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Northwest Conference

Person of Distinction

Character & Leadership Spotlight – Oak Harbor High School

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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:

PASSIONAPPRECIATIONPREPARATIONSELFLESSNESSGRITACCOUNTABILITY
SPORTSMANSHIPHUMILITYCOMPETITIVENESSHONESTYCARINGCONFIDENCE
COMPOSURETOLERANCECOURAGEPOSITIVE ATTITUDESERVICEENTHUSIASM
LEADERSHIPDETERMINATIONCHARACTEREFFORTCOMMITMENTTEAMWORK
DESIREWORK ETHICCOACHABLETRUSTFOCUSGOOD 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 Oak Harbor High School!

OAK HARBOR HIGH SCHOOL

DESIRE

Calleigh Boyer (Oak Harbor)

Calleigh Boyer is a 3 sport athlete for Oak Harbor competing in soccer, basketball, and track.  Calleigh consistently pushes herself to improve, never settling for anything less than her best effort. Her positive attitude, perseverance, and leadership inspire her teammates and peers alike. She embodies the true spirit of a student-athlete, excelling both on the field and in the classroom with determination and integrity.

WORK ETHIC

Xavier Ochoa (Oak Harbor)

Xavier Ochoa is a 3 sport athlete for Oak Harbor competing in cross country, basketball, and track.  Xavier has exemplified the true meaning of desire and work ethic throughout the season. His relentless pursuit of excellence, whether in practice or during games, showcases his unwavering desire to improve. His commitment to putting in the work day in and day out has not only elevated his skills but also inspired his teammates to push themselves harder. Xavier’s dedication and perseverance are a testament to his strong work ethic, making him a true leader on and off the court. 

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Pioneer Athletics Person of Distinction – Michelle Clawson

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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!

Nooksack Valley Athletics

Person of Distinction – Michelle Clawson

Michelle Clawson is definitely worthy of the title Person or Distinction here in the Valley. A highly familiar friendly face at all our Football, Basketball, Volleyball and Wrestling events. She is a tireless worker making sure our ticket sales go smooth taking care of fans from all our NWC schools.

Michelle also does all our Middle School Sports Clearance and communication with both High School and Middle School coaches. She is a vested part of our community whose husband and children also coach and are part of our athletic programs.

Mrs. Clawson is a person who values customer service, and brings that with her on a daily basis, for students, staff, parents, and fans. She does this all with a great sense of humor and cheerful demeanor in all her various roles.

Thanks  Michelle!

Character & Leadership Spotlight – Nooksack Valley High School

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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 Nooksack Valley High School!

NOOKSACK VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

COMMITMENT

Kate Shintaffer (Nooksack Valley)

The Valley is proud to highlight Kate Shintaffer as one Student/Athletes of Distinction in the area of Commitment. Kate is highly involved across the board at NVHS.  Her groups and programs included Inter-High, ASB Leadership, Fall Cheer, Girls Soccer, Track and Girls Basketball. Kate does a tremendous job of making each of these groups high functioning, organized, with a positive climate. She is a member of our 2 time 1A State Champion Basketball Teams, a state placer in Sprint Relays and Long Jump in 1A track.  Kate also represented Nooksack Valley on the NWC sportsmanship poster this fall.

Kate has a been committed to continually elevate the student climate and culture here in the Valley. This has been evident with student assemblies, staff/student activities or appreciation cards notes to various people.  We are glad Kate is a Pioneer!

 

TEAMWORK

Lance Van Berkum (Nooksack Valley)

Finding a NVHS athlete of distinction who personifies team work, Lance immediately came to mind. Lance is a multisport athlete ( Football, Basketball, and Golf) a member of NVHS Inter-High, and our ASB Leadership group.  As an outstanding Offensive Lineman he values and understands  the teamwork that goes into paving the way for others. He is the same on the basketball court as a workhorse under the boards feeding the ball to his teammates. Lance has is an understanding teammate who mentors our young less experienced golfers each spring.

All his coaches feel exactly the same about him, consistent, coachable spirit, brings his best everyday and makes others around him better. Lance is that face, teammates want to see in the huddle or on the court.  Thanks Lance!

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Character & Leadership Spotlight: Sedro-Woolley High School

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Sedro-Woolley Athletics Yaretzi Torres Connor Griffin

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 Sedro-Woolley High School!

SEDRO-WOOLLEY HIGH SCHOOL

COACHABLE

Yaretzi Torres (Cheerleading)

A coachable athlete is one who openly listens to feedback and willingly applies that to improve herself. Yaretzi is an incredibly coachable cheerleader. This is Yaretzi’s first year on our team and she openly takes corrections and does her best to better herself as a cheerleader. Yaretzi consistently leads through her actions and is constantly viewed as a welcoming/character driven student. She has a positive attitude and a great addition to our team!

