Mike Jones 2019 Headshot

Farewell and Thank You

June 1, 2023

Mike Jones 2019 Headshot

Michael Jones

Executive Director

Dear North Thurston Education Foundation Supporters,

I was appointed North Thurston Education Foundation’s (NTEF) Executive Director on August 1, 2017, and it has been an absolute privilege and honor to serve the Foundation and work alongside such dedicated and passionate individuals. Together, we have made significant strides in supporting students within our community, contributing $3.4 million towards their educational endeavors.

While reflecting on my personal and professional journey, I have realized that it is time to take a step back and prioritize other aspects of my life. Therefore, I have decided to take a break from my professional responsibilities to travel and spend quality time with my family. I am not renewing my contract as Executive Director, effective July 31, 2023.

This period of rejuvenation and exploration is essential for personal growth and will allow me to return to the workforce with renewed energy and fresh perspectives.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to the NTEF Board of Directors and our invaluable stakeholders for their unwavering support throughout my tenure. Together, we have accomplished remarkable achievements, positively impacting the lives of countless students in North Thurston.

I am confident that the NTEF will thrive under new leadership and achieve even greater success.

I assure you that I am committed to facilitating a smooth transition during this period. I will work closely with my successor and provide any necessary support to ensure a seamless handover of responsibilities.

Please accept my sincere thanks for the opportunity to lead the NTEF and make a difference in students’ lives. I am grateful for the support, collaboration, and friendships forged during my time here. It has been a privilege to serve alongside you all.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any additional information or assistance during this transition. My personal contact information remains unchanged.

Thank you once again for your understanding and support. I look forward to witnessing the continued success of the North Thurston Education Foundation and the bright future for the students we serve.

Mike Jones, Executive Director
Phone: 360-790-6548
Email: [email protected]

P.S. The NTEF Board is actively hiring my replacement. Please email Board President, Blake Knoblauch, here for more information.

North Thurston Education Foundation Awards $191,000 in Scholarships to 49 Students

The North Thurston Education Foundation has awarded scholarships with a total value of $191,000 to 49 graduating seniors from North Thurston Public Schools.

“We are delighted to award scholarships to so many of our graduating NTPS seniors. Our selection process was very competitive this year due to the high quality of our student applications. These students, who spent most of their final two years of high school learning online, are articulate, strong, and resilient. It is an honor to support them as they take their next steps in life. We are thankful to our gracious donors who support the North Thurston Education Foundation Scholarship program. Due to their generosity, NTEF offered several newly named scholarships this year. We appreciate the kindness of this community and their support of our students and schools, “ said Beth Utto-Galarneau, Scholarship Chair.

Scholarships awarded range from $2,500 to $14,000. The NTEF Scholarship Committee evaluated applications on several factors, including academic achievement, school and community activities, references, quality of the required essay and financial need.

The following graduating seniors received this year’s awards: 

Named Scholarships: The scholarship program includes designated named endowed scholarships and Foundation-funded scholarships.

In 2023, 27 named scholarships were awarded to the following students:

Alex Ward Memorial Scholarship – Avery Anderson, North Thurston High School

Bill Williams Memorial Scholarship – Levi White, Timberline High School

Charles E. Callahan Education Scholarship – Rachelle Chavez, Timberline High School

Colton Thorstrom Smith Scholarship – Angel Vannoy, River Ridge High School

Lisa Corwin Memorial Scholarship – Cianna Cantrell, River Ridge High School

Davies Vocational-Technical Scholarship – Sage Tomlinson, River Ridge High School

Frank Parker Memorial Scholarship – Natalie Hagerman, North Thurston High School

Friends and Family Scholarship – Ashley Nguyen, Timberline High School

James Koval Memorial Scholarship – Lizette Arana, Timberline High School

Jeannette Hostetter Ford Memorial Scholarship – Annika Nelson, Timberline High School

