We had the pleasure of hosting seven Outstanding Students from our local schools. Below you will find a bit more about the students who were honored at today’s lunch, as well as the organization they made their donation to. (From left to right: Dr. Chrys Sweeting, Alyson Kleinman, Samantha Redford, Itzel Dominguez Esparza, Brooke Herrera, Alexus Spooner-Jones, Maia Brown, Carson Rasmussen, and Scott M. Peacock).

 

 

We were all lucky and honored to celebr

 

 

Our first student honored is Alexus Spooner-Jones who is a student at Weston High School. Alexus was nominated by her paraeducator and school counselor, and in their words, “Alexus is a hardworking and dedicated student. She is proactive about asking for help when she needs it and always goes the extra mile by visiting teachers during Panther Period to get better grasps on assignments. Earlier this year, she won the Weston High School True North award for being the student who is actively working towards her long-term goals and making progress. Alexis is filled with grit. There is no challenge that she cannot overcome. Her post-secondary plans include going to school for cosmetology. She is a quiet but mighty kid! We love her!”

 

Alexus shared with our club that she will continue her education at Everett Community College in the fall following her graduation at Weston. Alexus chose The NOAH Center because of the great work they do for animals.

 

Our second student honored was Brooke Herrera who is a student in the Stillaguamish Valley Learning Center online program. Brooke was nominated by her AOP Teacher/Consultant, who stated that “Brooke is a hard working individual. In the Arlington Online Program she has grown academically and demonstrated her ability to advocate for herself for support when needed.”

 

Brooke’s interests include art and soccer, but she has current goals to enter the field of dentistry in the future. Brooke has selected Beautiful Sole for her charity for the work they do in helping children have quality socks and shoes.

 

Our next student who was honored was Maia Brown, who is a student at Lakewood High School. Maia was nominated by her principal. Here is a few great things said by staff members at the high school: “Maia he is an 8 outstanding student in so many ways. She is our valedictorian this year, maintaining a 4.0 GPA for the first seven semesters of her high school career. She is kind and thoughtful and loved by students and staff.”; “Maia it is a positive and important member of the LHS performing arts! She has been the sound tech for the LHS musicals and plays for the last two years period she is professional, reliable, always on target, teachable and fabulous problem solver. When Maia he is in the booth for a musical I know that I don't need to stress because she will do a great job! She is also a great team player, who encourages the cast and crew and leads by example! Maia Is an all around one or full person and will do great things in the future!”

 

Maia has picked the Red Curtain Foundation for the Arts in Marysville for her charity, due to her love of performing arts, and the importance of preserving the arts in our local community.

 

We honored another Lakewood student today and it was Itzel Dominguez Esparza of Lakewood Middle School. Itzel was nominated by Amanda Cote, the Principal of Lakewood Middle. She had this to say about Itzel “Itzel is our current ASB vice-president and has a passion for making our school a better place. She helps students who need extra guidance on class assignments and is a great role model. Itzel Exemplifies all of our PRIDE values: she is prepared, respectful, inclusive, determined and excellent. In addition, she is a phenomenal student with almost straight A's. Itzel Is very deserving and a phenomenal member of our Lakewood Middle school community.”

 

Itzel has picked Holy Cross Catholic Church of Lake Stevens as her organization. She would like to be a 1^st grade teacher in the future, since she has learned to help educate her younger siblings.

 

We honored Samantha Redford of Post Middle School, who selected Seattle children’s Hospital as her charitable organization. Samantha was nominated by her teacher, Jill Mattson who said: “Samantha is an outstanding human in every way. She demonstrates a positive attitude in all that she does. She is kind and respectful to all she encounters, and is the first person to offer a helping hand to anyone. Every morning in PE she offers to help set up any equipment needed for both classes, as well as lending a hand for anything needed. Sammy is involved in multiple areas of the school including the band program in the cross country team. She is a wonderful example for her peers and someone they can look up to as a leader. Sammy is an outstanding human and highly deserving of the recognition of such an award. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to be her teacher and to get to know her.

 

While she is unsure about what profession she will pursue, she is sure that she would like to attend college in a few years. Where she may go, they will be getting a wonderful person.

 

Also in the Arlington middle schools, we honored Alyson Kleinman of Haller Middle School. Alyson was nominated by her principal who had this to say: “Alyson is serving as student representative on the district board advisory task force. She is providing a voice and perspective to the important and challenging task of balancing the budget for next year 2023-24. Alyson Is a model 7th grade student at Haller Middle School. Alyson Is kind, caring, and supportive of her classmates and teachers. Academically, Alyson is earning A's and B's in every course the semester. Alyson Is always demonstrating positive behavior and is a pleasure to work with.”

 

Alyson has selected the Snohomish County K-9 Foundation as her charity. Alyson loves to dance, and she hopes her team can dance at Disney World this year. Her current goal is to help people in the field of psychology.

 

Our last student honored was Carson Rasmussen of Arlington High School, who was nominated by his German teacher, Ben Mendro. Mr. Mendro had wonderful things to say about Carson, including the following: “Carson is one of the rare breed of world-language students who survives to and thrives in the 4th-year class. He has worked extremely hard since his freshman year to be an accomplished German-language student. This year, as a senior, Carson also signed up to be my TA and has been an invaluable help to me with correcting, recording participation points and being a very capable aide to the long-term sub in my classroom, as I have been absent for a month due to hip-replacement surgery.”,  “Last spring he created a final, year-end Google Slides presentation about a particular battle involving German and British ships, which he then translated into German.”, and “It has been an unqualified pleasure being Carson Rasmussen's teacher for four years, and I will miss him dearly after he graduates this June.”

 

Carson has selected the Ukrainian Red Cross for his donation. Carson wants the world to come together and ensure the safety and freedom for the Ukrainians as he follows the conflict closely.