority Scholars Invitational Achievement Award;
Marie Brain: President’s Award for Educational Excellence, Washington State Honors Award, Windermere Foundation*, Graham
Elementary PTA*, B.E.S.T.*; Brittany Brotherton: Top Ten %; Melissa Bucholtz: Family and Consumer Science Award;
Jacob Bullock: Top Ten %, Associates Degree, Pierce College, Washington State Honors Award, Western Baptist Chancellor’s
Scholarship and Achievement Award, John H. Suther Memorial/B.E.S.T.*; Angela Burcar: Pacific University Academic*;
Valerie Burris: Top Ten %, President’s Award for Educational Excellence, UW Diversity*, Seattle University Campion and
Costco* and Regent’s Award; Lacey Bushnell: Top Ten %; Shanna Butts: New York University Dean’s Scholar Award; Remedio
Castro: Top Ten %, President’s Award for Educational Excellence, Platt-Bardwell Outstanding Senior Award, University of
Rochester Humanities/Social Science Award, Principal’s Leadership Certificate of Merit, St. Martin’s Academic*, Carroll College
All-Saints* and Bishop’s Grant, Senior Class/B.E.S.T.*; Stephanie Christopherson: President’s Award for Educational
Excellence, PLU Debate and “Q” Club*, B.E.S.T.*; Denise Clayborne: President’s Award for Educational Excellence, C. J.
Knaggs Activity Award, Voice of Democracy Award, Elizabeth Wesley*, St. Norbert College President’s*, Illinois College
Academic*, Ripon College Diversity; Ben Craig: Puyallup Emblem Club #231*; Tanya Crook: Top Ten %, President’s Award
for Educational Excellence, Washington Principals Scholars’ Award for Academic Excellence, Washington State Honors Award,
University of San Diego Dean’s Scholar, South Hill Referral’s*, YMCA of Greater Seattle*, Senior Class/B.E.S.T.*; Katrina
Csonka: Associates Degree Pierce College, President’s Award for Educational Excellence; Nick Csonka: Top Ten %; Associates
Degree Pierce College, President’s Award for Educational Excellence, PLU Academic Excellence Award; Tara Cuda: Careers
That Work*; Cristina Cummings: Jim Fairbanks/B.E.S.T.*; Imelda Darnell: Top Ten %, President’s Award for Educational
Excellence, Parkland-Spanaway Kiwanis Club*, Graham Patchers/B.E.S.T.*; Jonathan Donohue: President’s Award for
Educational Excellence; Kim Douglas: Washington State PTA Foundation*, Wright Realty/B.E.S.T.*; Johnny DuRocher:
Coaches Award, Athletic Scholarships (University of Oregon, UW, Stanford University, Oregon State, WSU, Northwestern,
University of Colorado, UCLA, University of Arizona and Arizona State), U. S. Army All-American Football Team; Emily
Ellis: Top Ten %, Associates Degree Pierce College, President’s Award for Educational Excellence, Washington Principals
Scholars’ Award for Academic Excellence, Washington State Honors Award; Michael Flosi:Graham Senior Center*, Presidential
Freedom/B.E.S.T*, Dr. Daryl Yorek*; Robert Frey: President’s Award for Educational Excellence, Washington State Honors
Award, Social Science Department Award, Gary Platt Memorial Award, Puyallup Valley Bank, Bethel Education Association*,
Jacobsen Realty/B.E.S.T.*; Chelsea Gerber: Salutatorian, President’s Award for Educational Excellence, Washington Principals
Scholars’ Award for Academic Excellence, Washington State Honors Award, National Scholar/Athlete Award, U. S. Marine
Corps Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence, C. J. Knaggs Activity Award, Willamette University Merit*, Linfield
College Academic*, Western Washington University Academic*, Senior Class/B.E.S.T.*; Haden Gienger: CWU Athletic*;
Shanna Givhan: Imagine America*; Krystal Greene: President’s Award for Educational Excellence, Graham Senior Center,
Bethel Public School Employees, Parkland-Spanaway Rotary Club*, B.E.S.T.*; Kara Gubany: President’s Award for Educational
Excellence, PLU “Q” Club*, Centennial Elementary/B.E.S.T.*; Karla Gubany: U. S. Navy Athlete Award, PLU “Q” Club*;
Blaine Guenther: Air Force Academy Appointment, U. S. Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award; Shana Gunderson: Top
Ten %; President’s Award for Educational Excellence, Graham Family Dentistry/B.E.S.T.*; Tim Guy: Young Lawyer’s*; Desilee
Hader: President’s Award for Educational Excellence, Kenneth Randles Memorial/B.E.S.T.*, McChord Officers’ Spouses’ Club*;
Nichole Harris: President’s Award for Educational Excellence; Britney Haynes:Associates Degree Bates Technical College,
President’s Award for Educational Excellence, AAUW Scholar Award in Technology; Sara Hert: President’s Award for Educational
Excellence, Melinda Swenson Memorial/B.E.S.T.*; Kari Hicks: Top Ten %, President’s Award for Educational Excellence,
Citizenship Award, PLU Academic Excellence Award, Gustavas Adolphus College Norelius Service Award, Whitworth College
Academic*,Parkland-Spanaway Kiwanis Club*, Senior Class/B.E.S.T.*; Sarah Higgins: Kenneth Randles Memorial/B.E.S.T.*;
Alisha Hitchner: President’s Award for Educational Excellence, Coaches Award, Antonio Terry Memorial/B.E.S.T.*; Sarah
Holloway: Top Ten %; Michael Hondel: Valedictorian, President’s Award for Educational Excellence, Washington Principals
Scholars’ Award for Academic Excellence, Washington State Honors Award, National Scholar/Athlete Award; Ashley Hunt:
Pottery Award, Evergreen Services/B.E.S.T.*; Jessica Jellison: Parkland-Spanaway Kiwanis Club*; Ben Johnson: Technology
Department Award; Kyle Johnson: President’s Award for Educational Excellence, Washington Principals Scholars’ Award for
Academic Excellence, Washington State Honors Award, U. S. Marine Corps Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence,
Technology Department Award, Victor L. and Elise W. Lyon/B.E.S.T.*; Melissa Johnson: Top Ten %; President’s Award for
Educational Excellence, Washington Principals Scholars’ Award for Academic Excellence, Washington State Honors Award,
AAUW Scholar Award in Science, Air Force Science Award, WJEA Award for Newspaper; Ryan Jones: President’s Award for
Educational Excellence, Washington State Honors Award, Kenneth Randles Memorial/B.E.S.T.*; Sabrina Kanis: FCCLA
Leadership Award; Larry Kennedy: Lumbermens Building Centers*, Parkland-Lakewood Masonic Lodge*, Jim Knaggs/
B.E.S.T.*; Cheree Kibodeaux: KBHS Staffer Award; Susan King: Ventures Scholar, Citizenship Award, Melinda Swenson
Memorial/B.E.S.T.*; Katlin Kinkela: President’s Award for Educational Excellence, WJEA Award for Yearbook, WSU University
Achievement Award, Robert and Adelle Knox Scholarship, Glen Wiese Memorial Scholarship, University of Oregon Academic*,
Kenneth Vanderford*, Senior Class/B.E.S.T.*; Ellissa Koch: Washington State Honors Award, University of Portland Arthur A.
