The PTSA is excited to share recognize four individuals for the 2021 Golden Acorn award that recognizes people who have given exemplary volunteer service to children and youth in our school and community. The winners are:
Melynda Cook: Long-time volunteer & PTSA board member - currently Volunteers Director and Grizzly Garden chair - Melynda has filled so many roles in service of Grand Ridge and our students. She’s done everything from art to popcorn to fundraising. And in this challenging year, she has helped bring new volunteers into the fold with a welcome smile. She is also the Membership Director for the PTSA at Pacific Cascade as well as an active community volunteer.
Erin Michael: Erin is our longest serving PTSA board member as Treasurer, Secretary, and currently Membership Director. And she pitches in beyond that to help ensure events and programs are a success. She is a great ambassador for PTSA as she’s not only welcoming and inclusive, she is also knowledgeable on PTA standards to help guide the organization. Beyond PTSA she is an active volunteer in the community.
Chelsea Musick: Chelsea plays many behind the scenes roles to support our students, the PTSA, and our Highlands community. In addition to being in her second year as Treasurer, member of the PTSA board’s exec committee and room parent, she also finds time to be on the PTSA board at Pacific Cascade. Additionally, she supports our community as admin for the Issaquah Highlands Facebook group and as a founding board member of the Issaquah Highlands Community Fund non-profit group.
Hannah Coblentz: Hannah is in her third year on the PTSA and first as President and she has led the organization through the continue challenges of the lingering pandemic. She’s always there to support her fellow board members and volunteers and has been a key member of the art docent team. Beyond our school, she leads the ParentWiser program for the Issaquah School District, bringing top parent education leaders to our parent community.
There are winners of our Outstanding Advocate award which honors individuals for a demonstrated commitment to helping create strong policies relating to the health, welfare, safety, and education of our children. Volunteers who speak up for students, or who try to change things for the benefit of children are considered advocates.
Mara Schichwarg: Mara is a quiet, but mighty, contributor to our school community. She is currently our Special Ed representative on the PTSA and has served in this role for multiple years. She’s brought many ideas forward that create a positive impact for our students – from improving our playground to advocating for the PTSA to bring in a speaker on inclusivity. She also volunteers at school - at outdoor lunch and in the library - as well as in local community.
Toni Hunter: Toni gives her time and care in advocating for the students and families of Grand Ridge and School District. In addition to serving as PTSA VP & Communications Director, she also represented Grand Ridge as the parent rep on the school district’s Levy Committee. She takes the time to be well-informed by attending school board meetings and she asks questions of leadership respectfully to ensure the needs of students are being met. She is a leader on social media helping ensure community members get accurate information and thoughtful answers.
Melissa Nixon has been awarded the Grand Ridge PTSA Outstanding Educator Award!
Melissa Nixon has been at Grand Ridge for three years, first teaching fifth grade and currently teaching fourth grade. Originally from Michigan, Ms. Nixon graduated from Central Michigan University and then obtained her Master’s at Western Governors University. She taught in the Kent School District for several years prior to coming to Grand Ridge. She loves to build relationships with her class and help students realize their worth and potential. She works to be their advocate and help them gain the skills and strategies to advocate for themselves. We recognize the strong community Ms. Nixon has created in her classrooms and her ability to connect with each student as an individual. She does this genuinely and with empathy, energy & wit! Grand Ridge PTSA is proud to recognize Melissa Nixon as an Outstanding Educator.
Thank you to all who submitted nominations and congratulations to our award winners!
