School board member helps build Dominican Republic school

Everett Public Schools board member Pam LeSesne recently returned from a mission trip in the Dominican Republic, where she helped build an addition on a school for pre-K through sixth grade students, called the Cecaini Rio Grande School.

The school was first built in 2016 and had space for 100 students. The remodel created room for 40 more children, and also added a library, computer lab, nurse’s office and administrative space.

Schools from the Everett district donated library books in Spanish to help fill the new library.

Before the school was built, most kids didn’t go to school because of a 5-mile walk round trip along a narrow mountain road, LeSesne said in a news release.

“Kids are kids no matter where you go,” she said in the release. “They want the same things our kids want, an education, to persevere through challenges.”

One Million Mile Driver Award goes to three Snohomish County bus drivers

Community Transit bus drivers David Eddy, Jack Bartlett and Neil MacKay have each received a Million Mile Driver Award, for driving a million miles without a preventable accident.

Eddy, who lives in the Lynnwood area, has been driving Community Transit buses for 16 years. Both Bartlett, of Snohomish, and McKay, of Everett, have been driving for 14 years.

“The Million Mile status is among the most significant accomplishments we honor because it recognizes our bus drivers’ commitment to safety and service,” Community Transit CEO Emmett Heath said in a news release.

These three join more than 50 other active bus drivers with the recognition.

Monroe teen serves as legislative page for Rep. Carolyn Eslick

Keeley Dahlinger recently served as a legislative page in the Washington State House of Representatives for 39th District Rep. Carolyn Eslick, R-Sultan.

Dahlinger, 14, is from Monroe and attends the Sky Valley Education Center. She enjoys musical theater and also participates in Irish dance, choir, archery and her church youth group. Her parents are Rod and Gina Dahlinger.

As a page, Dahlinger delivered messages to state lawmakers at their offices, in committee meetings and on the House floor. She also completed Legislative Page School.

“Keeley was a wonderful addition to our office,” Eslick said in a news release. “She worked hard during her time in Olympia. I hope she enjoyed the page program and walks away confident in her newfound citizenship skills.”

To become a page, a student must have permission from a parent or guardian and school, be between 14 and 16 years old, and be sponsored by a member of the House of Representatives. Visit leg.wa.gov/House/Pages/HousePageProgram.

Camp Fire Snohomish County awards

Camp Fire Snohomish County handed out awards and elected new officers at its yearly meeting in January.

Jocelyn Hardison, Elizabeth Cain, Sheree Burnichon, Ele Zarkades and Rylee Masonholder received Outstanding Youth Awards for being great leaders during their high school years.

Pat Ryan received a 30-year Volunteer Tenure Award, Cherri Ryan received a 40-year Tenure Award and Janet Westerlund received a 50-year Tenure Award. Donna Fischer received a 30-year Staff Award.

Scott James was presented the Collier Award for his work as treasurer of the Board and Finance Committee.

Greg Starup was presented the Gulick Award for outstanding work on the Board of Directors the past 25 years. That recognition is the highest award in Camp Fire, named after founder Luther Halsey Gulick.

Officers that were elected at the meeting include Krissy Davis of HomeStreet Bank for president, Albert Chang of Forbes Anderson for vice president, Scott James of the City of Edmonds for treasurer, and Carol Clayton for secretary.

Camp Fire Snohomish County has celebrated more than 100 years of service. It’s a way for young people to find their spark and become great leaders.

The organization operates Camp Killoqua on Crabapple Lake near Stanwood, established in 1941. Camp activities focus on appreciation of the outdoors, skill development, concern for others, sports and games, and fun and friendship.