Everett Schools
SUMMER EDITION 2008
everett.k12.wa.us
inside this issue:
Cover story
The Superintendent’s Scholar
Awards for 2008
page 1
Who qualifies, and how are
they selected?
page 2
Views from the selection
committee
page 3
The Superintendent’s
Scholar Awards
pages 4-5
Where are they now?
page 7
Everett Public Schools’
Teacher of the Year
page 8
A report to the community
Recognizing Academic Excellence
The Superintendent’s Scholar Awards for 2008
On May 20 an elegant banquet was held at the Everett Golf and Country
Club to honor this year’s recipients of the highly prized Everett Public Schools
Foundation Superintendent’s Scholar Award. Twelve finalists – four from each high
school – were recognized for the individual ways in which they demonstrate the
characteristics of a scholar through their academic, extracurricular and community
service work.
The students’ paths to this level of educational achievement are unique, but
they all exhibit a love of learning, intellectual curiosity, and involvement with
their community. Their stories reveal common themes, such as challenges faced
and met, goals set and achieved, and perhaps most importantly, the significance
of key people who have opened doors for them at important stages in their
educational careers. Some of those key people
were also honored at the
banquet as the teacher
deemed “most influential
to my achievements” was
introduced by each student.
After the inspirational
– and emotional –
introductions of the finalists
and their honored teachers,
Dr. Carol Whitehead, district
“Their stories reveal common themes, such as … the
significance of key people who have opened doors for
them at important stages in their educational career.”
superintendent, opened the envelope holding a closely guarded secret. Which
students would join those who have been selected for this competitive award since
its inception 26 years ago?
The Superintendent’s Scholars for 2008 are: Mark “Nathan” Christensen
from Cascade High School, Katherine Bittinger from Everett High School, and
Daniel Pak from Henry M. Jackson High School. Each student received the
beautiful award, a Flame of Knowledge made of French leaded crystal.
Above: Katherine Bittinger from Everett High School, Daniel Pak from Henry
M. Jackson High School, Nathan Christensen from Cascade High School, and
Superintendent Dr. Carol Whitehead.
The birth of a legacy
How it all began
Former Superintendent Dr. Rudy Johnson, who initiated the Superintendent’s Scholar Award program in 1983,
reminisces.
“I was motivated by the thought, ‘Only the educated are free,’ a quote by Epictetus, Greek-born Roman
slave and Stoic philosopher who lived A.D. 55-135. The most important thing a school district can do is focus
on the educational process and give recognition for that.”
The school board was in full support of Dr. Johnson’s idea. Originally, Dr. Johnson bought the awards with
his own money. Even when he retired in 1988, he continued to purchase the awards for another five years. In
1987, the Everett Public Schools Foundation became involved by providing the banquet. Now both banquet
and awards are fully provided by the foundation with support from partnering business sponsors.
“The most important thing a school district can do
is focus on the educational process and give recognition for that.”
Kristie Dutton, executive director of the foundation, sees the program as important for recognizing the
full student. “It recognizes excellence in the kids, not just their grade point and their test scores. It takes into
account every piece: their work in the community, their citizenship, their athletics, their musicianship.”
Superintendent Whitehead looks forward to the scholar awards each year and the tradition it represents
for the students, staff and community. “We are, of course, proud to highlight students who have such strong
achievement. It is an added bonus to recognize before the community, the important role of teachers who
support student achievement. While only one teacher per student is recognized, we know that staff at every
grade level have made a difference for each student.”
Who qualifies, and how are they selected?
To qualify for the award, students must
be in the top 5 percent of their graduating
class or score in the top 5 percent on their
Scholastic Aptitude Test. Teachers may also
nominate exceptional students who do not
meet those criteria but who otherwise fit the
definition of a scholar.
Students who are eligible either by the “5
percent” factor or by teacher nomination are
notified of their eligibility to apply for this
award. Staff at each high school select their
top four finalists.
Each finalist is interviewed by a team made
up of a foundation board member, a teacher
from one of the other district high schools,
a teacher or administrator from Everett
Community College, and a community
member.
In the interview, the team asks students to
reflect deeply on their growth process and
opportunities.
