Rise & Shine 2026 Volunteer Awards

Joe Dockery

Joe has been an integral part of bringing Empower Youth Network’s Your Life Your Choice substance use prevention campaign to Mount Si High School. He is always willing to get his students involved, showing his support for EYN and its messaging while providing authentic opportunities for students to practice their skills.

From involving the Maker’s Lab in creating stickers and keychains to assigning social media posts as class projects, Joe helps students connect their learning to meaningful service. His promotion of EYN through Wildcat TV has made him a champion not only for EYN, but also for every student he supports.

Jaedi Stevens

Jaedi currently serves as the president of Snoqualmie Middle School’s PTA and as the president of the Snoqualmie Valley School District’s PTSA. In both roles, she is a tireless advocate for students, families, teachers, and staff.

From teacher grant programs to school events, Jaedi consistently supports the school community and leads with dedication. She has spent more than 10 years supporting the district through her work in PTSA, putting in hundreds of hours to help students and staff feel connected, supported, and valued.

Stephanie Jensen

Stephanie helps make the Chief Kanim Middle School library a welcoming and engaging place for students. She supports the library with care and consistency, shelving books, setting up displays, and helping prepare for successful school events.

Her attention to detail and commitment to students can be seen in everything from book displays to thoughtful activities that make reading more inviting. Through her time and creativity, Stephanie helps make the library an enjoyable and meaningful space for students.

Jill Rosand

Jill Rosand helps the Valley shine through her unwavering commitment to students, schools, and the arts. Her involvement with both theater and band at Mount Si High School strengthens programs, builds connections across schools, and creates meaningful opportunities for students to participate, perform, and grow.

Whether supporting productions, performances, or student experiences behind the scenes, Jill leads with generosity, inclusivity, and enthusiasm. Her dedication helps students feel welcomed, inspired, and valued while strengthening the sense of community that makes Snoqualmie Valley schools special.

Jenny Kuspert

Jenny is deeply involved at Twin Falls Middle School, where she is often the first to volunteer for events and fundraisers. She helps make school activities more welcoming and more memorable through her creativity, generosity, and steady support.

As an art docent and PTSA leader, Jenny gives her time fully and enthusiastically. From dances to decorations to support for school programs, Jenny consistently shows up for students, staff, and families, giving 100% of herself to the school community.

Steve and Debbie Hennings

Steve and Debbie have been the kind of mentors every youth deserves. They support students with consistency, compassion, and genuine care, making sure young people feel seen, valued, and encouraged.

They weave social and emotional learning into their mentoring, actively listening and offering thoughtful guidance. Their steady presence shows students the power of kindness, connection, and whole-hearted support.

Jennifer Wiseman, Krysten Kemesrude, Alison Klima and Emily Bates

Jennifer, Krysten, Alison, and Emily help Snoqualmie Elementary shine by creating meaningful opportunities that bring students, families, and staff together. Through events, programs, and consistent support, they foster a strong sense of community within the school.

Their leadership ensures that students have access to memorable events that build connection and school spirit. Their work reaches beyond the school walls by strengthening family engagement and reinforcing the values of collaboration and care that define the Snoqualmie Elementary community.

Ron Johnson

Ron has been mentoring a Chief Kanim Middle School student for four years. This student had a difficult start in life, and Ron has been there for his mentee 110%, going above and beyond to make a positive difference.

Ron is a bright, consistent presence, coming in on extra days or adjusting his schedule to be there when needed. Whether talking together in a quiet spot, inviting a friend to practice social skills, or playing a simple game, Ron creates meaningful moments of connection and support.

Mudita Jain, Natalia Ferraz Bonard and Divya Dasgupta

Mudita, Natalia, and Divya help make Cascade View Elementary shine through their simple but powerful daily act of welcoming students. Each morning, they greet students at the front doors with warmth and consistency, helping create a positive start to the day.

What began as helping during drop-off has grown into a meaningful tradition for the entire school community. Their presence helps build kindness, belonging, and care, strengthening the school community one morning at a time.

Samer Sawaya

As a volunteer coach for the Mount Si High School boys and girls tennis teams and a member of the tennis booster board, Samer has invested countless hours supporting students and strengthening the school community.

Samer inspires students through a coaching style built on patience, encouragement, and continuous improvement. His steady presence helps students grow both on and off the court, and comments from athletes such as “Samer is so patient and encouraging” and “He was the GOAT!” reflect the lasting impact he has on young people throughout the Valley.

Graysen Davis

Graysen Davis is an exceptional student leader who has made a meaningful and lasting impact across the Snoqualmie Valley School District as a student representative on the School Board. Her initiative, positivity, and strong communication skills have made her a tremendous asset to both the board and the broader school community.

Graysen has gone above and beyond in her role by actively seeking out student feedback in innovative and inclusive ways, intentionally reaching beyond the high school to gather input from students across the district. In addition, she served as ASB president, where she modeled student leadership at the highest level and inspired others to lead with purpose and integrity.

Graysen’s leadership is defined not just by what she accomplishes, but by how she brings others along with her, making her a powerful advocate for students across the district.