Schulte, Jr.*, Albertson College Merit*, Willamette University Scholar, Senior Class/B.E.S.T.*; Brandon Koe: Top Ten %,
President’s Award for Educational Excellence, Washington Principals Scholars’ Award for Academic Excellence, Washington
State Honors Award, U. S. Air Force Math Award, WSU Regent’s and Presidential Scholar Award; Josh Koivisto: Paul Chalk/
B.E.S.T.*; Ron Krotzer: Agriculture Award; Erica Lab: Sheldon Jackson College*; Ashley LaFountain: President’s Award
for Educational Excellence; Lisa Lambert: Top Ten %; Dan Lantz: U. S. Navy Science Achievement Award, Kenneth Randles
Memorial/B.E.S.T.*; Nichole Levens: President’s Award for Educational Excellence, Tom & Barbie Faubion/B.E.S.T.*; David
Lewis: Portland State University Athletic*; Kevin Lewis: President’s Award for Educational Excellence, Melinda Swenson
Memorial/B.E.S.T.*, Bethel Education Association*, Graham Sunrise Lions’ Club*; Jennifer Lind: Top Ten %, Washington
Principals Scholars’ Award for Academic Excellence, Washington State Honors Award, Citizenship Award, Communication
Arts Department Award, Ithaca College President’s*, Evergreen State College Academic*; Tera Lopez: Top Ten %, President’s
Award for Educational Excellence, Yearbook Award; Danielle Loyer: Top Ten %; Steven Malick: Valedictorian, President’s
Award for Educational Excellence, Washington Principals Scholars’ Award for Academic Excellence, Washington State Honors
Award, Platt-Bardwell Outstanding Senior Award, Communication Arts Department Award, U. S. Navy Science Achievement
Award, Cornell University Academic*, Willamette University Trustee and Forensics*, Central WA University Boys’ State,
Whitworth College Academic*, Evergreen State College Academic*, Presidential Freedom/B.E.S.T.*, UW Academic*, Mervyn’s
Employee*; Sharon Marston: Valedictorian, President’s Award for Educational Excellence, Washington Principals Scholars’
Award for Academic Excellence, Washington State Honors Award, St. Martin’s Chancellor*, Fir Lane Memorial Park/B.E.S.T.*;
Shannon Mason: Gene Juarez*, Imagine America*; Rebecca McGilberry: Kenneth Randles Memorial/B.E.S.T.*; Neleesia
Means: FCCLA Leadership Award; James Miller: Graham Business Association/B.E.S.T.*; Jennifer Miller: Washington
State Honors Award; Andy Molina:Top Ten %, Washington Principals Scholars’ Award for Academic Excellence, Washington
State Honors Award, Mathematics Department Award, DeVry University Dean’s*; Colorei Moody: Ruth Foster/B.E.S.T.*;
Andrew Morgan: Drama Award, Everett M. Rose/B.E.S.T.*; Steven Neff: President’s Award for Educational Achievement,
Citizenship Award, Dean College Award; Ryan Nielsen: Frank J. Pavia Achievement Award; Julie Olson: Ken Madsen/B.E.S.T.*;
Mallory Olson: B.E.S.T.*; Nichole Olson: Top Ten %, President’s Award for Educational Excellence, Washington Principals
Scholars’ Award for Academic Excellence, Washington State Honors Award, President’s Student Service Award, Verne Pierson/
B.E.S.T*, Parkland-Spanaway Kiwanis Club*; Caitlin Parke: Top Ten %, Washington Principals Scholars’ Award for Academic
Excellence, Washington State Honors Award; Kenton Pase: St. Mary’s University President’s*; Courtney Paul: Graham Senior
Center*, Dennis Townsend/B.E.S.T.*; Samantha Paulino: Top Ten %; Meryl Pelton: Top Ten %, Washington Principals Scholars’
Award for Academic Excellence, Washington State Honors Award; Stephen Pyeatt: Associates Degree Pierce College, President’s
Award for Educational Excellence; Shane Rafferty: Top Ten %; Tony Ramsey: Top Ten %, President’s Award for Educational
Excellence, Washington Principals Scholars’ Award for Academic Excellence, Washington State Honors Award, Citizenship
Award, World Languages Award, Seattle University Merit and Honors Program*, Senior Class/B.E.S.T.*; Jim Reardon:
President’s Award for Educational Excellence, B.E.S.T.*; Tarina Reichert: Production Photo Award; Callie Rhee: President’s
Award for Educational Excellence, Society of Women Engineers’ Certificate of Merit, Washington Principals Scholars’ Award
for Academic Excellence, Washington State Honors Award, President’s Student Service Award, PLU Academic Achievement
Award, Verne Pierson/B.E.S.T.*; Makenzi Ring: President’s Award for Educational Excellence; Carlin Shoemaker: Mark
Hitchner Memorial*, Whitworth College Diversity*, Don and Vatalie Meyer/B.E.S.T.*; Hazelmae Siongco: Top Ten %;
President’s Award for Educational Excellence, Washington Principals Scholars’ Award for Academic Excellence, Washington
State Honors Award, Platt-Bardwell Outstanding Senior Award, Brave Talk Most Valuable Staffer, Graham Senior Center*,
Parkland-Lakewood Masonic Lodge*, Parkland-Spanaway Kiwanis Club*, Senior Class/B.E.S.T.*, UW Minority Scholars
Invitational Achievement Award, Military Dependents’ Scholarship Managers’ Award, St. Martin’s Chancellor’s*, PLU Academic
Excellence Award, Defense Commissary Agency/Fisher House Foundation*; Nicholas Smith: Eastern Oregon University*;
Rainey Smith: Careers That Work*; Jennifer Song: Graham Business Association/B.E.S.T.*; Eric Soto: DeVry University
Community*; Jessica Splinter: President’s Award for Educational Excellence, Kenneth Randles Memorial/B.E.S.T.*; Zachary
Spotts: Top Ten %, Choir Award, Louis Armstrong Jazz Award; Sierra Spreckelmeier: Associates Degree Pierce College,
President’s Award for Educational Excellence; Nicholas Steele: President’s Award for Educational Excellence, Washington
State Honors Award, PLU Academic Merit Award; Kristi Taylor: Top Ten %, President’s Award for Educational Excellence, U.
S. Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award, PLU Academic Excellence Award and “Q” Club*, Senior Class/B.E.S.T.*;
Courtney Thetford: Valedictorian, President’s Award for Educational Excellence, Washington Principals Scholars’ Award for
Academic Excellence, Washington State Honors Award, John Philip Sousa Award, DAR Good Citizen Award, Lady Kathy
Kelley*, Graham Senior Center*, BYU-Idaho Award of Excellence, Senior Class/B.E.S.T.*; Spencer Thun: Top Ten %, Evergreen
State College Foundation*, Regional High School Counselor and Scholastic Achievement Awards; Steven Tilka: St. Martin’s
Academic*, B.E.S.T.*; Steven Trujillo: Top Ten %, President’s Award for Educational Excellence, Washington Principals
Scholars’ Award for Academic Excellence, Washington State Honors Award, C. J. Knaggs Activity Award, Glen Wiese Memorial*,
WSU University Achievement Award, St. Martin’s Chancellor Prestek and Academic*, Gonzaga Dean’s and Music*, UPS
Dean’s, Music, Mary Baker and Gottfried & Mary Fuchs*, Senior Class/ B.E.S.T.*, Sam Walton*, Tacoma Urban League*;
Johura Turner: U. S. Navy Music Award, Sportsmanship Award; Justin Ulbright: Top Ten %, Washington Principals Scholars’
Award for Academic Excellence, Washington State Honors Award, U. S. Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award, WSU
Regent’s* and University Achievement Award; Amber Valencia:Imagine America*, Careers That Work*; Cherlyn Walden:
Valedictorian, President’s Award for Educational Excellence, Washington Principals Scholars’ Award for Academic Excellence,
Washington State Honors Award, AAUW Scholar Award in Math, Society of Women Engineers’ Certificate of Merit, C. J.
Knaggs Activity Award, Xavier University Academic*, UW Minority* and Academic Achievement Award, African-American
Heritage Pageant*, Seton Hall University Academic*, Ithaca College Academic*, Johns Hopkins Academic*, Shining Mountain
Elementary/B.E.S.T.*; Kathryn Wall: President’s Award for Educational Excellence, St. John’s University Academic*, Propeller
Club*, Emerson College*, Hawaii Pacific University*, Senior Class/B.E.S.T.*; Nick Wanderscheid: U. S. Navy Music Award;
Caroline Webster: Carroll College Founder’s Award, University of Great Falls*, Westminster College Award; Nicole Whitaker:
Young American Bowling Alliance*; Jonathan Williams: President’s Award for Educational Achievement, Art Award; Alyssa
Williamson: Top Ten %, Associates Degree Pierce College, U. S. Navy Scholastic Leadership Award, Chaminade University
Regent’s Scholar Award, Whitworth Academic and Minister’s Daughter*, Presbyterian Leadership*; Jamie Wilson: Top Ten %,
President’s Award for Educational Excellence; Kameko Wilson: President’s Award for Educational Excellence, World Languages
Award, Gary Platt Memorial Award, Elizabeth Wesley*, WSU University Achievement Award and Athletic*; Brittany Winn:
Family and Consumer Science Award; Valerie Yandall: Top Ten %, President’s Award for Educational Excellence, UW Academic*,
B.E.S.T.*, Parkland-Spanaway Kiwanis Club*, Senior Class/B.E.S.T.*; April Zeirott:Society of Women Engineers’ Certificate
of Merit, Science Department Award; Adam Zielke: President’s Award for Educational Excellence, B.E.S.T.*
Challenger Secondary Schools
Sydel Altman: BEST*; Nicole Anderson: Washington Promise*, BEST*; Michelle Beckstrom: Washington Promise*, Pierce 1st; Amber Betschart: Graham Business Assoc.*; Elena Bossinas: Kiwanis*, Bethel Area Council PTA*; Kristina Boyle: Washington Promise*, FuchsHarden Ed Fund*; Shannon Chacon: BEST*; David Fowler: Washington Promise*; Cristine Gershick: BEST*; Amy Gillespie: Washington Promise*, BEST*; Jessica Guevara: Washington Promise*; Heather Karipiak: BEST*; Lyudmila Kopytin: BEST*; Kristina Long:
Washington Promise*; Lottie Marin: Exchange Club*, BEST*; Mandijean Marsh: Washington Promise*; Echo Miller: Roy PTA*; Lisa Mitchell: Washington Promise*, Parkland-Spanaway Rotary*; Nicholas Newman: Washington Promise*; Joshua Phelps: Washington Promise*,
Cedarcrest PTA*; George Real II: Washington Promise*; Jeneta Riley: Washington Promise*; Sean Russell: Victor & Elise Lyon*; Ginnean Scherr: Ken Randles*; AmandaMae Strader: Ken Randles*; Casondra Thompson: BEST*; Carlene Young: BEA*
Spanaway Lake High School
Edwin Aviles: President’s Education Academic Excellence Award; Jordan Bailey: Propellor Club of the United States Ross E. Lelli Memorial*,
Shining Mountain Elementary*, United States Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award; Adam Bednarek: President’s Education Academic
Excellence Award, Public School Employees of Washington*, Camas Prairie Elementary*; Dusty Broome: Honors/AP Award; Ryan Brokaw:
Top 5% Honor Cord, Washington State Principals’ Scholars Program Award, President’s Education Academic Excellence Award, St. Martin’s
Presidents*, St. Martin’s Athletic Achievement Award, B.E.S.T.*;’Adam Carter:’Top 5% Honor Cord, Washington State Principals’ Scholars
Program Award, President’s Education Academic Excellence Award, Washington State Honors Award; David Charboneau: Washington
State Honors Award, Honors/AP Award, Most Outstanding Video Production Student: Hannah Cole: President’s Education Academic
Excellence Award; Tawnya Curtis: Westminster College*, Bethel Education Association*; Bryan Davis: Ken Randles Memorial Vocational*;
Jessica Delicino: Washington State Honors Award, Honors/AP Award; Christina Dodson: Valedictorian, Top 5% Honor Cord, Washington
State Principals’ Scholars Program Award, President’s Education Academic Excellence Award, Washington State Honors Award, Washington
Scholars Award, Ken Randles Memorial Academic*;’Kelsey Draper: Top 10% Honor Cord, President’s Education Academic Excellence
Award; Douglas Dzierzanowski: President’s Education Academic Excellence Award; Lauren Flaaen: Top 5% Honor Cord, Washington
State Principals’ Scholars Program Award, President’s Education Academic Excellence Award, B.E.S.T.*, Most Outstanding Spanish Student;
Charles Ford: Army Reserve Scholar Athlete Award, Honors/AP Award; Carlton “Muckie” Foreman: University of Montana Football*,
Tacoma Community College Baseball*, Green River Community College Baseball*, Portland State Football*, EWU Football*; Louis Golden:
Top 5% Honor Cord, Washington State Principals’ Scholars Program Award, President’s Education Academic Excellence Award, Washington
State Honors Award, Honors/AP Award; Asiha Grigsby: Top 5% Honor Cord, President’s Education Academic Excellence Award, Travis “TBone” Olesen*, Craighill.com*, Army Reserve Scholar Athlete Award, United States Marine Corps Scholastic Excellence Award, Honors/AP
Award, Athlete of the Year; Keith Guerrette: Valedictorian, Top 5% Honor Cord, Washington State Principals’ Scholars Program Award,
President’s Education Academic Excellence Award, Washington State Honors Award, Helen Nelson Memorial*, Honors/AP Award, Most
Outstanding Physics Student, Most Outstanding Social Studies Student, Most Outstanding Video Production Student;’Stephanie Hammer:
Top 10% Honor Cord, President’s Education Academic Excellence Award, Columbia Bank*; Kristin Haney: Top 10% Honor Cord, President’s
Education Academic Excellence Award, Washington State Honors Award; Janice Hardie: International Air Academy High School*; Alicia
Haskins: PLU Q-Club*, UW MESA*; Erin Humphries: Marine Corps Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence; Melody Iliria: LeMay
Enterprises*; Ryan Ivey: Marine Corps Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence, Most Outstanding Band Student; Geneva Kaiser: Top
5% Honor Cord, Washington State Principals’ Scholars Program Award, President’s Education Academic Excellence Award, Washington
State Honors Award, Honors/AP Award; Amanda Kidney: Jordan Reifel, Sr. Memorial*, Most Outstanding FCCLA Student; Jessica Kinsman:
