Eagle Scout project installs benches

Four Boy Scouts from the Edmonds School District installed two benches out front of Meadowdale Elementary School as part of an Eagle Scout project. The Boy Scouts involved were Jackson Kettel, an Edmonds-Woodway High School senior; Dominik Baker and Stephen Tameishi, both Meadowdale seniors; and Kristian Helleren, a Meadowdale freshman.

VFW honors three outstanding teachers

Three local teachers were recently recognized by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8870 for their ongoing efforts to promote American history, traditions and its institutions, teach and reinforce citizenship education topics, and promote democratic values and beliefs.

The post’s Elementary Teacher of the Year is Nancy Thompson, a music teacher at Serene Lake Elementary School who coordinates the school’s annual Veteran’s Day program.

The Middle School Teacher of the Year is Lori Kutrich, who teaches at Terrace Park School. Her students take part in the post’s essay contests each year.

Chris Brown was named the post’s High School Teacher of the Year. The retired Scriber Lake High educator still helps lead the school’s Interdisciplinary Studies Environmental Program (INSTEP) and volunteers as a tutor.

Teens serve as pages

Aimee Gaston recently served as a page in the state House of Representatives for a week in Olympia. She was sponsored by Rep. Elizabeth Scott. Gaston also is involved in Troop 722 of the American Heritage Girls and is working towards the Stars and Stripes Award, the group’s highest attainable rank.

Benson Gonzales and Justus Dahlinger, both of Monroe, recently served as pages for Rep. Dan Kristiansen. Both are students at Sky Valley Education Center in Monroe. Dahlinger is in the final stages of becoming an Eagle Scout; he enjoys drama and dance. Gonzales competes in cross country and track, plays clarinet and piano, and performs in show choir.

To submit news for Applause, email newstips@heraldnet.com.