Superintendent’s Scholar Definition
A high school scholar is defined as the student who:
•is intellectually curious;
•is able to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate new material
and apply this knowledge to the outside world;
•interjects thoughtful and relevant points during a class
discussion, making it possible for others to gain new
insights;
•is willing to change and modify formerly held truths
and to subject his/her work to criticism;
•shows individual initiative to pursue original work;
•takes a wide spectrum of classes and reads beyond the
required course work;
•demonstrates academic leadership; and
•has a sense of an academic future.
everett.k12.wa.us
BEHIND THE SCENES
Views from the selection committee
Cynthia McIntyre
is an Everett High School
Advanced Placement (AP) and
Honors Biology and AVID
(Advancement Via Individual
Determination) teacher as well
as 2006-07 Washington State
Science Teacher of the Year.
“My goal is to provide
them with the
background and skills
they need so they can
go into the world and
have choices.”
She has served on the selection
committee for several years and
has been an honored teacher
in this process several times.
McIntyre, who has been the
recipient of numerous awards,
says what means the most to
her is being recognized by
the students. “Everything I
do, I do to open the doors of
opportunity for students. My
goal is to provide them with the
background and skills they need
so they can go into the world
and have choices.”
McIntyre appreciates serving
on the selection committee
to see how the district and
community are measuring up
everett.k12.wa.us
in providing opportunities
for students. “I am proud of
the district and proud of the
students. They are amazing
young men and women. It
gives you so much hope for our
future – these are the leaders of
tomorrow.” She comments that
the levels of intelligence and
self-reflection, and the degree
to which the students involve
themselves in the community,
continue to rise.
McIntyre is also appreciative
of community and district
support in providing up-todate technology for the science
program. “In the classroom
we use exactly what is in the
research labs. The students are
well prepared when they go off
to college and are able to get
work-study jobs in labs, which
doesn’t tend to happen unless
you have experience.”
Craig Verver teaches
Advanced Placement (AP)
and college prep English and
philosophy electives at Cascade
High, and is the National Honor
Society advisor. He has served on
the selection committee for 10
years, and has been an honored
teacher many times. To Verver,
the Superintendent’s Scholar
Award is important because it
recognizes scholarship, which
he professionally emphasizes.
“We have lots of awards that
recognize people for being good
people, for their leadership roles,
“What sets these
students apart is that
they optimize their
opportunities.”
and for being well-rounded,
but this is primarily about
recognition of the most scholarly
students, the ones that care
about knowledge and learning,
and who are going to continue
being scholars their whole lives.”
Verver is pleased that the
district has supported more
AP options and given him the
professional development he
needs and wants. In his view, the
district provides a good range of
opportunities for students, such
as AP classes and Running Start
(a program that allows students
to obtain both high school
and college credit for taking
college courses). “What sets
these students apart,” comments
Verver, “is that they optimize
their opportunities. They are the
best prepared, the ones who have
taken every opportunity they
have been given.”
BEHIND THE SCENES
continues on page 6
The Superintendent’s
Scholar Awards
2008
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Nathan’s educational
accomplishments include AP
Chemistry, AP U.S. History,
AP World History, AP Human
Geography, AP English Language
and English Literature and AP
Calculus. His activities and
accomplishments include: Hi-Q
co-captain – with a perfect record
on World History; Model U.N./
Multicultural Club (Historical
Security Council for Malaysia);
extensive music participation;
and football.
PHOTO: JESSICA JAMES
With goals after high school that
include becoming an Advanced
Placement (AP) or college-level
history teacher, Nathan says,
“History offers up in-depth how
and why of everything about the
human race. Exploring that is
something I know I could do for
the rest of my life.” He describes
having a scholarly appetite outside
of the classroom too, as he’d prefer
to go to a museum rather than the
mall or a movie.
Nathan gives credit for his
confidence in life and in pursuing
his educational goals to his faith,
and to his social studies teacher
Melissa Webster. “She often
reminded me how intelligent I was
and successfully convinced me to
keep striving to perform at higher
levels. Any educator can teach a
student from textbooks, but it
takes a caring teacher with a lot
of passion and ability to, directly,
mind you, teach a student about
himself. I’ve taken five semesters of
classes with Ms. Webster, but
I wish I could keep adding to
that number.”
College o
fC
Second C
ho
Nathan and social studies teacher
Melissa Webster globe gazing.
Nathan credits Webster for
inspiring him to keep learning
and exploring.