International Air Academy High School*; Jesse LaMora: Most Outstanding Drama Student; Dena Lawthers: Top 5% Honor Cord, Washington
State Principals’ Scholars Program Award, President’s Education Academic Excellence Award, Washington State Honors Award, Camas
Prairie Elementary*;’Sean Lindquist: Top 10% Honor Cord, President’s Education Academic Excellence Award, Washington State Honors
Award, Honors/AP Award; Jacquelyn Luii: Most Outstanding Marketing Student; Dana Mallory: Honors/AP Award; Lacey Manning: Top
5% Honor Cord, Washington State Principals’ Scholars Program Award, President’s Education Academic Excellence Award, Washington
State Honors Award, WSU Regents*, Southern Virginia University Academic*, Ken Randles Memorial Academic*; Chanel Mariano: George
Fox University Grant, George Fox University Multi-Cultural Student Award; Aaron Martin: Top 10% Honor Cord, President’s Education
Academic Excellence Award; Michelle Matias: Top 5% Honor Cord, Washington State Principals’ Scholars Program Award, President’s
Education Academic Excellence Award, PLU Academic*, Naches Trail Elementary*; Britney Mitchell: Top 10% Honor Cord, President’s
Education Academic Excellence Award, Kiwanis*, Bethel Chapter Public School Employee*, Graham Patchers; Reeshah Mitchell: Top 10%
Honor Cord, President’s Education Academic Excellence Award; Jessica Molina: Top 10% Honor Cord, President’s Education Academic
Excellence Award; Alicia Murray: Top 5% Honor Cord, Washington State Principals’ Scholars Program Award, President’s Education Academic
Excellence Award; Mary Najdzin: Valedictorian, Top 5% Honor Cord, Washington State Principals’ Scholars Program Award, President’s
Education Academic Excellence Award, Washington State Honors Award, The American Association of University Women/ Math Award,
Honors/AP Award, Most Outstanding French Student, Most Outstanding Honors/Advanced Placement Student; Louis Neira: Top 5% Honor
Cord, Washington State Principals’ Scholars Program Award, President’s Education Academic Excellence Award, Washington State Honors
Award, Wrye Family Foundation*, Honors/AP Award; Ashley Nevares: United States Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award; Lisa
Ortiz: Top 5% Honor Cord, Washington State Principals’ Scholars Program Award, President’s Education Academic Excellence Award, WSU
Regents*;’Orlando Ortiz: Top 10% Honor Cord, President’s Education Academic Excellence Award; Stephanie Parido: Top 10% Honor
Cord, President’s Education Academic Excellence Award; Amber Payton: Top 10% Honor Cord, President’s Education Academic Excellence
Award; Noelle Lynn Peregrino: Top 10% Honor Cord, President’s Education Academic Excellence Award, Most Outstanding Japanese
Student; Danielle Perry: United States Marine Corps*; Pat Pitsch: Athlete of the Year; Amy Price: Top 10% Honor Cord, President’s
Education Academic Excellence Award; Mia Reyes: Top 5% Honor Cord, President’s Education Academic Excellence Award, Washington
State Honors Award, B.E.S.T.*, Most Outstanding Communication Arts Student; Jared Royce: Marine Corps Semper Fi Choir Award; Zachary
Santos: Top 10% Honor Cord, President’s Education Academic Excellence Award, Most Outstanding Physical Education Student; Leauna
Schopf: The American Association of University Women/Technology Award, Ken Randles Memorial Vocational*; Melanie Scollick: Top
10% Honor Cord, President’s Education Academic Excellence Award, Honors/AP Award, Music Company Choral Award; Aaron Score:
President’s Education Academic Excellence Award; Barry Sevig: Top 10% Honor Cord, President’s Education Academic Excellence Award,
Washington State Honors Award, Parkland/Spanaway Rotary Club*, Daryl Yorek*, B.E.S.T.* Chelsea Sherman: Top 10% Honor Cord,
President’s Education Academic Excellence Award, University of Idaho Tuition*;’Jennifer Shumate: Salutatorian, Top 5% Honor Cord,
Washington State Principals’ Scholars Program Award, President’s Education Academic Excellence Award, Washington State Honors Award,
Craighill.com*, Honors/AP Award, Most Outstanding Social Studies Student; Milano Simms: International Air Academy High School*;
Crystal Smith: Washington State Honors Award; Michael Smith: Top 5% Honor Cord, Washington State Principals’ Scholars Program
Award, President’s Education Academic Excellence Award; Tabitha Smith: Top 5% Honor Cord, Washington State Principals’ Scholars
Program Award, President’s Education Academic Excellence Award, B.E.S.T.*, Honors/AP Award; Ho Song: Top 10% Honor Cord, President’s
Education Academic Excellence Award, Washington State Honors Award, B.E.S.T.*, Honors/AP Award; Do Han Song: Top 5% Honor Cord,
Washington State Principals’ Scholars Program Award, President’s Education Academic Excellence Award, B.E.S.T.*, Honors/AP Award;
James Spence: President’s Education Academic Excellence Award; Janelle Springer: President’s Education Academic Excellence Award,
Tahoma Veterinary Clinic*; Stephanie Steed: Angela Joy Raden Memorial Scholarship, Most Outstanding Orchestra Student; Jillian Stefani:
B.E.S.T.*; Jonathan Stern: Top 5% Honor Cord, Washington State Principals’ Scholars Program Award, President’s Education Academic
Excellence Award, Washington State Honors Award, CWU Academic*, Ken Randles Memorial Academic*;’Holly Swan: PLU Q-Club*,
Pierce First*, St. Martin’s Academic Achievement*, Daffodil Festival*, Daughter of American Revolution Award; Jill Swick: Top 5% Honor
Cord, President’s Education Academic Excellence Award, WSU Academic Achievement*, University of Idaho Tuition, Ken Moran/John
Bananola Memorial;’Richelle Sylstad: Top 5% Honor Cord, President’s Education Academic Excellence Award; Leanne Tifft: Valedictorian,
Top 5% Honor Cord, Washington State Principals’ Scholars Program Award, President’s Education Academic Excellence Award, LeMay
Enterprises*, Honors/AP Award, Most Inspirational Drama Student; Catherine Tryon: Top 10% Honor Cord, President’s Education Academic
Excellence Award, Bethel Education Association*; Sandra Utley: Top 10% Honor Cord, President’s Education Academic Excellence Award,
Honors/AP Award; Rachel Vasquez: Top 10% Honor Cord, President’s Education Academic Excellence Award; Brianna Voller: President’s
Education Academic Excellence Award; Justin Ward: Top 10% Honor Cord, President’s Education Academic Excellence Award; Michelle
Ward: Top 10% Honor Cord, President’s Education Academic Excellence Award, B.E.S.T.*; Rosemary Ward: Top 5% Honor Cord, Washington
State Principals’ Scholars Program Award, President’s Education Academic Excellence Award, Washington State Honors Award, The Kind
Company L.L.C.*, Honors/AP Award, Most Outstanding Science Student, Most Outstanding Yearbook Member;’Carman Wederquist:
President’s Education Academic Excellence Award, Most Outstanding Work-Based Learning Student;’Crystal Whitman:’Top 10% Honor
Cord, President’s Education Academic Excellence Award, Elk Plain Elementary*; Robbie Wilbur: Top 5% Honor Cord, Washington State
Principals’ Scholars Program Award, President’s Education Academic Excellence Award, Saint Martin’s College Chancellor’s Scholarship,
Ben B. Cheney Foundation*, Scholarship for Military Children, Fort Lewis Family Member*, LeMay Enterprises*, United States Marine
Corps Scholastic Excellence Award, Honors/AP Award, Choral Director’s Award, Most Outstanding Math Student; Christopher Williams:
Tacoma Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; Tara Williams: Top 10% Honor Cord, President’s Education Academic Excellence
Award, Camas Prairie Elementary*; Jessica Wilshire: Top 5% Honor Cord, Washington State Principals’ Scholars Program Award, President’s
Education Academic Excellence Award; Gabe Wilson: Outstanding Art Award; Caprice Wright: Most Outstanding Physical Education
Student
9
Bethel Pride
June 2003
Retirees reflect on changes they’ve seen in schools
When teacher John Zurfluh retired this month, he
ended a 43-year career in Bethel schools.