John Gott Education Scholarship – Alanis Blackburn, River Ridge High School

Roy Pedersen Memorial Scholarship – Dylan Phipps, North Thurston High School

Dr. G. Sue Shannon Scholarship – Lakeshia Nesbitt-Tominus, North Thurston High School

Nicholas T. Walker Scholarship – Cooper Smith, Timberline High School

Ethel & Vaughn F. Philpot Scholarship – Snohwimnimah Nmah, Timberline High School

Rahman Family Scholarship – Chae Won Yoo, North Thurston High School

Craig A. Shanafelt Scholarship – Alyssa Jerenz-Mapu, Timberline High School

Gillis Breaking Barrier Scholarship – Pitrish Mualia, Timberline High School

Porter Scholarship for Hope – Brandon Jean, Timberline High School

Skip Scoggin Scholarship – Christopher Towne, North Thurston High School

Supporting Women in STEM Scholarship – Veronica England, North Thurston High School

The Mary P Dolciani Scholarship –

  • Angelo Lomsdale, River Ridge High School
  • Vladimir Ordonez, River Ridge High School

Lewis R. Hawthorne & Edna C. Hawthorne Scholarships –

  • Isatou Barrow, North Thurston High School
  • Sharon Gracey, North Thurston High School
  • Jason Pham, Timberline High School
  • Kayla Housekeeper, Timberline High School

Foundation Scholarships: $2500 Foundation Scholarships are awarded annually. In 2023, 22 foundation scholarships were awarded to the following students:

North Thurston High School: Avelinn Colombo, Angie Ata, Plascencia Alejandra, Melia Yoshioka-Niau and Laurel Cheny

River Ridge High School: Yesica Mendez Sandoval and Tavieon Tucker
Timberline High School: Jacob Garrison, Ruby Danielson, Brandon Avent, Mackenzie Comeaux, Kaydren Boyer, Lyliea Funk, Damian Zimmerman, McKenzie Welliver, Trinitee Robertson, Sierra Rice, Cheyenne Paavola, Zakary Hopper and Janine Bermudez.

Envision Career Academy: Grace Ratliff and Victoria Long

Twenty-three of the scholarships are named after individuals in the community and funded by bequests from or donations on behalf of the persons for whom they are named. The remaining scholarships were solely financed by the Foundation’s annual fund-raising and by an unrestricted grant from the Dawkins Charitable Trust. To view a list of scholarship establishment history and details, visit: https://ntef.org/special-named-endowed-scholarships/.

From Police Chief to Dog Fosterer: Meet North Thurston Education Foundation’s Newest Board Member, Robert Almada!

Meet Robert Almada, one of the newest board members of the North Thurston Education Foundation. We had the pleasure of sitting down with him to learn more about what brought him to the foundation and what he enjoys doing when he’s not working or volunteering. Robert is the Chief of Police for the Lacey Police Department.

Robert first became involved with the foundation by attending fundraisers and wanting to become more involved in helping to achieve the foundation’s goals. As a board member, he enjoys seeing the positive lifelong impacts of the foundation on the youth of the community and feels humbled to be allowed to help in this work.

When he’s not working or volunteering, Robert and his wife enjoy fostering dogs from Joint Animal Services while they undergo medical treatment and as preparation for their forever homes. Talk about making a positive impact in all areas of his life!

When asked about how the community can best support the work of the foundation, Robert notes that the community has already been generous through their contributions of time, talent, and treasure. However, he hopes that the community will continue to make the work of the foundation a priority so that they can expand their outreach and assistance to meet the growing needs for food, clothing, shelter, and learning opportunities among the community’s youth.

We are thrilled to have Robert as a board member and grateful for his dedication to the foundation and the community. Thank you, Robert!

North Thurston Education Foundation Awards $153,500 in Scholarships to 38 Students

Lacey, WA – June 8, 2022 – The North Thurston Education Foundation has awarded scholarships with a total value of $153,500 to 38 graduating seniors from North Thurston Public Schools.

