Super kid

Positive signs: Is in fourth year of American Sign Language classes and is spending this quarter in sign language classes at Seattle Central Community College. Hopes to become a deaf-education teacher.

Frightening time: First day of ASL class when she was a freshman and her teacher didn’t talk out loud once. Something she wasn’t used to as a hearing student. “She didn’t say a word. It was scary. It became the best class of my life. It has become my life.”

Taking the lead: Serves as president of high school’s ASL Club known as Finish Touch. The club includes hearing and deaf students. She also is working with younger students in deaf and hard-of-hearing classes at Madrona School, a kindergarten through eighth-grade school in Edmonds.

Future plans: Has been accepted to California State University at Northridge, which has a top-rated ASL program.

The whistler: Referees for soccer, basketball and baseball leagues through the Sno-King Youth Club.

Diamond fever: Plays softball for Edmonds-Woodway and likes second base most, but also can play third.

Favorite author: Jodi Picoult who wrote “The Pact” and “My Sister’s Keeper.”

Favorite memories: Always enjoyed summer trips to the Long Beach Peninsula as a child with her family.

Homegrown: Attended Edmonds schools from kindergarten through her senior year. “I think Edmonds is a perfect place for young kids … You always know you’re safe.”

Staying close: Attends Ballard Baptist Church with her family, including her dad, who has gone there since he was 6, her grandmother, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Open mind: “I’m a Christian and I love God, but I’m completely open to so many people and so many things. I want people to see that part of our faith – that people can be open and accept all kinds of people.”

Know a super kid? Contact us as 425-339-3036 or e-mail schoolfyi@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Bothell
Bothell man charged with the murder of his wife after Shoreline shooting

On Tuesday, the 43-year-old pleaded not guilty in King County Superior Court.

Five Snohomish County men named in drug and gun trafficking indictments

On Tuesday, federal and local law enforcement arrested 10 individuals in connection with three interrelated drug and gun trafficking conspiracies.

Snohomish County Sheriff Susanna Johnson speaks at a press conference outside of the new Snohomish County 911 building on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
County sheriff working to fix $15M in overspending

In a presentation to the County Council, Sheriff Johnson said she’s reducing overtime hours and working to boost revenue with a new 0.1% sales tax.

A Sound Transit bus at it's new stop in the shadow of the newly opened Northgate Lightrail Station in Seattle. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Sound Transit may add overnight bus service between Everett, Seattle

The regional transit agency is seeking feedback on the proposed service changes, set to go into effect in fall 2026.

Gov. Bob Ferguson signing Senate Bill 5480, a bill exempting medical debt from credit reports, on April 22. (Photo by Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard)
WA’s new ban on medical debt in credit reports at risk of federal override

The Trump administration wants to reverse Biden-era guidance on the issue.

Pedal-free electric bikes are considered motorcycles under Washington State law (Black Press Media file photo)
Stanwood Police: Pedal-free e-bikes are motorcycles

Unlike electric-assisted bikes, they need to be registered and operated by a properly endorsed driver.

State Trooper Isaiah Oliver speaks to a BNSF worker at mile marker 31.7 as road closures and evacuations mount in response to the Bolt Creek Fire on Saturday, Sep. 10, 2022, on U.S. 2 near Index, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Snohomish County adopts its first Community Wildfire Protection Plan

The document analyzes wildfire risks throughout the county and provides resources for people to engage with wildfire resiliency work.

Arlington educators receive grants from the Arlington Education Foundation at a school board meeting on Nov. 10. (Provided photo)
Arlington schools earn mini grants totalling over $20,000

A record 33 programs across the school district received awards up to $1,250.

Cars headed north on Highway 9 line up south of the light at 30th Street on Friday, July 9, 2021 in Snohomish, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
WSDOT to begin work on $145M Highway 9 widening

Initial pile driving work is expected to begin next week. Be prepared for lots of noise, the department said.

d’Elaine Herard Johnson poses for a portrait next to hundreds of her paintings in her Edmonds home on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
‘My personal language’: Edmonds artist to hold final exhibition

d’Elaine Herard Johnson, 93, continues to paint full-time. She plans to donate her 1,200 paintings and estate to Edmonds College.

“No Beach Access” and “By Order of the Sheriff” tow-away signs installed at Hillman Place a public right-of-way near Soundview Drive Northwest in Stanwood. (K’allen Specht)
Snohomish County judge hears arguments on petition over access to the shoreline

Snohomish County Superior Court Judge Karen Moore said she will issue a written statement on whether or not to dismiss the petition alleging the use of “ghost signs,” concrete barriers and removal of parking erased access to a public right-of-way.

People walk through Explorer Middle School’s new gymnasium during an open house on Oct. 7, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett middle school celebrates opening of new gym

The celebration came as the Mukilteo School District seeks the approval of another bond measure to finish rebuilding Explorer Middle School.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.