Of course, he started young.
He began as a kindergartner at Spanaway Elementary and graduated from Bethel High. After college, he
returned to teach at Spanaway Jr. High, BHS and Challenger.
Zurfluh is one of nearly 40 district employees who
retired this year. Many have spent decades working with
the community’s children. Over time, they’ve seen a lot
of changes.
“Growing up in Spanaway, we would play football
on Pacific Avenue because there wasn’t a lot of traffic,”
Zurfluh said. He doesn’t recommend it now.
Another 30-year veteran, Sheryl Morrison, started
out in 1973 when the district had only nine schools. Although she’s spent the last seven years as an administrative assistant in the ESC, her first job was as the district’s
first courier.
“They told me to go up to transportation and pick up
a car. It was a 1955 Chevy with a stick shift. I drove around
the parking lot a few times, and then I took off,” she said.
She drove from Kapowsin to Roy, hoping she
wouldn’t encounter any hills that would require changing gears. Things went well for about a week.
Then she hit a pig.
“The farmer came out and was really mad,” she said.
She asked to use a phone to call her supervisor, but
didn’t get much sympathy from her boss. He just laughed
and shouted to the superintendent.
“Hey, Fred, Sheryl hit a pig!”
“Ask if she can put it in the trunk!” was his reply.
Morrison eventually went on to be the school secretary at Naches Trail for 17 years and even found time to
be the PTA president at Clover Creek and Spanaway Lake.
Dorene Barwell spent her entire 28-year career at
Clover Creek. She was the first health clerk hired in the
district. She’s seen a big increase in paperwork.
“It was nice when you could spend more time with
the kids,” she said.
Bus driver Margie Cooper has put in 29 years.
Growth in the district has been enormous, she said.
“A bus could cover a large area then. Now we need
two or three buses for the same area,” she said.
Marilyn Haverland has spent 28 years with the district, the last 10 as a special education bus assistant. She
too is amazed at district growth.
“It used to be called ‘the boonies,’” she said.
North Star’s Gary Kreis could talk about being out
in the country. He spent two of his 30 years teaching in
Two former teachers of the year, communications arts teacher Mary Jo Risse and her husband, counselor George
Risse, retired this year from Bethel High. They began teaching in district schools in 1978.
Roy’s two-room schoolhouse at Lacamas.
“One day the neighbor’s cows got out,” Kreis said.
But that was no problem for his “good rodeo kids.”
“They took jump ropes and herded them back into
the pasture,” he said.
Kreis has seen the district grow from 5,600 students
to more than 16,000. It hasn’t always been an easy growth,
he said, recalling the seven years the district was on a
year-round schedule. Despite the growing pains, he credits a “phenomenal staff” that has helped turn the district
into one of the state’s best.
“We’re always abreast of every educational thing
that’s come along,” he said.
Bethel High’s Mary Jo Risse began teaching at Shining Mountain in 1978.
“We had one high school, two junior highs and Shining Mountain was just being built,” she said. “It’s overwhelming to see how much we’ve grown.”
She recalled when her husband, George, first applied
for a job here.
“George had to come out for an interview, and he
couldn’t even find the place.”
Now 25 years later, George is also retiring after
spending a good part of his career as a counselor at BHS.
For Spanaway Lake’s Colleen Smith, the biggest
change has been the transformation of SLHS from “the
ugly stepchild” to being “strong in the district and strong
in the county.”
“We turned our school around. The staff is very
proud, and so are the kids,” she said.
She said the school is much more academic than ever
before. In 1997 only six students took an Advanced Placement test. This year, 175 students took a total of 249 AP
tests in various subjects.
Although proud to be a Sentinel, Smith still has a
sense of nostalgia for the old days. She recalled having
lived in a duplex on 224th Street. Her landlord was Art
Crate.
“Art would come by for a cup of coffee,” she said.
“And he’d tell all the old stories.”
Former students and community members who
would like to leave a message for a retired employee may
contact Communications Director Mark Wenzel at 5396859.
(Right) Spanaway Lake High teacher Colleen Smith
has mentored many students in her 30-year career.
Joining her are four “academic children” (left to right):
teacher Brian Davis, Stephanie Steed, Tara Williams
and Asiha Grigsby.
(Below) Sheryl Morrison came full-circle as a district
employee when she recently visited “Lily” at the Brain
farm in Graham. Morrison had a run-in with a pig in
Kapowsin 30 years ago when she worked as a courier.
