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!
Ferndale Athletics
Person of Distinction – Frank Finkbonner
Frank has been a part of the Ferndale football program for over 30 years. He is a crucial member of our team, who on many days is the first to show up and the last to leave. Frank wears many hats, equipment manager, uniform coordinator, field set up and take down, helmet maintenance, among other things. Frank is a staple in the Ferndale football program and I know we couldn’t do it without him. He is selfless and passionate about Ferndale football and shows it every day. There is no doubt if you asked someone about Ferndale Football in our community, Frank would be identified as the face of the program!
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!
BURLINGTON-EDISON HIGH SCHOOL
HUMILITY
Spencer Betz (Burlington-Edison)
Spencer is a 3 sport athlete in Tennis, Basketball and Track. He is consistently the hardest worker in any sport he is in. He is one of the best athletes in our school, yet is very humble. He definitely lets his actions do the talking. He is very coachable, always looking for ways to get better, but never questioning or making excuses when things do not go well. A great teammate and a joy to coach and be around.
Kevin Gudgel, Head Track and Cross Country Coach
SPORTSMANSHIP
Damian Fernandez (Burlington-Edison)
Damian placed 8th in state in only his second year of wrestling. This is an accomplishment that very few in the wrestling world have done. He did so with grace, hard work, and dedication to the team. He has continued this approach throughout the summer by leading workouts for younger classmen. He encourages others to join the sport and inspires other athletes all while keeping his own successes to himself.
The NWC has a sportsmanship program where each school in the conference selects one senior male athlete and one senior female athlete to represent them in a Sportsmanship poster. Recognizing sportsmanship is crucial for fostering a positive environment within the Northwest Conference and beyond. Our encouragement to play fair, build character and promote the social/emotional well-being of our student-athletes is critical in helping progress personal growth as they enter adulthood!
NWC “Just Play Fair’ Selection Criteria
Above all-represents your school with the highest level of sportsmanship and integrity in competition, at practices, and in the community
Must be a senior
Possesses leadership qualities
Strong student
Positive citizen in school
Multi-sport athletes preferred but not required
2024-2025 NWC School Representatives:
Anacortes – Mikiah Dunham/Brady Beaner
Bellingham – Malia Hanks/Caleb Imbach
Blaine – Brie Smith/Blake Koreski
Burlington-Edison – Lily Atkins/Spencer Betz
Ferndale – Amelie McKeon/Wyatt Strait
Lakewood – Negan Omlid/JJ Hoekendorf
Lynden – Kiki York/Brant Heppner
Lynden Christian – Ellie VanLoo/Trey Bosman
Meridian – Jovi Jensen/Landen Downey
Mount Baker – Gracelyn Zender/Brady Bruland
Mount Vernon – Addison Shand Perkins/Carlos Zendejas-Barajas
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!
Burlington-Edison Athletics
Person of Distinction – Jen McKay
Jen MacKay was born a Tiger and has supported B-EHS athletics her entire life. Not only was Jen an outstanding athlete in soccer and track at B-EHS and, later, at the collegiate level, she has raised an entire family of Tigers that have played soccer, tennis, and track for Burlington-Edison as well. She even converted her husband into a diehard Tiger who has been a successful boys and girls soccer coach at the high school for the past 10 years.
Jen is the consummate supporter of Tiger athletics. She has chauffeured her children (and their teammates) to innumerable practices and has cheered them on in countless games no matter the heat, rain, and cold they were played in. Although she seeks no attention or praise, others readily recognize her steadfast presence and selfless support. For roughly the last decade Jen has been in charge of the booster club for the B-EHS girls soccer team. In that capacity, she has overseen fundraisers, helped support parents and players that were new to the sport and the high school program, organized “senior night” recognitions, helped with end-of-season banquets, and just generally been a consistent source of positive help for anyone that needs it.
You will see Jen in the stands and on the sidelines of every game. What you won’t see is all the time and effort she puts in behind the scenes to help coaches, players, and parents have successful seasons and positive experiences. Jen juggles a lot of obligations in life: her family, her church, her volunteer work. But even with a very full plate she always finds time to champion Burlington-Edison athletics. It has been my pleasure to know Jen and her family over the past decade and she is more than deserving of being recognized as a Person of Distinction for the Northwest Conference.
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.
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 another stellar student-athlete from Nooksack Valley High School!
NOOKSACK VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
TEAMWORK
Sarah Isenhart (Nooksack Valley)
“
Sarah Isenhart is an incredible team player. She will do whatever it takes to better the team. No matter what role I ask her to play, she is willing and eager to step into that role. She shows up each day, ready to work with her teammates. She strives to be the best person and player she can be while also pushing those around her. Her teammates and coaches know they can count on her in any situation. Sarah’s caring and friendly demeanor make her a teammate anyone would like to have. Keep up the great teamwork Sarah!”
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 Squalicum High School!
SQUALICUM HIGH SCHOOL
KINDNESS
Sarah Leslie (Squalicum)
“Sarah Leslie exemplifies the SQHS Girls Varsity Tennis motto of “Smart, Tough, Kind.” Her kindness is especially notable. Sarah is always looking for ways to support her teammates, whether that’s volunteering to work with athletes who want to develop skills, or sitting on the bus and chatting with JV players who are preparing for their first varsity matches. She is attentive to making others feel welcome and included. She is currently planning summer camps to share the joy of tennis with those who might not otherwise have an opportunity to play.”
“As president of the SQHS Rotary Interact Club, Sarah also helps other students engage in acts of kindness and service throughout our community. I often see her engaged in friendly conversation with a variety of students after school in the hallways. Sarah is always willing to step up and help out in any way needed. Her kindness contributes to a positive team environment and is an example for others to follow.”
