Author: kowen | Page 3 | Northwest Conference

Mountaineers Person of Distinction – Cheryl Kirkley

02/12/2024 by kowen

NORTHWEST CONFERENCE – PERSON OF DISTINCTION AWARD

The Northwest Conference puts high value on celebrating our students, programs and communities throughout the school year. From “Leaders in Sportsmanship,” to “Coaches vs. Cancer” and “Only 7 Seconds,” The Northwest Conference consistently goes above and beyond with outreach to every school and their corresponding communities.

Each school in the NWC will have the opportunity to highlight someone from their community as a “Person of Distinction.” This honor will celebrate someone associated with each athletic program and draw a spotlight on the amazing selfless people who help make this conference so special!

Mount Baker Athletics

Person of Distinction – Cheryl Kirkley

Person of Distinction: Cheryl Kirkley, Mount Baker

“Cheryl Kirkley is a very active employee here at the Mount Baker campus. In the fall you can find Cheryl in a ticket booth during the football season, and a gym manager for volleyball and basketball. She is always willing to help the Mount Baker sports programs. Cheryl is always willing to step in at a moment’s notice. Cheryl not only makes time to help at games, she is also a high impact paraeducator and works wonders with the kids. She really does make a difference. Cheryl is always willing to help and contribute here on campus as well as her community. Cheryl is known for her baking skills with cinnamon rolls being the favorite. Cheryl is very giving and generous and we are very fortunate to have her on our campus.”

Mickie Perez ASB/Athletics Secretary

“Cheryl Kirkley has been a dedicated member of the Mount Baker Community since 2008. She started her Mount Baker journey at Harmony Elementary but eventually made her way to the JH/HS campus. Cheryl made a positive impact as soon as she arrived. As a paraeducator, Cheryl has constantly demonstrated care and concern for our entire student population. She truly has a heart of service and always puts the needs of others, both staff and students alike, above her own. Mount Baker staff are extremely appreciative of Cheryl, especially when she blesses us with her world-renowned Cinnamon Rolls. Cheryl loves the Mount Baker community and supporting students in all of their extracurricular endeavors. She proudly works as the event manager for various sports including football, volleyball, wrestling, and basketball. Without her dedication, our facilities and playing fields would not be properly prepared to host sporting events. Cheryl is an invaluable member of this community and should be cherished by all.”

Derek Johnson, Teacher/Coach

“If I ever need anything at any time, Cheryl is at the top of my list. She loves helping students and staff and she loves Mount Baker. Cheryl is the total package!”

Ron Lepper, Teacher/Coach/AD

Northwest Conference “Thank an Official” Campaign

02/07/202402/07/2024 by kowen

Northwest Conference
“Thank an Official” Campaign

During the school year, the 16 member schools of the Northwest Conference are recognizing the importance of the umpires, referees and officials who manage our athletic contests. During each of our athletic seasons, the Northwest Conference has designated a week to show our appreciation for officials through the “Thank an Official” Campaign. Throughout the NWC, we are recognizing and celebrating our officials.

More than 5,000 officials serve Washington State high schools by doing their best to ensure all contests are fair, safe and fun.

Officials are required to register with the state officials’ association, complete annual rules meetings, and attend yearly training clinics. In addition, they spend countless hours in preparation for and traveling to contests.

High school officiating is an avocation, not a vocation. It is something done in addition to full-time employment. Officials work for the enjoyment of staying involved with the sports they love and for the opportunity to give back to kids, coaches and schools.

Officials are crucial in providing our student participants an opportunity to learn life lessons through education-based athletics. Enforcing the rules of the game fairly and consistently, and holding students and coaches to behavior expectations, are vitally important to successful high school events.

We ask all spectators, athletes, and coaches to be especially appreciative of the officials and the great job they do in serving our kids and programs. Without them there are no games!

More officials are needed in all sports and at all levels. For more information on how you can get involved, go to woa-officials.com for more information on becoming an official.