Katherine’s goals after high school
include earning a bachelor’s degree
in psychology and becoming a
forensic psychologist. She describes
herself as an unusual scholar saying,
“I do not follow the normal path.
I have never taken a class just to
get an A. I have chosen classes that
I know will be difficult, but more
importantly, I picked classes that I
am interested in.”
Katherine has made academic
decisions based upon her inspiration
from a poem by Robert Frost: “Two
roads diverged in a yellow wood,
and sorry I could not travel both
and be one traveler, long I stood
… I shall be telling this with a sigh
somewhere ages and ages hence: two
roads diverged in a wood, and I – I
took the one less traveled by, and
that has made all the difference.”
She has earned a black belt in Tae
Kwon Do, become an officer of Phi
Theta Kappa, is employed with the
Everett AquaSox Baseball Club, and
through the Running Start program,
will graduate with her associate of
arts degree.
Katherine’s educational
accomplishments include Honors
English, Honors Geometry, Honors
Algebra 2 and Honors World
everett.k12.wa.us
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Everett
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College
High Sc
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Katherin
Bittinge e
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Choice: W
ashingt
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Univers
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ersity
History, and also college-level
courses at Everett Community
College. Her activities and
accomplishments include: being
on the honor roll since the sixth
grade; being nominated for the
Mayor’s Youth Achievement
Award; two nominations for Who’s
Who Among American High
School Students; National Science
Merit Award; WESCO Academic
Achievement Award; and serving
as co-leader of Trinity Lutheran
Church youth group.
PHOTO: MARIA MAILLET
ac
H.M. J
Scholar
Katherine
Bittinger
credits Everett
High School
Spanish
teacher Erin
Sebby as the
first teacher
who truly
made learning a game. She first
took Spanish as a freshmen simply
to fulfill a credit requirement.
“Now, almost four years later, I
cannot tell you how glad I am I
took Spanish. Ms. Sebby not only
passed on her passion for Spanish,
but also her passion for teaching
and helping students.”
everett.k12.wa.us
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of Cho
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Stanfo
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Daniel’s goals after high school
include graduating with a degree in
chemistry and possibly a minor in
music. He’d like to attend medical
school and become a doctor of
internal medicine. His definition
of a “true scholar” is growing as a
person, in his understanding about
life, about people and about himself.
Although a straight-A student, he
says, “Being a true scholar isn’t
about getting good grades. Grades
shouldn’t matter. Learning should. I
think this belief is what distinguishes
me from other students. Although
I might not like a subject, I am
still fascinated by it. I might not
like calculus very much, but I am
amazed by how these equations and
formulas define our world. I am
simply thrilled to learn.”
In describing his most influential
teacher, Daniel says, “Ms. Judy
Baker is the first teacher who made
me realize that there is freedom in
writing. Reading my past essays, I
do not see my voice; I do not see a
freedom of ideas. But in the essays I
now write, I know that my writing
is truly mine, and I cannot describe
how amazing and powerful it feels to
pour out my thoughts.”
Daniel’s educational
accomplishments include AP World
History, AP Calculus BC, AP
Statistics, AP Biology, AP English 3
Literature, AP English 4 Language,
Honors English 1 and 2, Physics,
French 3, and Introduction to
TTLE
thoug
igh S
kson H
PHOTO: TR
EVOR HI
inal
chool:
analytical
College Chemistry. His activities
and accomplishments include: ten
years playing piano; volunteering at
the Seattle Union Gospel Mission
through leadership in the Cadre
Christian Club, mission trip to
Tijuana, Mexico building houses
for two families; National Honor
Society; Leaders of the Pack; photo
editor of Henry M. Jackson High
School’s student newspaper, The
Stiqayu; UniBank Hope Scholarship;
Quintet Mortgage Scholarship;
Washington State Scholar Nominee;
Mill Creek Rotary Student of the
Month; AP Scholar Award; WESCO
Academic Excellence Award;
second prize Anna Rollins Johnson
Scholarship competition; second
prize Korean Music Association
competition; and first prize
Washington State Music Teachers
Association Adjudication Program.
PHOTO: TREVOR HITTLE
ellectually
ious
orig
Daniel Pak credits H.M. Jackson
High school teacher Judy Baker as
being the first teacher who made
him realize that there is freedom
in writing.