Serving with
distinction
Mel Alumbaugh, Special Services, 12 years
Catherine Amsden, Rocky Ridge, 27 years
Sherron Asay, Spanaway Jr. High, 21 years
Dorene Barwell, Clover Creek, 28 years
Wendell Brave, Cedarcrest Jr. High, 12 years
Ralph Chappell, Spanaway Jr. High, 15 years
Margie Cooper, Transportation, 29 years
Michael Duffy, Bethel High, 2 years
Judith Ely, Frontier Jr. High, 10 years
Marjorie Feller, Bethel High, 9 years
Marcia Hager, Naches Trail, 20 years
Anna Hahn, Camas Prairie, 26 years
Patricia Hallock, Bethel High, 24 years
Marilyn Haverland, Transportation, 28 years
Gloria Jean, Kapowsin, 27 years
Gary Kreis, North Star, 30 years
Antonio Maldonado, Elk Plain, 6 years
Susan McIntire, Bethel Jr. High, 3 years
Maxine Mehlhaff, Shining Mt., 20 years
Harriet Miller, Spanaway Lake High, 21 years
Melvin Moline, Transportation, 17 years
Sheryl Morrison, ESC, 30 years
Janet O’Brien, Spanaway Lake High, 26 years
Sharon Quaschnik, Special Services, 23 years
Sherman Quesenberry, Graham, 6 years
Leilani Quesenberry, Centennial, 13 years
George Risse, Bethel High, 25 years
Mary Jo Risse, Bethel High, 21 years
Eileen Rowley, ESC, 21 years
Sandy Scott, Clover Creek, 29 years
Colleen Smith, Spanaway Lake High, 29 years
Judy Ternstrom, Spanaway Elementary, 19 years
John Thomson, Facilities, 6 years
Jay Van Ess, Rocky Ridge, 27 years
Joan Wood, Rocky Ridge, 18 years
John Zurfluh, Challenger, 30 years
10
Bethel Pride
6th graders run, jump, scream at annual track meet
What happens when 300 12-year olds
get together for a track and field meet?
Lots of screaming, laughing and
jumping up and down.
That was the scene as district sixth
graders gathered at Art Crate Field for the
32nd annual Sixth Grade Track Meet. The
friendly competition included running,
throwing and jumping.
“This is about kids having a good
time,” said coordinator Joe Barrett,
Graham’s assistant principal. “It’s a culminating event for sixth graders. It’s also
the only districtwide athletics event for elementary students. It’s really fun.”
Eight events made up the competition.
Schools were divided into two leagues,
based on size. Schools with more than 600
students were in the Braves League; those
with fewer than 600 were in the Sentinel
League.
Each event had separate heats for girls
and boys. School principals served as
judges and timekeepers. Teachers and
adult volunteers helped out.
Nearly 300 parents, grandparents, siblings and friends cheered on the young athletes from the grandstands.
Elk Plain’s Nathan Tout won his 100meter heat as his mom, Karen, cheered
from the stands.
“Nathan has been looking forward to
this for awhile,” she said. “He’s been practicing for six weeks. We’re just having fun
out here cheering for our kids, yelling as
loud as we can.”
Wes and Tarice Swick were equally
proud of their granddaughter, Naches
Trail’s Chymma Swick.
“Chymma got a first and a second
place,” said her grandmother. “But we
would have been proud of her even if she
hadn’t placed. We just love being out
here.”
A total of 30 high school athletes attended
the state track and field meet in Pasco last
month. Bethel
High winners included: Kameko
Wilson, second in
400m; Bob Frey,
sixth in the 110m
hurdles and seventh in the 300m
hurdles; Trevor
Hansen, sixth in
the 400m; Caesar Kameko Wilson
Rayford, sixth in
the high jump; and the 1600m relay team,
which placed sixth. The girls team is
coached by Paula Brown, and the boys
coach is Pat Mullen. Spanaway Lake
High winners in Pasco included Rickey
Moody, second in long jump; Asiha
Grigsby, second in 100m hurdles, sixth in
300m hurdles; Latonya Wilson, Jessica
Pendon, Jalen Pendon and Asiha
Grigsby, third in 1600m relay. The girls
coach is Shirley Baker, and the boys
coach is Bob Loose.
SLHS fastpitch coach Debbie Bentler
was named Coach of Year for the SPSL
South Division.
Rocky Ridge sixth grader Jenna Pedersen flies through the air in the long jump.
When it was all over, Thompson student Kasandra McCown was relieved.
“The most exciting moment for me
today was getting third in the long jump,”
she said. “I was so happy I didn’t get last!”
McCown’s classmate, Jordan Lee,
said his favorite part of the day was
screaming.
“That’s why I’ve lost my voice,” he
whispered.
arm, a good body type and athleticism,”
said Huston. “I liked the fact that he could
take instruction. His arm seemed very resilient. And he loved to pitch. You could
see it in his face when he was working out
there. On top of that, he’s a good kid. I’m
fortunate to find a young man that has character and can play at the same time.”
Shadle has worked hard to take his
baseball skills to the next level. His train-
ing includes weightlifting, throwing on a
regular basis and studying the art of the
game. His father, Mike, a former baseball
star at Rogers High, has served as his “lifetime coach.”
The action taken by the Padres is commonly referred to as “draft-and-follow.”
Clubs maintain exclusive signing rights to
a drafted player until a week before the
following draft, if the player attends junior college. It is designed to attract players who don’t have the skills or physical
tools to play professionally now, but might
develop those tools with maturity and playing time. No money is offered until a
player is signed.
On average, only 50 players are
signed each year as draft-and-follows.
But despite the long odds, Shadle remains optimistic. He plans to play for the
Tacoma Reds this summer, and he has a
scholarship to play for Tacoma Community College in the fall. If everything works
out just right, he may follow in the steps
of his idol, Mariners’ pitcher Jamie Moyer.
“I love the way Moyer’s mind works,”
Shadle said. “He’s a baseball genius.”
Former BHS player Mike Blowers is
the most famous local recruit. He played
on four MLB teams between 1989-1999,
including the Mariners.
and state grants as well as corporate contributions to complete steps three and four.
“We’re very excited about getting $1
million for the artificial surface,” said
Seigel. “But what this community really
needs is a place for children to learn how
to swim and a central place for people to
meet. We’re going to try to make that happen.”
The $500,000 allocation for Art Crate
Field was one of 47 local/community
projects totaling more than $12 million in
the state construction budget.
Other community projects included
Frontier Park ($165,000), Graham Fire
District Emergency Services Center
($150,000), and South Hill Community
Park ($250,000).
Bethel High pitcher Zach Shadle (’03)
was selected by the San Diego Padres in
last month’s draft. Shadle led the Braves
with a 2.1 ERA and 60 strikeouts.
Field, continued from page 1
ticket booth, build changing rooms and
upgrade restrooms.
The final step could be more dramatic.
Seigel plans to discuss with the school
board the possibility of creating a community center, complete with a swimming
pool, meeting rooms and parking area. The
center would be located near Art Crate
Field. The district would pursue federal
Sports Briefs
Cedarcrest Jr. High seventh grader
Nicole Cochran won the 5K Sound to
Narrows race in Tacoma with a time of
18:28. She beat her nearest competitor by
three minutes.
Padres claim signing rights for BHS pitcher
Sometimes dreams really do come
true. Just ask Bethel High grad Zach
Shadle (’03), who found out earlier this
month that he’d been drafted by the San
Diego Padres. The Padres chose the pitcher
in the 40th round of the Major League Baseball draft. He was one of about 1,500 players selected nationwide.
Shadle was at school when his mom
called to tell him the good news. He immediately went online to make sure it was
true. When he saw his name, he got a lump
in his throat.