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Lions Person of Distinction – Kent Victor

01/12/2024 by kowen

NORTHWEST CONFERENCE – PERSON OF DISTINCTION AWARD

Lions Athletics

Person of Distinction – Victor Kent

“Kent Victor has had a significant, positive impact on Lynden High School for decades. His positive energy and quick wittedness is refreshing to everyone he interacts with on a daily basis. He has influenced our Math and CTE departments as well as poured into kids on the Basketball, Baseball and Football Fields. He’s literally run around the world twice in his daily jogging regime and what a great example for peers and kids to see someone so diligent, hardworking, and enthusiastic about everything he does. He’s someone I go to for mentorship and advice on a daily basis and consider it an honor to call him a peer. Kent has had a profound impact on every student, teacher, player, and coach that he’s interacted with. Lynden is Blessed to have Kent Victor walking our halls. Thanks for serving Lynden High School and its staff/students!”

Blake VanDalen

Teacher / Head Football & Assistant Basketball Coach LHS

“Kent Victor is deserving of all honors bestowed upon him as he ends his distinguished teaching career. He is a man of integrity and principals who holds to his core values under all circumstances. He is a tireless worker for his students and his players. He has always put the kids first as he prepared for class or practice. Kent has always been a great teacher in the classroom and coach on the field or court. It has been an honor to work with him these past 32 years.”

Ed Bomber

Teacher / Head Fastpitch & Assistant Football Coach LHS

“Kent Victor was born to coach. His love of sports, instruction, competing and helping young people grow have all come together in a distinguished career. Whether it has been middle school or high school, assistant coach or head coach, Kent brings the same passion and intensity. For the past nineteen years he has been a key assistant boys basketball coach at Lynden High School. He has been instrumental in developing our defensive system and teaching toughness. Kent is demanding, but never demeaning. Players appreciate him because they know that he wants their best. Our Lynden varsity basketball team has led the NWC in scoring defense for five of the past six seasons and that is due to Kent and the efforts of our players. Kent has coached more than 75 seasons of basketball, football, and baseball as both a head coach and an assistant coach for over forty years. Thousands of student athletes have benefited from his time and effort and are better people for it.”

Brian Roper

Teacher / Head Basketball Coach LHS

Character & Leadership Student Spotlight – Lynden High School

01/03/2024 by kowen

CHARACTER & LEADERSHIP WITHIN SPORTS

The Northwest Conference loves celebrating our student-athletes in and outside of the classroom. Character Development and Leadership are a top priority in the conference, and we want to provide our communities with a simple and efficient way to see character, leadership and sportsmanship of our student-athletes through the traits that make them up.

The Northwest Conference is asking every school to select two of the 32 character traits to show recognition to two student-athletes within their programs for that trait. This will be going on throughout the summer and will include the follow words:

PASSION	APPRECIATION	PREPARATION	SELFLESSNESS	GRIT	ACCOUNTABILITY
SPORTSMANSHIP	HUMILITY	COMPETITIVENESS	HONESTY	CARING	CONFIDENCE
COMPOSURE	TOLERANCE	COURAGE	POSITIVE ATTITUDE	SERVICE	ENTHUSIASM
LEADERSHIP	DETERMINATION	CHARACTER	EFFORT	COMMITMENT	TEAMWORK
DESIRE	WORK ETHIC	COACHABLE	TRUST	FOCUS	GOOD JUDGEMENT
PERSEVERANCE			INTEGRITY

Character and Leadership play an important role in the development and success of our schools, and athletics show them in one of the most polarizing ways possible. Today we are recognizing two stellar student-athletes from Lynden High School!

LYNDEN HIGH SCHOOL

CONFIDENCE

Belen Lopez (Lynden)

Belen is an amazing person and athlete. For one, she always seems to approach a situation with a smile on her face and joy in her heart. She came to the track and field program as a junior who had never competed in track and field before. Belen took on this new challenge head on with a level of confidence that was inspiring. She became a student of her events and continued to improve as the season progressed. We celebrated Belen as she qualified and competed at the state meet in her first season.

Head Track Coach

Layne Hutchins

CARING

Anthony Canales (Lynden)

Anthony Canales is a terrific high school basketball player. He is the two-time 2A State Tournament MVP and one of the best to ever put on the Lynden Basketball uniform. People who follow basketball in this area know who Anthony is, but probably don’t see what a kind and caring teammate he is. Our players and coaches see it daily.

