Every year we celebrate a handful of special people who have made a significant impact at Skyview. There was a nomination process, open to all Skyview staff, students & parents. The nominations are reviewed by an "Awards Committee", made up of the PRIOR YEAR winners, along with a few PTSA representatives. We use the descriptions of each award (below) to make the tough choices and select one or two winners in each category from all the candidates submitted. Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination - it's WONDERFUL to see all the people in our community who are making such an impact on students & families. Below, you will find the description of each award, and the 2024-25 winner(s) along with the verbiage of the presentations!
Outstanding Advocate is to recognize an individual for his or her advocacy and commitment in helping to create strong policies relating to the health, welfare, safety and education of children and youth.
PTSA Presentation: Today, I want to tell you about a person here at Skyview who always goes above and beyond for students. They care, are patient, fun, and seek to truly understand the student perspective. They are a voice for ALL students. They treat them with respect, kindness and always go out of their way to make ALL students feel heard and seen here at SMS. They are a true light to this world and have helped to completely change the culture here at Skyview. They always want to help students understand the why, and help students to problem solve to be more responsible and to help them decide to make better choices. I am honored and inspired to work alongside this person. In honor of this person, I leave you with this pun. What does this staff member and a scarecrow have in common? The scarecrow won an award because he was outstanding in his field. This human is also outstanding in their field.
Congratulations, Mr. Kerr, on earning the Skyview PTSA Outstanding Advocate Award!
PTSA Presentation: Our second Outstanding Advocate is a person who has stuck by SMS and been an anchor for the students and staff throughout the last few years. They truly care about all kids and get their energy and passion from planning and executing on things that make school fun and safe for kids. They take great care of special education and marginalized students. They will fight for what is best for all students but take extra time to listen, hear, and see what students of color, special education or students just that need that trusted adult truly need. This staff member has high standards and expectations for anyone working and guiding kids, this challenges us all to be better and do better. Students know they can come to them for support and know when they say they care, they really mean it and will help them no matter what it takes. They have started new programs for kids, help start new clubs, help students with tools to do succeed (even they may not think they are capable). Sometimes all kids need is someone to believe in them and this staff member does! You are truly an asset to this world and wonderful human who fights for kids EVERY DAY. Congratulations, Mr. Bonder, on earning the Skyview PTSA Outstanding Advocate Award!
Left to right: Mr. Nico Bonder, Principal Sharyn Mehner, Mr. Navarre Kerr
Outstanding Educator is to recognize an individual who has made significant contributions in their community to enhance the educational outcomes of all children or youth. An educator is not limited to a teacher and may be defined as a teacher, assistant, specialist, support staff, administrator or community member.
PTSA Presentation: Mrs. Amanda Baker has gone above and beyond to support student’s wellbeing and academic achievement in her classroom and to foster an inclusive and positive Skyview school community as a whole. She provides individualized support for students on many levels, utilizing advisory to consistently meet with students, taking time to actively partner with parents and multiple co-teachers/colleagues, and initiating supports and communication for students in need. She somehow has time and energy to co-supervise ASB, integrating her passion for student leadership and positive school culture, while always lending an ear and insights into any team she is a part of. Ms.Baker is truly a caring and outstanding educator!
(This award was announced, however we do not have a photo of Mrs. Baker with her award.)
PTSA Presentation: Mrs. Hicks is deserving of the PTSA Outstanding Educator award because of her engaging lessons, creativity in the classroom, and support for all her students. Students report, “She is an excellent algebra teacher who has made all math lessons fun and interesting. She is a fabulous educator.” She brings humor and joy to a subject that can be daunting. She uses real-world examples to help her students connect to the subject. She inspires students to continue their math education. Additionally, she is a leader on campus among the staff. She has a strong desire to create equitable learning environments and works behind the scenes to support the math department. Mrs. Hicks is a fabulous educator, leader, and colleague.
Mrs. Katherine Hicks
Golden Acorn is presented to an outstanding PTSA volunteer dedicated to serving all children at Skyview and goes above and beyond.
PTSA Presentation: Melanie goes above and beyond as the inventory manager for the Skyview & North Creek Food Pantry. She delivers the Amazon orders to the schools (that are donated and delivered to her home). She spends time at both schools, in their food pantries, helping with sorting food donations (and removing expired food and delivering those items to a food pantry that accepts expired food). She also packs bags for delivery. This takes a lot of time and she does it with a smile and an open heart. We appreciate all the hard work that she has put in to the food pantry, serving families in our community, especially given she doesn't even have students in Northshore School District anymore! Thank you to Melanie, for all she has done for Skyview and North Creek kids! She is the definition of the Golden Acorn Award! We are so appreciative and couldn't run the pantry without her! We are HONORED to present the Skyview PTSA 2024-25 GOLDEN ACORN award to Melanie McKenzie.
(We were unable to meet with Melanie due to her schedule, so we sent her video messages to present this award to her! So we don't have a photo of her with her award.)