“It’s shocking at first,” he said. “You
start thinking, ‘I’ve wanted this my whole
life, and now it’s happening.’ There’s no
other feeling like it. It’s a dream come
true.”
Shadle, who stands at 6 feet 4 inches,
has a fastball that clocks 88-91 miles per
hour. He also has a good curve ball and a
changeup, according to BHS coach Phil
Misely. Shadle led the Braves this year
with 60 strikeouts in 40 innings. He struck
out 15 against Spanaway Lake and 12
against Wilson. His earned run average
was 2.1. That put him in the top five in the
South Puget Sound League.
Padres scout Dan Huston saw Shadle
at a tryout in Tacoma last month.
“What I saw with Zach was a strong
June 2003
SLHS baseball and girls tennis won the
team sportsmanship awards for the SPSL
South Division. The coaches are Matt
Coulter and Nina Taniguchi.
BHS girls golf team was named state 4A
academic champion with a team GPA of
3.8. Members include Jennifer Aszklar,
Remy Castro, Chelsea Gerber, Mychal
Hendrickson, Rachael Hendrickson,
Makenzi Ring, Tasha Seaberg, Alyssa
Siongco, Hazelmae Siongco, and Sharon
Marston. The coach is Doug Wisness.
All-SPSL South Division:
• Girls Golf: Janelle Springer, SLHS,
first team; Mychal Hendrickson, Tasha
Seaberg, BHS, second team.
• Boys Golf: Ryan Brokaw, SLHS, Brett
Cunningham, BHS, second team.
• Baseball: Zach Shadle, BHS; Muckie
Foreman and Mikey Croger, SLHS, first
team. Josh Van Zant, SLHS, Joe Yusko,
BHS, second team.
• Fastpitch: Alisa Bible, Renee Kilgore,
and Marli Wenger, SLHS, first team.
Stephanie Travis and Ciara Phillips,
SLHS, second team.
• Soccer: Ryan Brown and Jose Oviedo,
SLHS, Will Dahl, Johura Turner, BHS,
first team. Andy Molina and Ryan Paul,
BHS, second team.
Cedarcrest Jr. High sprinter Chase
Krumins won the boys’ 200 at a recent
Summer Track & Field meet at Sparks Stadium. Floyd Beaman won both the 800
and 1600, Andee Robinson placed second in the girls’ 100, Alex Pitsch placed
second in the 800, and Nate Douville
placed second in the 3200 meters.
Pierce County Parks and Recreation sponsors a series of summer track and field
meets each Wednesday evening. Athletes
compete within their own age group from
age 9 through senior adults. The meets take
place at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup and
begin at 5 p.m. For information contact
Pierce County Parks at (253) 798-4010 or
Ron Mattlia at (253) 845-8745.
11
Bethel Pride
June 2003
Officials break ground at site
of district’s 3rd high school
A stretch of land north of Frontier Jr. Association president Pat RobertsHigh in Graham was the site of a Dempsey.
groundbreaking celebration last month.
Several firefighters from the Graham
Elected officials, district staff and commu- station also showed up, including one who
nity members gathered to be the first to carefully videotaped a scale model of the
dig their shovels into the earth at the loca- school. Firefighters intend to study the
tion of the district’s newest high school. model to develop fire prevention plans.
The $42 million
The Frontier
project is the district’s
Jr. High jazz band, difirst high school in
rected by Matt
more than 20 years.
Armstrong, livened
“I want to thank
things up with upbeat
Where: Graham
the community for
tunes by Dizzie
When: Fall 2005
supporting
our
Gillespie and others.
schools with the pasParticipants remarked
Capacity: 1,600
sage of the 2001
how impressed they
Cost: $42 million
bond,” said school
were with the band’s
board president Ken
professional sound.
Blair. “We desperately
S t u d e n t
need this new school to ease overcrowd- speaker Nicole Laumb, an eighth grader
ing. It’s great that the community stepped at Frontier, said she and her classmates
forward.”
were excited to be the first class to graduSuperintendent Tom Seigel said the ate from the new school. She said the halldistrict plans to complete the project on ways at Frontier are very crowded, so she
time and on budget.
was looking forward to moving to a school
“We’ve planned this building care- with more space.
fully to maximize taxpayer dollars,” he
“It will be great to be in a brand new
said. “We’re going to get the best product school,” she said.
possible for the money.”
The new high school, yet to be named,
Other attendees included school board is scheduled to open in 2005. It will be a
members Blair, Dennis Townsend, Joy 175,000-square-foot building with the caCook and Susan Smith. They were joined pacity to hold 1,600 students.
by legislators Marilyn Rasmussen, Jim
The first year, the school will house
Kastama, Roger Bush, Fire Commissioner only sophomores and juniors. The first
Gerald Gustafson and Bethel Education class will graduate in 2007.
High School #3
Smart planning
wins district
energy grant
It pays to build smart.
A decision to use a geothermal heating and cooling system at the new
Kapowsin Elementary has won the district
a $32,824 conservation grant from Puget
Sound Energy. The award was announced
in mid-May.
The grant is part of the utility’s incentive program to promote energy efficiency.
The program gives back a portion of the
cost of installing the new system.
“In all of our decisions, we try to be
cost effective and environmentally
friendly,” said Executive Director of Operations Rob Van Slyke.
“It’s great to be able to partner with
companies like PSE to make this happen.
It’s a situation that benefits everyone involved.”
The new Kapowsin geothermal system has two acres of buried plastic water
pipe that extracts heating and cooling from
the ground. It uses no chiller or boiler.
The grant is only part of the good
news. The system is expected to pay for
itself in reduced power bills within three
to five years.
Engineers working on the project say
the system will save approximately
$15,000 per year in energy costs. PSE estimates an annual savings of nearly
125,000 kilowatt hours per year.
The district plans to incorporate energy efficient systems into all new construction projects.
School board members (right to left) Susan Smith, Joy Cook, Dennis Townsend, Ken
Blair and Superintendent Tom Seigel give their shovels a workout at the
groundbreaking ceremony for the new high school in Graham.
Workers deliver districtwide
school repairs on time, on budget
On time and on budget.
Those words describe dozens of
projects in the works throughout the district. Projects include three new buildings
and the installation of roofs, carpets, fences
and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air
conditioning) systems. All are a result of
the $83.5 million bond passed in February 2001.
With the addition of state matching
funds, the district will have $114 million
to invest in new schools and repair existing ones.
It was about time. The last construction bond passed in 1990.
“Our buildings were in disrepair,” said
Greg Brown, director of construction. “Because of a lack of funds over the years, we
haven’t been able to keep ahead.”
Brown said that building systems like
HVAC and roofs fail over time. Most
HVAC systems last only 15-20 years.
“Many were way past replacement
time,” Brown said.
Getting more done with less
The construction chief says that funds
are being well spent.
“People would be surprised at how
much we’ve been able to do with the
money they’ve entrusted to us,” Brown
said. “They don’t have to worry that a
project that was promised won’t happen.
In fact, we’ve done so well managing our
projects that we’re adding to what we said
we would do.”
The big budget items are the three new
schools currently under construction.