 

“We are delighted to award scholarships to 38 of our graduating NTPS seniors. Our selection process was very competitive this year due to the high quality of our student applications. These students, who spent most of their final two years of high school learning online, are articulate, strong, and resilient. It is an honor to support them as they take their next steps in life. We are thankful to our gracious donors who support the North Thurston Education Foundation Scholarship program. Due to their generosity, NTEF offered several newly named scholarships this year. We appreciate the kindness of this community and their support of our students and schools, “ said Beth Utto-Galarneau, Scholarship Chair.

 

Scholarships awarded range from $2,000 to $14,000. The NTEF Scholarship Committee evaluated applications on several factors, including academic achievement, school and community activities, references, quality of the required essay and financial need.

 

The following graduating seniors received this year’s awards:

 

Named Scholarships: The scholarship program includes designated named endowed scholarships and Foundation-funded scholarships.

In 2022, 18 named scholarships were awarded to the following students:

Alex Ward Memorial Scholarship – James Fowler – North Thurston

Bill Williams Memorial Scholarship – Ahna Rader – Timberline

Charles E. Callahan Education Scholarship – Parker Bird – Timberline

Colton Thorstrom Smith Scholarship – Kaelin Green – River Ridge

Lisa Corwin Memorial Scholarship – Destinee Robertson – Timberline

Davies Vocational-Technical Scholarship – Yasmine Avelar – Timberline

Frank Parker Memorial Scholarship – Bebe Simone Hart – Timberline

Friends and Family Scholarship – Kaydence Garcia (Doublerunner) – Timberline

James Koval Memorial Scholarship – Kayla Ackerson – Timberline

Jeannette Hostetter Ford Memorial Scholarship – Benito Dres – Timberline

John Gott Education Scholarship – Andi Trumbel – Timberline

Roy Pedersen Memorial Scholarship – Abigail Joseph – River Ridge

Dr. G. Sue Shannon Scholarship – Zoe Miller – River Ridge

Nicholas T. Walker Scholarship – Nicholas Waltermeyer – Timberline

Ethel & Vaughn F. Philpot Scholarship – Amy Pham – Timberline

Rahman Family Scholarship – Jeffrey Lee – North Thurston High School

Craig A. Shanafelt Scholarship – Taylor Dillon – River Ridge

Lewis R. Hawthorne & Edna C. Hawthorne Scholarships –

 Kaelynn Sharp – North Thurston

 Haley Luken – North Thurston

Prayten Mualia – Timberline

Nathan Ramos – Timberline

Foundation Scholarships: $2500 Foundation Scholarships are awarded annually. In 2022, 17 foundation scholarships were awarded to the following students:

North Thurston High School: Samantha Conner, Autumn Apelar, Vinnie Nguyen

River Ridge High School: Caroline Jenkins, Sarah Mercado, Gabriel Cohen, Alan Ly
Timberline High School: Catherine Ewers, Lindsay Crowe, Lilly Collard, Talia Clark, Olivia, Andino, Maia Ayuso-Robles, Callista Lee, Samantha Sarte, Jordan Waltermeyer, Isabella Wilbur

 

Nineteen of the scholarships are named after individuals in the community and funded by bequests from or donations on behalf of the persons for whom they are named. The remaining scholarships were solely financed by the Foundation’s annual fund-raising and by an unrestricted grant from the Dawkins Charitable Trust. To view a list of scholarship establishment history and details, visit: https://ntef.org/special-named-endowed-scholarships/.

 

Dorn Barr raised the bar on the NTEF Board

We’ve all met those dedicated souls who pour themselves into work, play, and family life. They raise the bar for everyone around them through their tireless efforts, inspiring others to a higher standard. On the North Thurston Education Foundation Board, Dorn Barr is one of those people. A longtime teacher in the district, she turned her passion for education into working behind the scenes but is now ready to retire from the Board and slow down…a little.

