Marysville Pilchuck senior wins Bronze Cross achievement

Goodie bags in Granite Falls connect teacher with her students

Missing the connection with students during online learning, middle school science teacher Sabrina McLaughlin dropped off holiday goodie bags to each of their homes last month.

Over six hours, McLaughlin crisscrossed Granite Falls providing the gifts to 56 of her students.

“Seeing the expression on their faces as they opened the door reminded me that no matter how my instruction is being presented to them this year, my relationship with my students is what matters the most,” she said.

Marysville high schooler earns award from Legion of Valor

Cadet Lt. Cmdr. Katelyn Leary, of the Marysville Pilchuck High School Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp (NJROTC), is a recipient of the 2020 Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement Award.

Leary, a senior, is one of 22 winners who earned the honor that praises scholastic excellence in Naval Science and other academic subjects.

“Katelyn is going to do amazing things,” said Christine Bromley, principal of Marysville Pilchuck High School. “This is such an exciting and well-deserved award for her and a great reflection on the leadership in our NJROTC program.”

The award is bestowed annually by the Legion of Valor of the United States of America, an organization composed of Medal of Honor Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross and Air Force Cross award recipients.

More options for students experiencing homelessness in Edmonds

A grant from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction will allow Washington Kids in Transition to further its partnership with the Edmonds School District.

With funds awarded by the Student Learning Supports Grant, qualifying students and their families experiencing homelessness will benefit from additional access to food, more stable technology, increased educational support materials and other services through resource Hubs.

The Edmonds Hub, organized in collaboration between Washington Kids in Transition and ESD, will use the increased support to benefit those in need through a mentoring program, life skills education and job search assistance.

Excellence recognition given to Lynnwood standouts

At the final Lynnwood City Council meeting of 2020, Mayor Nicola Smith and the council presented Excellence Awards to a city employee, a local resident and a business for improving the city in 2020.

The employee of the year was Jared Bond the city’s public works operations and maintenance manager. Bond has worked for the city for 22 years, rising through the public works department to a management position where he leads with inclusivity, support and collaboration.

Bruce Lawson was given the citizen award for his work supporting Lynnwood’s environment as a partner at the city’s salmon hatchery. Lawson gives guidance and support to staff and also educates school groups that visit the salmon hatchery on the importance of healthy waterways.

Chef Dane Catering earned the business award for connecting clients to quality service and food even during the COVID-19 public health crisis.

“We’ve had many challenges this year as individuals and as a community,” Smith said. “Each of our three award recipients in their own way has aided our community by mitigating some of the challenges we’ve faced.”