Lauren Van Der Pol

Sedro-Woolley High School Athletics

Head Cheerleading Coach

 

TRUST

Connor Griffin (Boys Basketball)

If I had to choose one word for Connor Griffin, it would be trust. He is one of the most trustworthy kid I have ever coached. When he got hurt at the beginning of the season, it was tough for both him and the team, but he stayed engaged and supportive. He came to every practice; cheer his teammate on from the sideline at every game.

When his doctors cleared him to play again, he was ready. Whether on or off the court, you could always count on him to do the right thing, make the right play, and be there for his teammates. His reliability and commitment made a huge impact.

Kevin Kesti

Sedro-Woolley High School Athletics

Head Boys Basketball Coach

Bulldog Athletics Person of Distinction – Dennis Lind

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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 Vernon Athletics

Person of Distinction – Dennis Lind

Dennis Lind has been the MVHS gym scoreboard magician since 1984.  He has sat behind the table for over 3,000 games, over 40 district tournaments, and several WIAA regional weekends. Dennis, a 1970 grad, was a great bulldog athlete himself playing basketball and baseball.  Dennis met his wife, Julie, while at MVHS and they raised two Bulldogs, Nic and Sheena.  Dennis volunteered countless hours over the decades helping his children and many others perfect their baseball, softball, and basketball skills.  Dennis and Julie also hosted team dinners, drove various teammates to practices/games, and helped host tournaments.  Dennis, now a grandpa to six, has always found time to help our community and we are forever thankful to him.  
 
Thank you Dennis for being a solid, well respected man of this valley.  The whole conference appreciates your steadfast dedication and accuracy behind the table for thousands of games, hundreds of tournaments, and many long nights. 

 

Character & Leadership Spotlight – Blaine High School

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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:

PASSIONAPPRECIATIONPREPARATIONSELFLESSNESSGRITACCOUNTABILITY
SPORTSMANSHIPHUMILITYCOMPETITIVENESSHONESTYCARINGCONFIDENCE
COMPOSURETOLERANCECOURAGEPOSITIVE ATTITUDESERVICEENTHUSIASM
LEADERSHIPDETERMINATIONCHARACTEREFFORTCOMMITMENTTEAMWORK
DESIREWORK ETHICCOACHABLETRUSTFOCUSGOOD 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 Blaine High School!

BLAINE HIGH SCHOOL

Grit

Juliana Zuzarte (Blaine)

Juliana is a standout student-athlete in the Blaine School District, known for her exceptional grit and determination. As captain of the Girls Soccer Program, she leads her team with a fierce competitive spirit, always pushing herself and her teammates to excel. Her leadership on the field is matched by her success in track, where she consistently demonstrates athletic excellence.

Her relentless work ethic, resilience in the face of challenges, and ability to balance academics with athletics make her a role model for her peers. Whether sprinting on the track or guiding her team on the soccer field, Juliana embodies the true spirit of perseverance and dedication.
 
 
Accountability
 
Malaki Murillo (Blaine)
 
Malaki is a remarkable student-athlete in the Blaine School District, recognized for his unwavering accountability. As a key member of both the Football and Track and Field teams, his commitment to excellence is evident in everything he does. Throughout the calendar year, he never misses a practice or a weight room session, consistently showing up ready to give his best effort.

Whether on the field, the track, or in the weight room, Malaki leads by example, demonstrating the value of hard work, consistency, and dedication. His teammates and coaches know they can always count on him to rise to the occasion and give his all, especially when it’s needed most. His accountability is a true testament to his character and leadership.
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Borderite Athletics Person of Distinction – Diane Berge

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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!

Blaine Athletics

Person of Distinction – Diane Berge

Diane Berge has been a distinguished and invaluable member of the Blaine School District for many years, serving in a variety of roles throughout her tenure. Her extensive experience and deep commitment to the district have made her a vital figure in ensuring the smooth operation of countless school athletic events and activities. Currently, she is responsible for organizing and preparing event staff, a role in which she excels. Diane’s ability to coordinate, train, and manage staff ensures that events across the district run seamlessly, contributing to a positive and well-structured environment for students, staff, and the community.
 

“Diane was one of the first people I met when arriving in Blaine. She was the athletic secretary when I arrived and was invaluable in showing me what my job entailed, how to create a systemic approach to the job, as well as understanding how you organize correlates to how well you do your job. I wouldn’t be able to do my job without her unwavering support and work ethic to make sure Blaine is the best it can be.” Athletic Director Chas Kok.

Her dedication to the Blaine School District goes beyond logistics; Diane has consistently shown a passion for creating supportive and engaging experiences for everyone involved. Whether behind the scenes or working directly with staff, her leadership and organizational skills have left a lasting impact on the district.

 
Thank you Diane!
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Character & Leadership Spotlight – Mount Baker High School

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Character & Leadership Spotlight – Mount Baker High School

01/21/2025 by 

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:

PASSIONAPPRECIATIONPREPARATIONSELFLESSNESSGRITACCOUNTABILITY
SPORTSMANSHIPHUMILITYCOMPETITIVENESSHONESTYCARINGCONFIDENCE
COMPOSURETOLERANCECOURAGEPOSITIVE ATTITUDESERVICEENTHUSIASM
LEADERSHIPDETERMINATIONCHARACTEREFFORTCOMMITMENTTEAMWORK
DESIREWORK ETHICCOACHABLETRUSTFOCUSGOOD 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 Mount Baker High School!

