2007 Awardees

For the past five years, Dennis has been involved with music on the plateau. Joining first as a member of the Sammamish Symphony Orchestra, he later became the Symphony’s “Concert Master.” Dennis used his love for music, prior marketing experience, and contagious enthusiasm in the promotion of the Sammamish Symphony, which connects people. He also teaches violin, viola and cello at the Labyrinth Home School Co-operative at Mary Queen of Peace and Plateau Music Store. Dennis loves seeing kids grow and says, “When they master an instrument, they just blossom!” He has seen how music motivates, develops leadership skills, and improves self-esteem in many children. Dennis is most proud of bringing four of his students into the Sammamish Symphony as regular members.

Business:
An owner or manager of a Sammamish enterprise who donates energy, time or resources for community causes.

John and his family have been a part of our community for 24 years, and he’s operated a dental practice in Sammamish since 1991. A youth soccer and basketball coach for many years, he also had the opportunity to mentor “future dentists” through job shadow programs and Senior Projects. Sammamish has grown through John’s involvement on the Park’s Commission, where he recently served as the Park’s Commission Chairman for two years. Among the many community events he and his staff support are: Relay for Life; Operation School Bell; the MS Walk, food drives for Ronald McDonald House; YWCA mitten, hat and sock drive; and donations of dental services, clothing and food for community member’s in-need. John feels that community giving helps bring residents closer together

Courage:
Someone who overcomes great obstacles to live life to the fullest and inspires others to meet challenges.

Marin was a world class athlete competing in multiple swimming events as a young teen, until tragedy struck in the form of brain cancer leaving her partially paralyzed, half blind and aphasic. In spite of some of these obstacles, she continues to participate on the Eastlake high school swim team while conducting distance learning from home. Her motto is “don’t believe them” when told of all the things she cannot do, and she has unquenchable hope and determination. Marin is modest, but realizes she is famous with her marinlove.com website and inspires people all over the country with her story.

Learning Promotion:
A person whose enriching and inspiring contributions create enthusiasm for learning.

Imagine second graders performing Shakespeare and you have walked into Patrick Marckx's classroom. Each year, every student is involved in the production of a Shakespearean play. Students learn to love the language as they rehearse, construct sets, and perform. By the end of the "season", the entire play is memorized and the excitement and comfort of Shakespeare has grown to include spectators. Patrick also keeps creativity present through music exploration and poetry evaluation, going beyond the traditional lesson plans to make learning come alive. He loves to see kids fulfill their potential and believes, "Second graders don't know their own limitations. It is my job not to give them any."

There is more than history and literature being taught in James Rosenzweig's classroom. By being attentive to the many demands on students' time and energy, he brings their world into the classroom, making the learning more relevant. He believes in building good working bonds and offering support by creating a warm and relaxing learning atmosphere, where the students can relate to him. He wants students to see that they can make a difference in the world. His volunteer experiences in the YMCA "Youth and Government Program" led him to teaching high school along with volunteering at the Sammamish YMCA. Comments like the following reflect his impact on high school students, "No teacher has ever made me think so hard and discover so much about myself."

Teen Challenge:
Sammamish Teenager who shows a passion for helping others, for giving service to our community, and for being a shining example inspiring his or her peers and younger generations to follow suit

Sam Levenson has a passion for helping others, and especially those with special needs. He is a coach for the Special Olympics, is involved in Athletes for Kids, mentors a young boy, and is a coach for Skyline High School summer football camps. He was recognized by his peers as an Unsung Hero at Skyline High School and as Captain of the Skyline Football team. Sam is also involved with many other programs, including Issaquah Food Bank and Eastside Baby Corner. He hopes to one day become a Pediatrician.

Trevor Price Children's Award:
A Sammamish youth 13 years old or younger whose initiative and caring sets an example for his/her peers.

Katie organized ticket sales, donations and served as the liaison between Pine Lake Covenant Church and Highland Dance for fundraisers benefiting a community member and fellow dancer Julia Harig, who has Leukemia. With Katie’s help, they raised $35,800. Katie likes to see people’s reactions when she helps others, especially their smiles. It brings her happiness to appreciate the gifts people have. Sharing her energy and enthusiasm has affected her family and the other dancers at Highland Dance. Katie currently participates in the Honor Society, STAND (supporting Teens against Negative Decisions), and Leadership at Inglewood, and eventually would love to be a social worker and/or dancer.

Unsung Hero:
A person who goes beyond expectations in an inspirational and positive manner.

Lisa Jensen, as a high school student, became involved in the “DECA” program. She was so inspired by her adviser that it changed her life. When her boys reached high school, she wanted them to have the same chance by providing them and others with the same skills and “DECA” experiences she had. As a result, she became a driving force behind the current community program available to Sammamish teens. She has worked to establish a program that benefits not only high achievers, but those students looking to find a place to bloom. She now has the support of business and community leaders and has helped many children achieve stellar success.

Youth Advocate:
A person who inspires and supports Sammamish youth, advocating for their interests in the community.

Barbara has been involved in PTSA, church and the Sammamish community for most of her 18 years as a resident of the Plateau. She has served on PTSA Board of Directors for 4 schools and PTSA Council, and has been honored with 3 Golden Acorn awards. Her volunteer work extends from preparing students for DECA competition to co-chairing the Senior Party at Eastlake. Barbara has enjoyed learning about the inner workings of the school system, and how the governmental decisions affect our schools. As a result, she gained knowledge of how to influence state policy makers through visiting legislators in Olympia and to make improvements in education for our kids.

Spirit of Sammamish:
A person who embodies the highest level of commitment to the community.

Cindy moved to Sammamish from Texas seven years ago and absolutely loves being part of our city. S Since moving in, Cindy has embraced volunteerism with vigor and cheerfulness. She has worked with special needs kids in the school district, makes meals for people that need one, collects and sorts toys for homeless and low income families, and helps organize the Harvest Festival. She is a massage therapist and donates her time to Caring Hearts, an organization that supports women recovering from terminal illness or abuse. She got involved with the CERT program, and her newest passion is working as an associate volunteer for Eastside Volunteer Fire and Rescue. She is excited about earning her HAM radio operator’s license, which will enhance her abilities to provide support in an emergency. Whenever she is asked to volunteer, she gets her family involved too.