BEHIND THE SCENES
continued from page 3
Stu Barger, vice president of
instruction at Everett Community
College, believes in a strong
partnership with the high schools
because the college and district
“The school district has
provided an amazing
number of options for
students to develop
their talents.”
“The most
important
thing a school
district can do
is focus on
the educational
process and
give recognition
for that.”
mutually serve the same students
at different points in their careers.
Barger, who has served four years
on the selection committee, feels
it is an honor to help the very
talented students along the way in
their educational careers.
“The school district has provided
an amazing number of options for
students to develop their talents.
The focus of each student is on a
different area of study. Providing
that breadth of opportunity is
a challenge given the economic
realities we all live in.”
Barger also commends the
district for recognizing teachers
who excel at providing students
with academic challenges and
opportunities.
Bruce Engebretsen
has been involved in the district
as a parent, is married to a
district staff member, joined the
foundation board in the 1990s,
and now works for one of the
district’s business partners, the
School Employees Credit Union
of Washington. Engebretsen
has served on the selection
committee many times, though
not this year. His comment about
the students was summed up
with one word: “WOW!
“Some of the kids are just
naturally academic geniuses, and
it comes easy to them. Some of
“We learn a lot about
the positive influence
our staff has. … We
have a deep sense of
pride in the staff.”
the others have had to struggle
because of family, health, socioeconomic, emotional, or financial
issues. They were able to excel
because of their perseverance,
because of key people in their
lives who encouraged them,
a family member or teacher.”
Engebretsen continues, “We
learn a lot about the positive
influence our staff has and a lot
about how an average student
turns into a scholar. We have a
deep sense of pride in the staff.”
Engebretsen notes that the
students tend to put the needs
of others ahead of their own,
and this is true of every student.
“What stands out is their
community work, leadership,
committees, clubs, extra
curricular service work.”
everett.k12.wa.us
Where are they now?
A look at what some past scholars are doing now:
Each scholar has a plan for an
academic future. They go to college
and often on to advanced degrees.
Many have become teachers.
McIntyre and Verver were able to
report on a few former students, and
it gives us a good idea about what
directions scholars and finalists take
after high school.
• 2007 finalist Philip Bui is a
freshman at Stanford University
studying biological sciences and
will work with a research lab over
the summer.
• 2006 scholar Megan Veith
is studying biology at the
University of Washington.
Finalists Jasdeep Sandhu is
studying science at the University
of Washington, and Kendra
Vandree and Claire Lueneburg
are sophomores at Whitman
College.
• 2005 scholar Zach Quinlan is
finishing up his junior year at
Lafayette College in Easton, Pa.,
studying philosophy and physics.
• 2004 finalist Fallon McGinty is
at Washington State University
studying nursing. Finalist
Danielle Elliott is in medical
school at Thomas Jefferson
University, Philadelphia, Pa.
• 2003 scholar Ann Topham
will be going to UCLA for a
doctorate program in French
literature this fall. Finalist Sam
Wertheimer graduated from
Stanford University.
Cascade High School
Everett High School
Henry M. Jackson High School
2007
Kate Shepherd
Cindy Tian
Luke McKinley
2006
Russell Herzog
Megan Veith
Alexis Simontacchi
2005
Brandon Roeder
Zachary Quinlan
Nicole Massengale
2004
Gargi Chakraborty
Michael Schmitz
Dennis Tang
2003
Ann Topham
Kirsten Terry
William Shin
2002
Hong Nguyen
Shannon Ulrich
Grant Sohn
2001
Tiffany King
Kyle Anderson
Irina Botosaru
2000
Noell Bernard
Stephanie Schenck
Ann Otsuka
1999
Amy DeGeest
Brooke Hardman
Kensie Kim
1998
Martin Le
Graham Schelle
Amy Kalman
1997
Katherine Hurd
Travis Ferguson
Mathew Coyne
1996
Christopher Carlberg
Mariko Smith
1995
Kyle Forsyth
Bridget Aaby
1994
Leslie Harstad
Nathan Dire
1993
Brent Jones
Carrie Stearns
1992
Naomi Stone
Craig Skotdal
1991
Amy Baumgartner
James Courrier
1990
Hilary Younkin
Khanh Mong Boa Mai
1989
Dano Jukanovich
Jennifer Egan
1988
Corinna Palanca
Christopher Sjoholm
1987
Sara Fox
Travis Anderson
1986
Davorit Siek
Jeffery Winningham
1985
Samuel White
Duong Dai Nguyen
1984
Jill Torgerson
Shiela Lynch
1983
Paul Uusitalo
Robin Craggs
everett.k12.wa.us
This school opened in
September 1996.