MOUNT BAKER HIGH SCHOOL

DETERMINATION

Luke Smith (Mount Baker)

Luke Smith exemplifies a strong character, earning the respect and admiration of his peers, coaches, teammates, and younger students alike. His dedication to excellence and integrity sets a standard within his community, inspiring those around him to strive for their best. Luke’s ability to lead by example fosters a supportive environment, encouragement and growth among his teammates. Additionally, his mentorship of younger students highlights his commitment to nurturing the next generation, making him a role model who embodies resilience and determination.

Coach Lep

 

LEADERSHIP

Tyla Olsen (Mount Baker)

Tyla Olson is a leader both on and off the field. We talk about leadership in our girls’ soccer program a lot. Leadership is about influence. Everyone has an influence on others in some way, it’s about how you use your influence. One key trait of leadership that we talk about most is the willingness to serve others. I have seen Tyla embody this throughout her four years in our program. She is not above doing the little things it takes to help the team be better. Tyla knows that we are better when we go towards our goals together and not just go alone. She is vocal about what she knows needs to be done and holds herself and her teammates to a high standard. Tyla has a drive to be great and she leads and encourages others to achieve greatness too. As her coach, I have valued Tyla’s leadership in our program.

Mike Barksdale

 

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Character & Leadership Spotlight – Meridian High School

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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:

PASSIONAPPRECIATIONPREPARATIONSELFLESSNESSGRITACCOUNTABILITY
SPORTSMANSHIPHUMILITYCOMPETITIVENESSHONESTYCARINGCONFIDENCE
COMPOSURETOLERANCECOURAGEPOSITIVE ATTITUDESERVICEENTHUSIASM
LEADERSHIPDETERMINATIONCHARACTEREFFORTCOMMITMENTTEAMWORK
DESIREWORK ETHICCOACHABLETRUSTFOCUSGOOD 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 Meridian High School!

MERIDIAN HIGH SCHOOL

SERVICE

Brooklyn Fuller (Meridian)

Brooklyn Fuller finds value in service, especially when it comes to serving her basketball team as captain. She exemplifies what it truly means to be a leader and she does it all with extreme enthusiasm and humility. The way she brings joy with her wherever she goes and that enthusiasm for life is contagious for everyone around her.  We are called to serve and Brooklyn answers that call day in and day out. 

– Bree Joy 

MHS Head Girls Basketball Coach”

 

ENTHUSIASM

Landen Downey (Meridian)

“When the request to nominate an exemplary athlete came out Landen’s name immediately popped into my head.  You hear the phrase “coachable” thrown around alot, but with Landen it fits perfectly.  He never makes excuses,  takes constructive criticism earnestly,  and almost immediately implements any changes or improvements you suggest.  He is a quiet leader who doesn’t need to raise his voice to command respect.  He is the first to arrive and the last to leave.  Kids have off days, but you would never know what day that is with Landen, as he is consistent in his effort every time he steps on the field or the mat.  At least once a season I send his parents a message to let them know just how great a kid they have raised.  If I owned a business I would hire him, needed a favor I would ask him, or had to choose one kid for the game winning anything, it would be Landen ten times out of ten.  He always looks out for the newer/younger kids, or anyone who might struggling and lifts them up with his attitude and enthusiasm. “

– Josh Zandstra Head Girls Wrestling Coach MHS

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Mountaineer Athletics Person of Distinction – Jolene Baisden

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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 – Jolene Baisden

 I am super honored to be writing about my friend and coworker Jolene Baisden. I met Jolene over 28 years ago when she and my husband were volunteering for the local fire department. We became quick friends and I have to say that she has been by my side through the darkest times in my life but also for some of the best times as well. 

      Jolene not only has been a great friend to countless others and me but she is also a dedicated wife, mother and daughter to her family. She is a proud member of the Tlingit nation from SW Alaska, which is evident by her countless hours, and love that she has provided to the many first nation students at our school. Jolene can be found in many diverse and challenging classes providing expert assistance. Further, you can find her sharing her office with students that might need a mental break, a snack, or just a quiet place to study.   Another wonderful thing about Jolene is her willingness to be involved with the extracurricular events around the school. Jolene can be found taking tickets at Friday night football games year after year and assisting with the JH/HS school volleyball and basketball scorebooks.  Moreover, one cannot forget to appreciate the many hours she has spent being a union secretary, a member of the Athletic Booster Club and countless other committees and boards throughout her 25-year career with the district. 

     Jolene Baisden is a true pillar of strength in our community and in our school district. She leads by strong moral and ethical beliefs, a warm and thoughtful heart and the willingness to hold herself up when faced with a challenge. I am thrilled that she is being recognized as a person of distinction, she is truly deserving!

Stacy Cain 

Mount Baker School District

 

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