Marysville Fire Marshal earns statewide recognition

State ‘Fire Marshal of the Year’ hails from Marysville

A state organization of his peers awarded Marysville Fire District Fire Marshal Tom Maloney as its Fire Marshal of the Year for 2020.

The Washington State Association of Fire Marshals (WSAFM) bestowed the honor on Maloney, who is vice president of the group. State Fire Marshal Charles LeBlanc said the award is given to those who stand out among a highly qualified group.

“Having worked with Tom on many occasions, he is passionate in his calling and strives every day to better the lives of those around him through fire prevention and community risk reduction efforts,” LeBlanc said. “He represents the very best in what Fire Marshals do, and he does so with strong leadership, humility, and professionalism.”

As Marysville’s fire marshal since 2008, Maloney handles business inspections, plan reviews and public education. He said he was speechless and humbled by the award.

“I love what I do and I thank WSAFM for continuing to recognize professionals across our state working to keep our communities safer,” Maloney said.

Edmonds-Woodway senior on teen advisory board

Audrey Wilkinson, an Edmonds-Woodway High School senior, was named a new member of the Teens in Public Service Youth Advisory Committee.

She was in the TIPS Intern Class of 2020. This year, the Youth Advisory Committee was instrumental in helping TIPS pivot to host virtual internships and develop online events.

TIPS, based in Seattle, is dedicated to producing future leaders committed to their communities by connecting teens with opportunities and internships at non-profit organizations.

Virtual auction raises $141K for Snohomish students

The Snohomish Education Foundation went virtual in 2020 to host its annual auction raising funds to support student success.

More than $141,000 was raised during the event, including $53,165 raised specifically for classroom grants that will be distributed to teachers and staff to use in K-12 classrooms throughout the Snohomish School District.

Over six days, attendees vied for more than 180 silent auction items and on Nov. 20 participants gathered for a live auction of seven big-time items. The event included speeches from Keely Reinhard , the foundation’s board president, and Chris Reykdal, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

“We are grateful for and inspired by those who helped make it possible for the Foundation to achieve its mission of supporting students, families and staff in this school district — in the best of times and these uncertain times,” said Robin Stefanson, chair of the auction.

Marysville students named learning superheroes

Two students who have exceeded online learning expectations in the Marysville School District were awarded Imagine Learning Superhero yard signs to commend their hard work.

Cascade Elementary first grader Jhoell Cardena Vargas and Sunnyside Elementary third grader Anna Sergiichuk were two of the students honored last month.

Cardena Vargas enjoys working on his Imagine Learning online curriculum every day, according to his teacher, completing more than 100 activities and learning new sight words that strengthen his English Language skills. He said reading, learning and singing songs are his favorite part of virtual learning.

Sergiichuk spent nearly 15 hours on the Imagine Learning curriculum since October. Her teacher said Sergiichuk has made vast improvements in a short time frame.

Sophia Taxdahl, Marysville School District assistant director of the categorical department, personally delivered the signs as encouragement during these trying times.

“Go team Jhoell and Anna!” Taxdahl said. “Way to be great role models for your peers.”

Know someone who deserves recognition? Call 425-339-3432 or email newstips@heraldnet.com