Whittier’s Nancy Olsen named Everett Public Schools’
Teacher of the Year
Twenty-five year veteran Nancy Olsen dreamed of becoming a first-grade
teacher even when she was an elementary student at the very same Whittier
Elementary School where she now teaches students in that grade.
When introduced to the school board as the district’s Teacher of the Year for
2008, Olsen described the paper she wrote when she was a student at Whittier.
Noting that her mother still has the paper, Olsen said she wanted to have 20
boys and 20 girls in her first-grade class. She has since adjusted her idea of an
ideal class size, but not her early decision to be an important early foundation in
the lives of the thousands of students she has influenced over the years.
Executive Director Jim McNally introduced Nancy by emphasizing her
ability to connect deeply and meaningfully with her school community. The
connections come naturally to her as she was raised in the neighborhood; her
immediate family lives nearby, and her own three children have attended Everett
Public Schools. “She is a regular walker in the neighborhood, and Nancy gives
herself fully to community-minded activities. She is active in her church; she
attends all evening
school events and is a
member of the school’s
PTA,” noted McNally.
Principal Carla Barton
called Olsen a “master
teacher who puts her
heart and soul into
work for children. She
educates the whole child
and is an inspiration to
students and adults.”
Two of the other firstDuring the filming for a feature about Olsen and the
grade teachers working
Whittier Elementary ducks that aired on KOMO
with Olsen were at one
TV in May, Olsen made the experience into a lesson
time student teachers
for students. Incorporating vocabulary lessons about
in her classroom. “She
words such as “editing” and “interviewing,” Olsen’s
instills confidence into
teaching skill turned her interview into a learning
everyone she works
experience for students and the camera man.
with,” said Barton.
Receiving the award, Olsen expressed her feelings of honor. “I have been
surrounded by outstanding and capable teachers. I’ve been fortunate to be
surrounded by the best and to have a job that I love. I am so very humbled
by this because there are hundreds in this district who could also be in this
position.”
Board president Karen Madsen described Olsen as a person who is “good
inside and out” and the perfect role model for students.
As the district’s Teacher of the Year, Olsen’s name will be submitted with
other nominees from regional school districts for consideration as this region’s
outstanding teacher. The regional honoree is then placed into consideration for
the Washington State Teacher of the Year to be named in the fall.
Everett Public Schools
P.O. Box 2098
Everett, WA 98213-0098
ECRWSS
Postal Customer
EVERETT SCHOOLS is published
by the communications department
for Everett Public Schools’ residents
and parents. Comments about this
publication are encouraged, and
may be sent to the communications
department, Everett Public Schools,
P.O. Box 2098, Everett, WA 982130098, phone: (425) 385-4040.
The Everett School District complies
with all state and federal rules and
regulations and does not discriminate
on the basis of race, creed, color,
national origin, sex, sexual orientation,
marital status, age, veteran status, or
disability. This holds true for all district
employment and opportunities.
Inquiries regarding compliance and/or
grievance procedures may be directed
to the school district’s Affirmative
Action Officer, Title IX Officer, ADA,
or Section 504 Coordinator.
Affirmative Action Officer:
Carol Stolz, 3715 Oakes Ave.,
Everett, WA 98201; (425) 385-4106
Title IX Officer:
Randi Seaberg, 3715 Oakes Ave.,
Everett, WA 98201; (425) 385-4104
ADA Coordinator:
Kristine McDowell, 202 Alder St.,
Everett, WA 98203; (425) 385-5250
Section 504 Coordinator:
Becky Ballbach, 4730 Colby Ave.,
Everett, WA 98203; (425) 385-4086
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Carol Andrews
Sue Cooper
Kristie Dutton
Karen Madsen
Ed Petersen
SUPERINTENDENT
Carol A. Whitehead, Ed.D.
COMMUNICATIONS
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photographer
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Coordinator
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Candance Wilson, writer
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Bonnie Mather, designer
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