The district’s third high school in Graham has a $42 million price tag. Bid opening is scheduled for this summer. The district expects estimates to fall within the
anticipated budget. The school is due to
open in the fall of 2005.
Cougar Mountain Jr. High is on schedule and under budget. It’s budgeted at
$20.6 million and will open in late fall.
Also under budget is the replacement
Kapowsin Elementary, due to open in September, at $9.6 million. Another $2.5 million has been allocated to purchase building sites for future schools.
Smaller projects benefit many schools
A number of projects totaling $10.5
million have already been completed. (See
list.) An additional $8 million will be spent
on similar school projects.
Twelve sites have efficiency upgrades. Energy efficient lighting has been
added and trash compactors have replaced
dumpsters. Upgrades will create savings
in monthly operating costs.
Construction budget report card
O
e
n tim
Camas Prairie: new roof, carpet and tile, HVAC improvements, intercom
Centennial: new roof, HVAC improvements
Evergreen: new HVAC system, white boards, playground safety improvements
Graham: new roof, HVAC improvements, new carpet and floors, playground safety improvements
Naches Trail: new roof and drainage, HVAC system, new asphalt, playground improvements
Pioneer Valley: new roof, playground safety improvements
Roy: new roof, new HVAC system, playfield drainage improvements
Shining Mountain: new HVAC system, connection to water utility
Spanaway Elementary: new HVAC system, playground safety improvements
Bethel Jr. High: new roof “A” building, new floor in main building, water connection
Cedarcrest Jr. High: new roof, new HVAC system, fencing and paving
BHS: new roof “A” building, fencing/access improvements, security cameras, water connection
SLHS: new carpet and flooring, lighting , fencing, parking and drainage, security improvements
Educational Service Center: new HVAC system, new carpet, new roof
Transportation: fencing, lighting improvements and paving
Art Crate Field: new roof on home bleachers, sewer connection, fencing
get
O
d
n bu
12
Bethel Pride
June 2003
Graduation 2003: A proud moment
School board member Joy Cook recently said that
her favorite part of the job is attending graduation ceremonies. I know what she means.
Graduation is the culminating event in a student’s
career. It’s also an opportunity for a school district to
take a moment to enjoy its successes. That’s important
in a time when there are constant pressures to achieve
more with less.
I was proud to acknowledge the accomplishments
of the class of 2003 at three ceremonies this month. And
what a class it is – scholars, artists and athletes who have
distinguished themselves by working hard to achieve
their goals.
But another thing was clear in listening to the graduation speeches. This is a community that cares. Students
spoke of teachers who selflessly worked overtime to help
them succeed. These teachers and other school staff come
in before school, skip lunch, or stay late after school to
give students an extra boost. They don’t do it for recognition. They do it because they care.
Students also spoke of the commitment and love of
their parents. These mothers and fathers have spent years
attending concerts, driving to sports games and helping
their children with school projects. Their dedication has
paid off in their children’s lives.
It gives me great pride to see the care of students,
parents and employees. Empathy is one of the core values we promote in the district. We teach students the
importance of reaching out to one another. We do it
through our words. And we do it through our actions.
Actions such as supporting local food banks, donating
money for BEST scholarships, and supporting charities
like United Way, March of Dimes and American Cancer
Society. By caring, we build a community.
It’s clear to me that our students have learned the
lesson of opening their hearts to others. I’m confident
they will contribute to their communites as adults.
Summer vacation will provide a break for everyone
to re-tool. Even though it’s “vacation,” school employees and students will continue to work. Many students
will go to summer school or camp, while hundreds of
certificated staff attend seminars or pursue research
projects to make them better educators. District employees are always striving to learn new teaching strategies
to improve student achievement.
We encourage students to learn through the summer, too. One of the best ways is to read. Governor Locke
has promoted a summer reading program – with awards
– for students in our state. For details, please see the
district website www.bethelsd.org or call 539-6859.
I wish you a relaxing summer vacation with your
family. And I look forward to many more successes in
the fall!
Sincerely,
Superintendent Tom Seigel praised recent graduates
for their scholastic achievements and community
service. He encouraged them to make learning an
active pursuit throughout adulthood.
Thomas G. Seigel
Auditor’s office sets July 31 deadline
Filing period approaches for school board positions
This fall offers an opportunity for
those who would like to serve on the
Bethel school board. Three of the
district’s five school board seats will be
on the November ballot. They are Districts 2, 4 and 5. The county auditor’s office requires candidates to file for school
board positions July 28-31.
In District 2, incumbent Alice Dunn
will run for a second four-year term. Dennis Townsend, who represents District 5,
plans to move to District 2 and has announced he too will run for the seat.
In District 3, incumbent Joy Cook remains undecided about an additional
term.
Cook has served eight years on the
board.
With Townsend’s departure, District
5 remains wide open. The district covers
Roy and parts of Kapowsin. School
board members – school directors – are
The Bethel School District is divided into five director areas. Each area has approximately 17,000 residents. This November, three school board seats will be on the
ballot. The filing period for candidates, at the auditor’s office, is July 28-31.
the “governors” of the school district who
work in partnership with their administrative team to set the district’s direction.
The Washington State School Directors
Association (WSSDA) says school board
members have four major areas of responsibility:
Vision – The board focuses the work
of the district and community on student
achievement through a comprehensive
strategic planning process.
Structure – The board governs the
district through prudent financial planning and oversight, and diligent and innovative policymaking.
Accountability – The board infuses
all programs and crucial policies with
specific goals and a process for evaluation, reporting and recommending improvements.
Advocacy – The board champions
public education in the local community
and before state and federal
policymakers.
WSSDA says school board candidates should:
• Have a sincere interest in public
education and a commitment to im
proving student learning
• Be forward thinking and bring creative solutions and approaches to
education
• Bring a broad base of knowledge
and experience
• Understand that education is complex
• Be respected and involved in their
communities
• Listen and consider opposing
views before making decisions
• Be willing to invest the many hours
necessary to meet the responsibilities of board service
• Serve unselfishly to benefit the
whole community
• Respect associates and the group
decisions of the board
• Honor and respect diverse cultures,
abilities, learning styles and human
needs
• Engage in professional development programs to expand knowledge
of education and strengthen governance and leadership skills
School board president Ken Blair encourages interested parties to run, but says
they should do so with their eyes wide
open.
“It’s a huge time commitment,” he
said. “Between reading the materials, attending meetings, taking parent phone
calls and attending school events, you
have to put in 5-15 hours a week.”
To be legally eligible for a school
board director position, one must be a registered voter in the director district. Neither a school director nor his/her spouse
or interdependent family members may
be employed by the school district except
when the director’s spouse was employed
by the district before the director’s election to the board.
Bethel Board of Directors
Ken Blair, president, second term expires 2005 ...................................................................... 537-1486
Dennis Townsend, vice president, third term expires 2003 .................................................... 843-1115
Susan Smith, member, first term expires 2005 ....................................................................... 847-1321
Joy Cook, member, second term expires 2003 ................................................................ 360-893-6393
Alice Dunn, member, first term expires 2003 .......................................................................... 537-4160