AWARDS

AWARDEES

PHOTO GALLERIES

FOUNDERS AWARD

2010 Awardees


Arts:

A person who enriches the arts by spreading enthusiasm for, promoting awareness of, and helping to create a rich cultural environment in our community.



Adam Gross


Adam's goal is to inspire more than 500 elementary school students to find a place for the arts in their everyday lives. Adam, a music teacher at Samantha Smith Elementary, believes that without the presence of the arts, a community loses its soul. Music education enables students to grow physically, cognitively and emotionally. Reaching out to students from other cultures has created a music program that is far more inclusive. This fall, Adam, who has taught the drums to children in inner-city Seattle, raised funds for one of only three piano labs in the state. Adam's after school group lessons have become so popular that students from other schools are getting involved.



Business:

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



Gail Stacy Michelman


Gail Stacy Michelman founded The Michelman Agency three years after moving to Sammamish in 1978. Through her business, an insurance brokerage specializing in employee benefits, and retirement insurance, she helps meet the needs of the community, the city, and private and professional organizations. Gail is an ambassador for the Sammamish Chamber of Commerce, and has supported many chamber events and charities. Her agency also sponsors a challenged-teen Hispanic soccer team. She has committed herself to many areas of need, and always gives with energy, enthusiastic leadership, and a heartfelt smile. Gail is a great motivator, and believes that Sammamish people are the best around.



Courage:

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



Kristen and Brendon Lynch


Kirstin and Brendon Lynch feel blessed by their children, Charlotte, 3, and Hayden, 7. Hayden's life-threatening disease requires intermittent, life-long chemotherapy, and additional medical interventions. Yet these two courageous parents have clear priorities, focusing not on what they need but on what they have. Many might ask,"Why us?" But not Brendon and Kirstin. Instead, they are busy reaching out to others. Last summer they cycled from Seattle to Portland, fundraising for The Children's Tumor Foundation. The joy they feel everyday watching Charlotte and Hayden, running through the park, or catching the school bus, fills them both with love and hope.



Learning Promotion:

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



Leslie Spero


Leslie is a force to be reckoned with. She is the Drama and Art teacher at Eastside Catholic School and is a fireball of energy. Her passion is building confidence in her students through their theatre experience, whether on stage or behind the scenes. Leslie trains the students to take charge of every element of the production, and is not afraid to take on sensitive subject matters, believing that the arts should educate as well as entertain. When not in the theater, Leslie leads groups of students on community service trips to developing countries. She knows that exposing students to the broader world not only opens their minds but also their hearts.



Teen Spirit:

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.



Jamie Eide


Jamie Eide is dedicated to teaching younger kids the life skills they need to make healthy, wise choices, and encourages them to work toward their dreams. His own life is a perfect example: Jamie is a second degree black belt and lead karate instructor at Karate West, an Eagle Boy Scout, head acolyte at his church, has been awarded Student of the Year several times, and has created a teen community service program at work. Being humble, accountable, and seeing the good in every situation has earned Jamie the respect of parents and children, as a strong and spirited role model.



Trevor Price Award:

A Sammamish youth whose initiative and caring sets an example for his/her peers.



Sonya Ahuja


Sonya has made it a focus of her life to be a "peacemaker" with her friends, neighbors and the environment. At 11 years of age, she has shown great concern in trying to help her friends and others work out their differences when conflicts arise. Bringing people closer together in a positive manner is her goal, as is caring for the local environment. She attends the Overlake School, and balances homework and activities with pulling blackberries and making lunches for NW Harvest. Sonja's great compassion for people is inspired by her Mom. She would eventually like to become a counselor, chemist or doctor.



Unsung Hero:

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



Alec Baer, Arend Broekmate, Billy Dimlow and Brooks Meadowcroft


This fund was co-founded by four remarkable 13-year-old boys, Alec Baer, Arend Broekmate, Billy Dimlow and Brooks Meadowcroft, when they learned some of their friends would not be returning to camp because they couldn't afford it. This year they hope to fund two campers for their summer camp, Four Winds - Westward Ho. They have raised money by selling their own belongings on Craigslist, doing various work projects, and sending mailers to camp friends and families. They maintain a Facebook page where people can monitor the progress of the fund. "All four of us are so fortunate that we get to go to camp, and we want others to enjoy the camp experience as much as we do."



Youth Advocate:

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



Karen Skoog


Karen's story is about promoting a "Community of Kindness." As a Spanish Teacher at Eastside Catholic School, Karen carries her passion for learning and appreciation of other cultures into her role as Advisor to the school's Leadership Program. She works alongside students to show them that leadership is about being involved, serving, and finding value in not only what you do, but valuing others. Karen's Leadership Class is so popular it has a waiting list of more than 20 students. She also works as a coach and choreographer for the ECS Drill Team. Karen is a coach, mentor and friend, able to teach and influence both in and out of the classroom.



Spirit of Sammamish:

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



Caroline Brown


In the short time she has been in Sammamish, Caroline has jumped into leadership positions in the community. As PTSA co-president at Beaver Lake Middle School, she was instrumental in implementing a DATA Week (drug, alcohol, tobacco awareness program) that won state recognition. Caroline is a passionate supporter of education reform, always educating and recruiting others. As Marketing Director for Generation Joy, she traveled to South Africa to distribute school supplies with her son. Caroline is a grade level advisor with National Charity League, participating with her daughter in their philanthropic work. Caroline is also a volunteer Art Docent at Echo Glen juvenile detention center, and PTSA co-president at Skyline High School.




Angela Kennedy


Angela's community leadership takes many forms. As President of Eastside Baby Corner (EBC), Angela led the effort to create a governing board. She supervised the hiring of EBC's first paid staff and the creation of a fund development program to support the thousands of children and families that depend on EBC's continued services. Angela's experience as an emergency medical technician drives her passion for providing major support to EBC's car seat program. Her service extends to long-term leadership in the Cub Scouts, chairing two fundraising auctions for her local school, and helping to lead the school's capital campaign. She even coaches her son's robotics team!



Founder's Award:

An individual, the SAMMI Board felt compelled to recognize, who has served and inspired the community for an extended period of time.



Marty Budzius


In his more than 45 years in the Sammamish community, Marty has never stopped giving of his time and talents. From teacher to administrator, to 32 years as high school sports announcer, Marty's presence has touched many. He volunteers at the Issaquah Salmon Days Festival, and manages the 4th of July Kids and Pets parade. Marty was a driving force behind the foundation of the Rotary Club of Issaquah, and is the only person to be elected club President on two separate occasions. He is the club's last active charter member. Marty is the announcer at the Rotary Challenge Day Race, and can often be found assisting visitors at the Issaquah Visitor's Bureau.