Anthony is a big encourager of teammates. If a player makes a great play, Anthony is often more excited than the guy who made the play. If a teammate is down, Anthony has eyes to see it and comes along side that teammate in support. He is also a caring son and brother. Family means a lot to Anthony.

One example of Anthony’s care and concern for others is exemplified by his work at our youth camp. Anthony is a kid favorite at camp because he brings enthusiasm like no other. He will regularly be doing defensive slides, along with the kids and leading them in chants and cheers. He is not “too cool” to get a little crazy with a 4^th grader who can barely dribble the basketball.

Anthony loves basketball, but he knows that it is far greater to be a young man who cares for his family, friends, teammates, and classmates.

Head Boys Basketball Coach

Brian Roper

Character & Leadership Student Spotlight – Ferndale High School

12/14/202312/14/2023 by kowen

CHARACTER & LEADERSHIP WITHIN SPORTS

PASSION	APPRECIATION	PREPARATION	SELFLESSNESS	GRIT	ACCOUNTABILITY
SPORTSMANSHIP	HUMILITY	COMPETITIVENESS	HONESTY	CARING	CONFIDENCE
COMPOSURE	TOLERANCE	COURAGE	POSITIVE ATTITUDE	SERVICE	ENTHUSIASM
LEADERSHIP	DETERMINATION	CHARACTER	EFFORT	COMMITMENT	TEAMWORK
DESIRE	WORK ETHIC	COACHABLE	TRUST	FOCUS	GOOD JUDGEMENT
PERSEVERANCE			INTEGRITY

FERNDALE HIGH SCHOOL

SPORTSMANSHIP

Kayla Washington (Ferndale)

“Kayla embodies all the characteristics of sportsmanship both on and off the basketball court. Her interaction with her teammates is always positive. She is the first one to celebrate their highs and the first one to pick them up with a high five or word of encouragement when needed. She respects the opponents and referees every game by her attitude & calm demeanor no matter what the scoreboard shows. She represents Ferndale High School and our basketball program with pride.”

Terri Yost

Head Girls Basketball Coach

HUMILITY

Jackson MacBeth (Ferndale)

“Jackson MacBeth is a junior on our program. Jackson is the first person to volunteer to help with whatever the coaches may need. He is also the first one to step up and help a younger or less experienced athlete. Everyday you can see Jackson encouraging his teammates, spreading the word about how great it is to be a part of our organization, and he is constantly putting the team before himself. Jackson also has a way to help his teammates feel like they are doing good and that everything is going to be fine. Its hard to put into words, but he has a way about him that helps people feel like they on the right track. He has truly bought into the idea that improvement is the true measure of success and that transfers to his peers. We are lucky to have athletes like Jackson on our team and I hope that I get many more like him in the future.”

Caleb Schlack

Head Boys Wrestling Coach

Golden Eagles Person of Distinction – Brian Lynch

12/06/2023 by kowen

NORTHWEST CONFERENCE – PERSON OF DISTINCTION AWARD

Starting this spring, each school in the NWC will have the opportunity to highlight someone from their community as a “Person of Distinction.” This honor will celebrate someone associated with each athletic program and draw a spotlight on the amazing selfless people who help make this conference so special!

Ferndale Athletics

Person of Distinction – Brian Lynch

Brian is deeply tied to the Ferndale School District. Most recently, he took it upon himself to spearhead the operation of our brand new video scoreboard. He put in hundreds of hours adding graphics, video and entertainment to the scoreboard which truly made it a complete game day experience for our students, fans and community. He truly is the “man behind the scenes.”

Brian has also served for the past 3 years on the Bond Oversight Committee helping in the construction of the new high school. He shows a passion for serving others and most importantly giving our students a great experience. We thank you for your work Brian!

