Good News Report 


November 12, 2024 




The Good News highlights uplifting and inspiring stories of the students and staff in Evergreen Public Schools


COMMUNITY BUILDING

York Elementary School - Veterans Day Assembly

Students honored Veterans in an assembly featuring Heritage High School orchestra, and the York choir. 

Wy'east Middle School - Veterans Assembly

Wy'east celebrated veterans with an assembly that featured performances by the band and choir.  

Willam Thompson - Science Teacher

Andy Merilos - Attendance Secretary

Kelvin Knisely - Grandpa of 7th grader Avery Anderson

Cascade Middle School - Veterans Day Assembly

Cascade paid tribute to those who served in the military with a Veterans Day assembly.  It featured musical performances, speeches and recognition of veterans with connections to the school.

Pioneer Elementary School - Veterans Day Assembly

Pioneer Elementary School's Veterans Day assembly included guest speaker, Ebrima Darboe, a Pioneer parent, who shared his story of emigrating from The Gambia and eventually joining the United States Navy.  The Heritage High School orchestra also performed.

Illahee Elementary School - Veterans Assembly

Illahee Ravens honored veterans with speeches and song during their Veterans Day assembly.

Orchards Elementary School - Heritage High School - Veterans Day Assembly

Orchards Veterans Day assembly included a performance from the Choir and Heritage High School's orchestra.  The elementary school students loved hearing that so many of the Heritage orchestra students are former Orchards All-Stars.

Ellsworth Elementary School - Honoring Our Veterans

Students said thank you to veterans with connections to their school in personal ways. They shared letters, art, poetry and handshakes at this Veterans Day Assembly.

Heritage High School - T-Wolves - Veterans Assembly

The T-Wolves honored veterans with speeches, dance, and performances by the band, orchestra, and choir.

Sunset Elementary School - Veterans Assembly

Sunset's Veterans Day assembly included performances from Sunset choir and the Covington Middle School orchestra.  

Pacific Middle School - Veterans Day assembly

Vikings paused to remember the courage and sacrifice of the veterans who served our community and country. Their assembly featured student artwork and writing, as well as performances by the band, orchestra, and choir.

Riverview Elementary School - Recess Is Fun For Everyone

For many kids recess is a time to have fun and release stress, but for others it can be overwhelming. Thanks to a grant funded partnership with the non-profit group Playworks Pacific NW and support from students, many more Roadrunners are enjoying their recess time.

Image Elementary School - Read-A-Thon

On October 31, students and staff dressed up as their favorite book characters. It was a great way to kick-off their Read-A-Thon

Burton Elementary School - Coats for Kids

Local firefighters helped students find winter clothing as part of the Coats for Kids WARM project. Lots of kids will stay warm this winter, thanks to these generous donations.

Hearthwood Elementary School - Reading Night

Reading Night was a success. Puppet shows, making book marks, a guest speaker from Fort Vancouver library, word games, and books. Thank you to the wonderful staff that made this happen.

Fircrest Elementary School - Super Falcons

Fircrest held an assembly to reward students for being safe, respectful, and responsible. Along with individual awards, the school earned a special treat, they got a chance to "Pie" their principals. 

Evergreen High School - Dig Day

This hands-on learning experience gave College, Career, and Technical Education (CCTE) students an opportunity to "dig in" to explore careers in construction.

RECOGNITION

Connor Kassing Fernandez - Freshman - Union High School - Nike and Doernbechers

Conner was just 8 years old when he experienced bleeding in this brain.  It marked the beginning of a life-changing journey.

Every year, Nike and Doernbecher's partner up and select 6 patients to design their very own Nike shoe. This is the 20th year of doing this and it gathers attention across the footwear industry every year. The patient designers and the shoes they produce are always unique, amazing, and highly anticipated each year. This year, Connor was selected to be a patient designer. Throughout this year, he has made a number of visits to Nike World HQ to meet with his team of designers, developers and material managers to brainstorm, design, and come up with a final design of an amazing shoe. "Paso a paso, step by step" is the motto that guides Connor in his life. You can find it on the glow-in-the-dark outer sole of the gold and black Air Max DN that he designed.  Look closely at the upper, you'll find music notes on each pair. Nike designers took these notes from a music piece that Connor and his sister Tess created and played together. Finally, the upper features words that mean a lot to Connor like battle scars, love, hope, art, and more.

Aaron Helenihi and Jason Huggins - Learn Here Project

Congratulations to Aaron Helenihi and Jason Huggins who were honored as the Evergreen Public Schools (EPS) award winners by the Learn Here Project during a ceremony at Washington State University Vancouver. Aaron is a Student Engagement Specialist for the district and Jason serves as president of the Evergreen School District Foundation, both were recognized for the work and dedication they put in on behalf of our students.

Aaron Helenihi

"It takes a village to uplift a future, and in every hand we extend, we shape only a child, but they will one day lead" is the mantra Aaron Helenihi lives by.  As a Student Engagement Specialist, Aaron exemplifies heroism through his tireless commitment to supporting students and families throughout Evergreen Public Schools, particularly with cultural connectedness and expertise in the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island communities. His journey from humble beginnings in Hawaii to becoming a beacon of hope for these students is a testament to his resilience and commitment. He proactively engages with families, seeking out external resources and forging partnerships with community organizations, ensuring that they not only enroll but thrive in the school system.  Aaron's compassionate approach makes him a true torchbearer of equity and empowerment; he sees a need for genuine, empathetic representation and fights tirelessly to fill it.  Whether reuniting a student with their family or leading the Pacific Islander Advisory Council, Aaron pours his heart into every action he takes. For his exceptional dedication to fostering inclusivity and building strong community ties, thank you, Aaron, for being a powerful advocate for our students and for inspiring us all to lift each other up.  

Jason Huggins

If you're looking for a leader who inspires solidarity and drives change, look no further than Jason Huggins. Over his six years on the Evergreen School District Foundation board, including three as president, Jason has been the guiding force behind the foundation's growth and success. He coordinates bi-monthly meetings, secures business sponsorships, and leads all fundraising activities. Under his leadership, the foundation has raised nearly half a million dollars, expanding its reach to support students through initiatives like Stuff the Bus, Educational Excellence Grants and Read Across America.  Jason's passion for education and helping disenfranchised students is deeply personal, rooted in his own experiences with food disparity. His selfless dedication and ability to unite the community around the cause of supporting education have made him an invaluable advocate for students, staff, and families. Thank you, Jason, for your ongoing commitment to ensuring students have the tools and resources necessary to succeed.