On Saturday, May 18, 2019 the district hosted its fourth annual Heroes Banquet to celebrate community members for the invaluable difference they make for scholars. The Heroes Banquet honors individuals and organizations who demonstrate commitment to student achievement, provide acts of service, give support to children and families or contribute to the school community.

Dr. Tammy Campbell, FWPS superintendent opened-up with a warm welcome and said, “When the community leans into our schools, great things happen. Schools can’t do this work alone — it’s an incredible responsibility we have, but it is a shared responsibility with every citizen of the cities we serve.”

“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all that you do,” said Geoffery McAnalloy, FWPS board president. “It is so important for all of us to do this work together, and we want to honor our heroes for going above and beyond.”

Over 120 community members, FWPS board members, principals, administrators, students and parents attended the event held at Todd Beamer High School.

Students were at the forefront at the event and played important roles in honoring the community’s heroes. Tiya Proctor-Floyd emceed the event and Ashley Cundiff, Lauren Cooper, Paul Cooper, Duncan Dao and Cloe Poole assisted with the event including ushering, presenting awards and photos.

Decatur High School scholar Trenton Walker performed a classic song Nothing Can Change this Love, by Sam Cooke.

The Sequoyah Middle School Jazz Ensemble performed big band style music Meetin’ Time by Benny Carter and Shiny Stockings by Greg Yasinitsky.

Amy Ojeaburu from Federal Way Public Academy delivered a speech about the power each person’s actions have. Amy said, “We forget that each of us has the power to be someone else’s sun. So, whenever you or people like you come into our schools and show us your love, your devotion, your warmth, and your care, you are not saving the world. You're doing something arguably even more important — you are building a bridge between our present and a bright, sunny future.”

Here is a list of the Heroes Banquet honorees.

Elementary school honorees:

• Adelaide Elementary School: Carrie Yang
• Brigadoon Elementary School: Brianna Jacobs
• Camelot Elementary School: Pam Kocha
• Enterprise Elementary School: Robert Lund
• Green Gables Elementary School: Northwest Foursquare Church
• Lake Dolloff Elementary School: Aleta and Ace Perkins, Federal Way United Methodist Church
• Lake Grove Elementary School: Edie Hitchcock, Good Shepard Episcopal Church
• Lakeland Elementary School: Pat Campbell
• Mark Twain Elementary School: Ailini Tuuholoaki
• Meredith Hill Elementary School: Fozzie Bear
• Mirror Lake Elementary School: Pastor Dan Weber
• Nautilus K–8: Toni Kelly
• Olympic View Elementary School: Smile Partners
• Panther Lake Elementary School: Miles Tolentino
• Rainier View Elementary School: Leann Royse
• Sherwood Forest Elementary School: Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt
• Silver Lake Elementary School: Pua Cain, King County Department of Information Technology
• Star Lake Elementary School: Mike Saroca
• Sunnycrest Elementary School: Natalie Glenn
• Twin Lakes Elementary School: Sarah Zimny, Big 5 Sporting Goods
• Valhalla Elementary School: Paul and Claudette Cooper
• Wildwood Elementary School: Doug Dibley, Watch D.O.G.S.
• Woodmont K–8: Lily Mancera-Mendoza 

Secondary school honorees:

• Illahee Middle School: Brooklake Church
• Kilo Middle School: Krystal Akin, KFM Counseling
• Lakota Middle School: Dominique Davis and Dion Schell, Community Passageways and Gradtechs
• Sacajawea Middle School: Derek Smith
• Sequoyah Middle School: Eric Parchen
• Totem Middle School: Jane Hershman, St. Columba’s Episcopal Church
• Decatur High School: Rasheda Hatchett
• Employment Transition Program: Family Life Community Church
• Federal Way High School: Joann Chong
• Federal Way Public Academy: Michelle DeLorme
• TAF@Saghalie: Barbara Mitchell
• Thomas Jefferson High School: Youth Pastor Franklin Dailey, Overcomer Covenant Church
• Todd Beamer High School: Dr. Natalie Ellington, Eileen and Callie’s Place
• Truman Campus:
  • Career Academy: Monica Davis, Federal Way Boys and Girls Teen Center
  • Federal Way Open Doors: Eddie Howard, Progress Pushers/Credible Messengers
  • Internet Academy: Diane Carney, Seattle Sounders FC

FWPS district honorees:

• Bridging A Gap (BAG) Program
• Federal Way Lions Club
• Rotary Club of Federal Way
• World Vision

This banquet aligns with FWPS strategic plan pillar 2 “Schools can’t do it alone” and honors the heroes that make a difference for scholars.