Character & Leadership Student Spotlight – Blaine High School

11/20/202311/20/2023 by kowen

CHARACTER & LEADERSHIP WITHIN SPORTS

PASSION	APPRECIATION	PREPARATION	SELFLESSNESS	GRIT	ACCOUNTABILITY
SPORTSMANSHIP	HUMILITY	COMPETITIVENESS	HONESTY	CARING	CONFIDENCE
COMPOSURE	TOLERANCE	COURAGE	POSITIVE ATTITUDE	SERVICE	ENTHUSIASM
LEADERSHIP	DETERMINATION	CHARACTER	EFFORT	COMMITMENT	TEAMWORK
DESIRE	WORK ETHIC	COACHABLE	TRUST	FOCUS	GOOD JUDGEMENT
PERSEVERANCE			INTEGRITY

BLAINE HIGH SCHOOL

PREPARATION

Cheyenne Rose-Jimenez (Blaine)

“Cheyenne has been a tremendous addition to our Girls Wrestling team. She has worked hard this off-season by attending summer camp, practicing at home, and going to tournaments. In fact, she recently placed 4th at the Las Vegas Freak Show. Her efforts will pay off greatly this season.”

Coach Damon Higgins

SELFLESSNESS

Kieran Markusen (Blaine)

“Kieran came to my office last year and wanted to learn about being an Athletic Director. As an AD, I’m hoping that the Blaine School District helps create student-athletes that want to serve others. Kieran has done so by helping the Athletic Department during and after school whenever needed. In the last couple of months, Kieran has improved our Athletic Department by being a role model for what Servant Leadership looks like.”

Athletic Director Chas Kok

Character & Leadership Student Spotlight – Burlington-Edison High School

11/13/202311/13/2023 by kowen

CHARACTER & LEADERSHIP WITHIN SPORTS

PASSION	APPRECIATION	PREPARATION	SELFLESSNESS	GRIT	ACCOUNTABILITY
SPORTSMANSHIP	HUMILITY	COMPETITIVENESS	HONESTY	CARING	CONFIDENCE
COMPOSURE	TOLERANCE	COURAGE	POSITIVE ATTITUDE	SERVICE	ENTHUSIASM
LEADERSHIP	DETERMINATION	CHARACTER	EFFORT	COMMITMENT	TEAMWORK
DESIRE	WORK ETHIC	COACHABLE	TRUST	FOCUS	GOOD JUDGEMENT
PERSEVERANCE			INTEGRITY

BURLINGTON-EDISON HIGH SCHOOL

ACCOUNTABILITY

Nell Mangold (Burlington-Edison)

“Nell is the epitome of accountability. Nell shows up every day for her teammates on and off the field. She is dependable and consistent. Knowing that we can count on Nell helped to gel our team’s chemistry to one of positivity, hard work and showing up for each other. Nell has never let down her teammates, if asked she will do anything for them. She has started every game since her freshman year and that has grounded our program in an expectation of being your best self, every day for your team. Nell is also not afraid to talk to her teammates about meeting expectations, and she does it always in a positive and fun loving way that allows her teammates to grow and not be degraded. She is respected and looked up to by all players in our program and has embraced the role of being that leader with a smile and mentality of instilling excellence.”

Darcy Taylor

Head Fastpitch Coach

GRIT

Caleb Hawkins (Burlington-Edison)

“Caleb is relentless with his perseverance and drive. He always rises to the occasion in both practice and competitive situations. He never shies away from a challenge. Caleb has never been intimidated by racing against upperclassmen. He goes into races expecting to win and is willing to push himself where others might be willing to back down. He is one of those kids who I believe likes to train as much as he likes to race. He goes above and beyond and that shows on the track and the trail. An incredibly talented and young athlete who has faced challenges head on since he was a freshman. He definitely has grit when he runs with no fear.”

Kevin Gudgel

Head Track Coach

Sue Wright

Head Cross Country Coach

Tigers Person of Distinction – Dave & Jackie Carpenter

11/02/2023 by kowen

NORTHWEST CONFERENCE – PERSON OF DISTINCTION AWARD

Burlington-Edison Athletics

Person of Distinction – Dave & Jackie Carpenter

Dave and Jackie Carpenter first landed in the Burlington area back in 1978 when they first became involved in the Burlington-Edison Athletic world when their son wrestled from 1983 to 1986 becoming a State Wrestling Champion. During that tenure Dave and Jackie began to film the wrestling team and the individuals. While at the Tacoma Dome, they were also involved in keeping track of the local Skagit County wrestlers for the KAPS radio and were involved in broadcasting the results.

