Empower Youth Network’s 26th Annual Rise & Shine Volunteer Recognition Breakfast celebrated outstanding community volunteers and students on Tuesday, June 6 at the Riverview Educational Service Center in Duvall.
“This annual celebration spotlights community volunteers that truly make the Snoqualmie Valley shine and we are excited to celebrate them,” said Laura Smith, Executive Director of Empower Youth Network (EYN).
Volunteers were recognized in the categories of Youth, Community, Business, and EYN Volunteer. Student scholarships were also awarded to outstanding youth.
Scholarship Awards
Bill Carlson Memorial Scholarship – available to all Snoqualmie Valley high school seniors who are applying for continuing education in 2023–24 to pursue a career as a trade school or trade certification program specifically to become a heavy equipment operator, a welder, or a diesel machinery mechanic.
- James Wilkes – Riverview School District (RSD)
Sophie Theriault Youth Voice – available to all Snoqualmie Valley high school seniors who are applying for continuing education in 2023-43. This scholarship is for youth who have used their voice and perspective in a way that made (or will make) life better or easier for others.
- Maya Falodia – Snoqualmie Valley School District (SVSD)
- Tejasvini Vijay – RSD
Keep It Local Snoqualmie Valley scholarship – supports continuing education in any career path.
- Avery Zlateff – RSD
- Kayla Hampton – RSD
- Lauren Kremer – SVSD
Tanner Electric Scholarship – available to a graduating senior planning to continue their education in any STEM-related field.
- Madhumitha Gandhi – SVSD
Rise & Shine Volunteer Awards
Youth Nominees: Youth in grades 4-12 whose volunteer efforts actively support and inspire other youth to lead safe, healthy, and successful lives.
- Tom O’Dell, Jakob White & Rowan Gladwell
- Tejasvini Vijay
- Chris Paz-Mercado
Volunteer Nominees: A volunteer (youth or adult) working directly with the Empower Youth Network. They may be behind the scenes, a chair person or a board member. They are dependable, demonstrate initiative, and model follow through.
- Kathryn Thompson
- Dutch Siedentopf
Community Nominees: A volunteer in our community who goes above and beyond by leading efforts to address needs, developing and/or leading activities or events or volunteering in the background. This person’s involvement benefits the community and connects with the Empower Youth Network’s mission.
- Tom Armour
- Mickey Davidson
- Abbey Cantrell
- Leo Tenney
- Ann Marie Gill
- Sara Wingerath-Schlanger
- Tove Stakkestad
- Lyssa Seward
- Sara Balsley
- Leesa McKean
- Larry & Leanne Shaw
- Nicole Ritter
- Thyra Demetrick
- Barb Lewis
- Linda Plank
- Randy Griffin
- Melody Granillo
- Kappie Ayers
- Robert Gilliam
- Lorraine Thurston
- Sara Hughes
- Josh Tuininga
- Char Yotz & Sophie Harris/Snoqualmie Valley Soccer Association & Cascade FC
Business Nominees: This is a business that goes above and beyond by sponsoring, donating, and/or helping youth in our community in a way connected to the Empower Youth Network’s mission. They are a business that steps up to help by initiating involvement or responding to a request to be involved.
- Issaquah Cedar & Lumber – Chad Amble
- Castle Electric – Ed Luraghi
- King’s Quality Auto Repair & Sales – Gary King and Stefani Price
- Carnation Cafe & Lounge – Don Mark Fisher & Heidi Fisher
