GIVING

Foundation donates $15,000 for books

Eagle Creek Elementary, Arlington School District’s oldest elementary school, is shopping for brand new library books thanks to a donation of $15,000 through the Arlington Education Foundation.

Found in 2002 by community

volunteers, the foundation supports programs and projects within Arlington Public Schools. It adopted Eagle Creek’s grant titled “Old Library Needs New Books” as one of only two grant submissions selected during its 2010 funding cycle.

“We were thrilled to be selected by the Tulalip Tribes (as a recipient of $10,000) and Lowe’s Toolbox for Education (as a recipient of $5,000) for funding this dynamic and worthy project,” said Judi Cartwright, the foundation’s projects coordinator.

A check for $15,000 was presented to Arlington school board at a meeting in January. The school’s grant, authored by former librarian Janet Fuller, asked for library books to enhance the education of Eagle Creek’s 560 students.

To learn more about the Arlington Education Foundation, got to http://arlington edfoundation.com.

Auction raises $40,000 for athletics

The Meadowdale Sports Booster Club raised $40,000 at the Mardi Gras for Mavs auction and dinner held in February.

Almost 200 guests attended the auction and placed bids on more than 140 items.

The booster club has raised about $70,000 in the past two years.

These funds will be used to support Meadowdale High School student athletes and help improve the quality and accessibility of the school’s athletic program.

County workers help Everett Food Bank

Snohomish County workers stepped up last month to feed hungry families, children and seniors in the county by donating food and money to the Volunteers of America Everett Food Bank.

Departments across the county participated in the drive, raising $41,444 and 4,649 pounds of food. That could provide more than 62,000 meals for those in need.

“Needs at the Everett Food Bank remain steady as more unemployed families visit the food bank,” said Thera Martin, communications manager at Volunteers of America Western Washington. “Community food and funds drives are the backbone of Everett Food Bank operations.”

Volunteers of America is currently participating in the Feinstein Challenge, which will match dollars and pounds of food raised during the months of March and April.

Thanks to the contributions made by Snohomish County employees, Volunteers of America will receive an additional $5,246 in matched funds.

Each month, Volunteers of America food banks serve more than 6,000 people.

HONORS

Students awarded in Elks essay contest

Three students from View Ridge Elementary and Gateway Middle School won Elks National Essay Contest titled “Why I am proud to be an American.”

Erica Kim took third place in the state division II, seventh and eighth grades. Adam Sirkis came in first in the local level division I, fifth and sixth grades. Sierra Booth won first place in local level division II, seventh and eighth grades. Reigina Apuya came second in local level division II, seventh and eighth grades.

All winners received award and gift certificates. The state winner will receive a U.S. savings bond.

Everett Scout earns Eagle rank

Michael Ramsey, an 18-year-old Boy Scout from Troop 23 in Everett, has received the rank of Eagle Scout at a ceremony at the North Everett Lions Club.

Ramsey, a home-schooled senior who attends Running Start at Everett Community College, began Scouting in Pack 25 at Lowell Elementary when he was in first grade. He is now serving as an adult leader in his troop.

He has earned 32 merit badges, completed the National Youth Leadership Training and served as a staffer at Camp Black Mountain.

With the help of friends and donations from local stores, Ramsey designed and led a project to build more than 40 treasure chests for children living at Everett Gospel Mission Women and Children’s shelter.

Kamiak teen earns Eagle rank

Kamiak High School freshman Brandon Lauterbach of Boy Scout Troop 288 was honored April 16 during an Eagle Scout ceremony at Grace Lutheran Church.

Brandon, 15, qualified for 40 merit badges to earn his Eagle rank, the highest honor in Scouting. He has served as a leader in his troop and completed a community service project at Lively Environmental Center, a popular place in Mill Creek for field trips and forest walks.

Brandon, son of Marvin and Kathy Lauterbach, has been a member of Troop 288 for four years. He enjoys camping, hiking, fishing and helping younger children, which moved him to do his Eagle project at Lively Environmental Center when he was just 13.

The project involved pressure-washing and staining the unfinished railing on the caretaker’s home, as well as making and staining picnic benches. He spent more than 60 hours planning and carrying out the project.