Shortly after, the Carpenters were approached by Athletic Director Jim Clem to see if they would be interested in filming the varsity football games. They began filming when Jack McTaggert took over as head football coach for the Tigers and filmed over the next 30 years. While traveling alongside the football team, they also got involved with chaperoning the cheerleaders, as their daughter Charley Anderson was the cheer coach at the time.

Dave and Jackie became the biggest cheerleaders themselves following the Tigers. And to this day, you will see them at Football, Boys Basketball, Wrestling, Baseball, and Track. While filming football games and when Bruce Shearer took over the Head Football Coaching position, they became close friends with Bruce and his family. When Bruce hung up his cleats and tied on some basketball shoes to take over the reins of the Tigers Girls Basketball Coaching duties, the Carpenters were right there watching the girls basketball teams. And when they realized that some of those girls also played volleyball became huge Tiger Volleyball fans and have been there for all of their success.

What Dave and Jackie are the most proud of is their son Tim Carpenter, Daughters Corinn and Charley Carpenter all were B-E HS Tigers. Their three grandsons Mitchell, Joey, and Nicky Henderson all graduated as a Tiger. Their youngest grandson, Landon Anderson is currently attending B-E HS as a junior. They also have 4 great grandchildren, Floyd, Makenna, Sloan, and Liam Henderson will more than likely graduate from B-E HS.

Dave and Jackie not only have hosted many Bellingham Bells baseball players over the years supporting Jim Clem and the Bells, they have also hosted several exchange students from Japan, Sweden, Germany, and France.

To this Day…Dave and Jackie are the #1 Tiger Fans as they travel all over the state to watch our Tigers. You can turn around and there they are, in Yakima, for the week or weekend. The Tigers truly appreciate their support.

Testimonials

“Dave and Jackie are both such great people! Tops! They are the type of people who will help you out whenever you need them. They always have others’ best interests at heart, willing to help, wanting to help. I can’t express enough just how terrific they are! They are dependable, if they make a commitment to do something, you know it’s going to get done, and it’s going to get done in the most amazing way! Talented people, who are kind and considerate, who have a heart of gold, looking for ways to help others, but always doing it quietly, never looking for praise or recognition. I can’t thank them enough for all of their help through the years..They are simply the best people! I’m so proud to know them and to call them my friends.”

Jim Clem, Former B-E Athletic Director & Head Baseball Coach

“Over 23 years supporting the Tigers Football season, the Carpenter were at all Football games, Wrestling matches, and girls basketball games. They went to state competitions all over the state. They spent their time at youth football games on the weekends. You could always count on them to be in the stands.They would film from the bleachers at many of the contests and by 8 am the next morning it would be ready for a coaches meeting. I can not tell enough about these wonderful people. They never were opinionated, only supportive of the Tiger Athletes. When film was traded among the football coaches in the league, our film was superior. It is a pleasure and a privilege to support Dave and Jackie for this distinguished NWC Persons of Distinction as athletic supporters.”

Bruce Shearer, Former B-E Head Football, Former B-E Girls Basketball Head Coach & current Boys JV Golf Coach

Character & Leadership Student Spotlight – Bellingham High School

10/27/2023 by kowen

CHARACTER & LEADERSHIP WITHIN SPORTS

PASSION	APPRECIATION	PREPARATION	SELFLESSNESS	GRIT	ACCOUNTABILITY
SPORTSMANSHIP	HUMILITY	COMPETITIVENESS	HONESTY	CARING	CONFIDENCE
COMPOSURE	TOLERANCE	COURAGE	POSITIVE ATTITUDE	SERVICE	ENTHUSIASM
LEADERSHIP	DETERMINATION	CHARACTER	EFFORT	COMMITMENT	TEAMWORK
DESIRE	WORK ETHIC	COACHABLE	TRUST	FOCUS	GOOD JUDGEMENT
PERSEVERANCE			INTEGRITY

BELLINGHAM HIGH SCHOOL

PASSION

Ella Dowling (Bellingham)

“Ella engages every day in her training and racing! Ella is also a vocal and emotional leader on our team!!

Coach Bill McClement

APPRECIATION

Zach Lyne (Bellingham)

“Zach Lyne leads by example every day with his positive attitude about tennis, his teammates and opponents. His joyful mindset is catchy and inspiring.”

Coach Chronister & Coach Butcher