This year, with the support of the East Valley Community Enhancement Association and generous community donors, we were able to launch a new award to recognize a classified employee for their dedication to our schools, students and their peers. The Champions in our Classrooms Award gifts the selected employee with two tickets to a home Seahawks game, Seahawks swag items and $250 to use toward travel and other game-day expenses.

 

The EVCEA sorted through and reviewed 36 nominations to determine this year's recipient and have identified Matt Forster, a custodian at East Valley Elementary School, as our first ever winner.

 

Forster has worked for East Valley Schools for nearly 25 years. Fellow employee, Janice Raney, says of Matt, "Matt is amazing! He does what he says he'll do in a timely manner. He's always cheerful with a smile on his face." This sentiment is echoed by Donelda Heilman who says that Matt is, "...always willing to help anyone and everyone. He has a great personality, is a very hard worker. He's personable with all of the staff and students."

 

We thank Matt for his service to our community and his hard work in ensuring that our schools are ready to serve our students every day. 

 

We also thank the Layman Family for their generous donation of Seahawks tickets to our winner and the EVCEA for their contribution and ensuring this award was possible in our district.