After graduating from Western in 1969, Barr worked with marketing and yearbook at Capital High School for five years, then spent 29 years at Timberline High in marketing, leadership, and health. “After retiring, I went to Ocosta Elementary in Westport with Title 9 Reading for a semester before taking off to Spain,” she explains. She then spent 2017 and 2018 with 5th grade at Lakes Elementary working for her former student, Jamie Roberts.

“I would have to say the Elementary school experiences were the best for me because I watched the growth of each child as they learned something new, and then they were able to use it,” Barr recalls. “However, my high school kiddos stay connected to me, and I love watching them as adults, and I am sad when I lose one. They are all precious to me.”

Her move from educator to Board member was an easy transition. “The year after retiring, I was invited to join the NTEF Board by Tom MacRobert, who I met at college where we both worked in the coffee shop and later both taught at Timberline.”

“I joined because I believe in community service, and what better way to give than by helping kids?” says Barr. “I began working on the Scholarship Committee and just finished my tenth time. I also was in charge of fundraising luncheons. When they need me, I am there.”

And she encourages others to step up and do what they can. “For those considering joining the Foundation, everyone is needed. You all have talents and skills which can help our kids! As a former teacher, I saw firsthand what kids need. I didn’t know the NTEF existed, so when my students needed something, I found a way to get it, even if it was out of my own pocket. I am so grateful that the Foundation has expanded their assistance for kids and families.”

Born in Maine to parents who met in England during World War II, the family moved to Seattle when her father took a job with Boeing. “Most of my relatives live in England,” says Barr, “I have been there ten times and, during extended visits, attended school there as well. My parents have both passed; however, I established a scholarship in their names.”

“My parents were avid supporters when I joined the Foundation. Now that I am completing the longest time for a member on the Board—9 1/2 years—it isn’t something you can easily walk away from! Next October, we’ve got a golf tournament at Capital City, and all hands need to be ready to help!” Her love to travel and four active grandsons mean little actual downtime, but Barr is excited for what the future holds.

If you can’t join or volunteer yourself, don’t forget that helping the Board is as simple as shopping. Both the Fred Meyer Community Rewards Program and AmazonSmile allow you to donate a portion of your purchase to the NTEF. Every little bit helps, and like Dorn, you too can raise the bar for today’s hardworking students and educators.

Terri Gibbons Memorial Fund

Terri Gibbons was a paraprofessional who worked at three different North Thurston Public Schools throughout her career, most recently at Komachin Middle School.

Terri impacted thousands of students with her compassion and caring. Terri passed away on Thursday, March 3.

Terri’s friends and family requested that we set up a Terri Gibbons Memorial Fund. We will use donations to Terri’s Fund to buy clothes, food and personal hygiene items for students in need who attend North Thurston Public Schools.

 

Host Homes Program Update

TOGETHER! is excited to announce they are participating in a crowd-funding campaign called Give Local to raise $15,000 for Host Homes. When they meet their goal, someone will take a plunge in a DUNK TANK. The current list of potential dunkees includes TOGETHER! team members Gaby Hyre (Host Homes Director), Meagan Darrow (Executive Director), & Katherine Flynn (Board President), plus County Commissioner Carolina Mejia.

To reach their goal, they need YOUR help. Will you consider becoming a Champion? It’s as easy as 1-2-3:

1. Visit https://spsgives.org/o/community-foundation-of-south-puget-sound/i/give-local-2021/s/together-2021 and click the red button on
the lower right that says “Get Your Personal Share Link.”

2. Receive an email from [email protected] (check junk/spam folders & reach out if you don’t see it). Click the link, set a password, then set your goal ($ amount or number of donors.)

3. Share the campaign with friends via email, text, Facebook, Instagram or any way you like.

When: The campaign runs now – Nov. 19. Wednesdays Nov. 10 & 17 are Giving Bonus Wednesdays, meaning you could win a $100 bonus to donate to a participating organization of your choosing (like Host Homes!)

TOGETHER! Host Homes is a community-based, short-term housing response to help meet the needs of unaccompanied high school students in North Thurston and Tumwater School Districts.

Learn more here.