We announced our 2019-20 Local PTA Award Winners at our last PTA General Membership Meeting of 2019-20 on Tuesday, May 19th! However, because this was an online meeting, we surprised our winners at their homes the day before the meeting, to make it a fun and special moment - with the help of their families! So fun!
Congratulations to our 2019-20 PTA award recipients:
Their dedication and care enrich and brighten our school community in so many ways!!!
Courtney Carr (2nd from the left) with her family.
Golden Acorn Award: Recognizes an individual volunteer who has given outstanding volunteer service to all children in the school community. This acknowledges service by an individual "above and beyond" a particular job description.
Presented by Melissa Kline:
Today, we are here to honor you, Courtney! You have donated countless hours of your time to our school. You are always a YES! You have been there making popcorn, organizing paint, training new volunteers, making an art lesson just right, teaching art to any class who need it, helping with picture day, Bingo night, library, field trips, classroom support, staff appreciation, fun runs and the list goes on. Honestly, is there any job you haven’t assisted with? Your kindness, dedication and get it done attitude have inspired so many others to get involved. I am blessed to have been a volunteer with you. You truly lead by example and never expect praise but do things out of the kindness of your heart.
Canyon Creek so blessed to have you and I personally want you to know I see you and appreciate you from the bottom of my heart.
Congratulations, you are a Golden Acorn!
Melanie McKenzie (center left) with her family.
Golden Acorn Award: Recognizes an individual volunteer who has given outstanding volunteer service to all children in the school community. This acknowledges service by an individual "above and beyond" a particular job description.
Presented by Barby Taheri:
This woman is phenomenal, she literally popped into one of our PTA meetings two years ago and was asked to take on an incredible and hard task, and that was to lead us all. Instead of shying away she figured you know what I’ve got teaching experience I’ve got twins here at the school and why not. I mean really, who does that? She had to learn on the fly and was so kind about it. She took new ideas and not only ran with them but went ahead and researched them to see how and if they could be done. If not, how could she still help?
She has grown our connections at the school with her ability to work with anyone and everyone, all the while making them feel like they really belonged there. I love how you are able to work with administration like it’s an extension of family. In-fact you make us all feel like we are invaluable and what we say and do matters. You have been our PTA president for 2 years and have made many changes and done it well. You listen, care and make hard decisions. You’re constantly wanting to help make our school better.
When you took over as President of the PTA two years ago, we have all seen a growth in relationships like never before. You are inclusive, encouraging, devoted, and you do it all with that award winning laugh and smile. The entire Canyon Creek community is so lucky that you agreed to take the position and we will miss you so much when you step down. Luckily she’s still going to be on the board next year.
“She has done SO much for the school and the kids over past 2 years as president of our PTA. She planned/managed several programs and events, participated in probably every event, is open and friendly, has worked hard to engage our different communities within canyon creek. She has a wonderful report with the school administrators, teachers & all staff. She is thoughtful and responsive in correspondence. She is a great role model of leadership and friendship.”
She has redefined what it means to be a leader and we are all SO grateful. Congratulations Melanie!!
Jennifer Snyder (far right) with her family.
Outstanding Advocate Award: Recognizes an individual for continued and dedicated service to all children and a demonstrated commitment to helping create strong policies relating to the health, welfare, safety, and education of children and youth.
Presented by Barby Taheri:
I have so much to say about this amazing award winner. Jennifer, I have been lucky enough to have known you for the last 8 years, and in that time I have seen you lead, speak up, educate, gather knowledge, and share information. You have been the lone voice of reason on many occasions when an issue needed to be addressed for the benefit of our students and their families. Not only do you go above and beyond in getting people factual information you always help them break it down, it’s always a learning opportunity. Your drive and genuine nature make you the perfect person for people to come to, with you they know they will be heard, respected, and supported. If that doesn’t scream advocate, I don’t know what does. What I love about you is that this is nothing new - this reaches outside of the school and in our community as a whole.
You’ve always been an advocate. Even at 16 years old helping at your local senior center and later helping adults on unemployment get retraining while maintaining benefits. You’ve run mommy groups, created meet ups for new parents, you welcome new neighbors as the president of your HOA, you’re a Bothell community admin, admin for Bothell/Mill Creek WA moms group, and you are a voice for our LGBTQ+ students and families. You wear so many hats, Advocacy Chair, Membership Chair, and Smiling and welcoming everyone Chair, okay that one’s made up but it’s true, and so many more.
I admire your strength and ability to advocate with reason and mindfulness in any given situation. You have been involved in our school for so many years as a volunteer and the past several years in our PTA. You are not just a strong leader in our school, but in our community -- you are so deserving of this award.
Congratulation’s Jennifer!
Molly Goodspeed (center left) with her family.
Outstanding Educator Award: Recognizes an individual educator who goes beyond the normal expectations of their jobs to make the learning environment fun, beneficial, and challenging for students.
Presented by Nancy Tangen:
Molly is the ultimate educator and that has never been more evident than now. Molly comes to school (in the classroom or online) with a smile that lights up the room. She motivates all kids to do their best and helps them reach the outer limits of what they ever thought they were capable of. Molly works tirelessly to ensure all kids have what they need to succeed, and she does it with grace, respect, and joy. We are all very lucky to have Molly as a teacher at Canyon Creek!
Ruth Hansen (center left) with her family - along with presenter, Bethany Jager and her family.
Outstanding Educator Award: Recognizes an individual educator who goes beyond the normal expectations of their jobs to make the learning environment fun, beneficial, and challenging for students.
Presented by Bethany Jager:
Ruth Hansen has been instrumental in the success of my son at Canyon Creek who has Autism. Ruth has been with our family from day one of his diagnosis. Not only has she been a solid and comforting resource for our son, but she has consistently reached out to us, as his parents, providing endless support of reassurance and positivity. She has seen my son for the amazing boy he really is and helps to encourage him in every aspect of his life. Without her support and care, I don't know that he would have been as successful! I know this is case for many other students as well at Canyon Creek Elementary too. I am thrilled to award her this honor as it is well deserved on many levels. Thank you for EVERYTHING you do for our kiddos who have extra needs!
We are so thankful for these fantastic volunteers and educators - you are all an inspiration to us! And thank you to EVERYONE involved to help educate, enrich and take care of every child at Canyon Creek Elementary.