Angie Harwood, Head Tennis Coach
“Sarah is a pleasure to observe in action both as a student and an office assistant.”
“I am continuously impressed by her dedication, kindness, and willingness to support in whatever way is needed. The positive impact she has on our school community is easy to see by the smile on her face as she moves throughout the day. Sarah has demonstrated exceptional communication skills and commitment as team player, volunteer, and a student leader during her time at our school. She possesses a unique ability to talk with students and staff in a way that conveys that you have her full attention, and she genuinely cares about having a positive interaction. She is inquisitive, passionate and speaks up for inclusion and diversity.”
“Sarah possesses a warm and welcoming demeanor that endears her to both students and staff. bringing a thoughtful detailed energy to her work shines through in everything she does. I have complete confidence in Sarah’s’ s abilities and believe that any school/team would be fortunate to have her as a part of their team.”
Phyllis Crouse, Administrative Assistant to the Principal
“Over the last four years I have had the pleasure to watch Sarah Leslie grow into an exceptional student-athlete and person. During her time at Squalicum Sarah has been active in several clubs and student government. In each of these roles she has been the definition of servant leader, going well above and beyond for those around her. Sarah has also been involved in our soccer and tennis programs. Even though she is a fierce competitor Sarah has always represented Squalicum and herself with humility and class. In addition, Sarah is often seen talking and working with younger players to help them improve their game. Sarah’s maturity and kindness make younger players feel comfortable and valued. These characteristics also endear her to her coaches and the Squalicum staff. Sarah’s impact at Squalicum has been significant. We have been so fortunate to have her as a student, athlete and leader at Squalicum.”
Patrick Brown, Athletic Director
DEDICATED
Kaden Jensema (Squalicum)
“The time I have spent with Kaden over the last 4 years has taught me what dedication looks like. Kaden has been involved in bowling, basketball, soccer and the band. He was not one to ever miss a practice, game, concert or event and has put in a lot of extra work to be a contributing member in all of these areas. He has the most school spirit and has always wanted to represent Squalicum High School to the best of his abilities. Not only has he worked on his athletic and musical skills, but his ability to be a good teammate and bandmate. Everyone surrounding him knows that they will be able to count on him to show up and do his best because he has put in the work ahead of time. Kaden has taken his role very seriously and will leave a big hole as he graduates this year.”
Carin Carter, Life Skills Para
“Kaden has by far the most school spirit in this building. He participates in Unified Basketball, Unified Soccer, and is part of the Band. Kaden would have been on more teams if he had the time in his day.”
“Kaden is the definition of dedicated with the amount of effort he puts into every practice, every game, every note, and every drill. He not only pushes himself, but he loves to encourage his teammates also to succeed. When he is on the sidelines taking a breather from his games, he is found standing up cheering and clapping for his teammates. As Kaden finishes his time at Squalicum during his senior year, he is already starting conversations on how to be an assistant coach next year to continue his love and dedication to his teams.”
Dylan Arrowood, Life Skills Teacher
“You can generally tell that Kaden Jensema is a sports fan, even if you didn’t know him, by the clothes that he is wearing on any given day. He has a vast array of team jerseys and hats that he wears and he is especially fond of the professional teams from Seattle including the Seahawks, Mariners and the Kraken. Kaden, however, is much more than a fan. He is quite an athlete himself and has been a proud and stand-out member of the Squalicum Unified Basketball team for the past four years. What sets Kaden apart as an athlete is his obvious passion for competing, which is always on full display, and his desire to do whatever it takes to get better. I can’t tell you how many lunch breaks over the years I have spent with Kaden either shooting baskets in the gym, going up to the tennis courts to play tennis or out back to the ballfields to hit baseballs. Sports, however, are only part of the Kaden Jensema story. Aside from being a tremendous athlete, Kaden is also a music lover and a natural performer. He spends many hours listening to songs and watching music videos by all his favorite performers so that he can learn the songs and all the dance moves that they involve. He also puts on regular concerts for all his friends and classmates where he performs musical numbers with all the choreography that they entail. His ability to memorize these songs is absolutely incredible. He knows, for example, every song and the accompanying dance moves from all six High School Musical Movies and that’s just scratching the surface.”
“Kaden’s love of music and of all things Squalicum has also been on full display for anyone that has ever attended a school concert or a Squalicum football or basketball game where the school drumline has performed. Kaden is a very passionate member of this group and loves all the playing and dancing that it involves and he never misses an opportunity to perform with them. He has also marched proudly with the band in the yearly Ski to Sea parade.”
“I can think of no other student in my many years at Squalicum who has been a better ambassador for the school than Kaden Jensema. He truly loves being a part of the Squalicum family and he has always been bursting with school spirit and pride. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to work with Kaden and I will remember him fondly always.”
Bob Lazaar-Atwood, Retired Life Skills Para
“Kaden is a remarkable student who has defied expectations his entire high school career. Kaden embodies what it means to be “STORM fam” not only will you see him on the court or the field playing Unified Sports, but he is actively involved in the arts, clashing his cymbals with heart and soul on the percussion team or performing a piano recital at his church! Most of us know and love Kaden dearly, and if he’s not playing sports or instruments, he is often: cheering, spectating, or volunteering at a school or community event giving well over 100% to each endeavor! Kaden is a champion who has broken down barriers proving that ability transcends limitations and his resilience and passion is truly inspiring. Go Kaden – we are so proud of your tremendous accomplishments!!”
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!
Squalicum Athletics
Person of Distinction – Jocelyn Gonzalez
“I have known Jocelyn (Joc) for 15 years as a student, athlete, and event worker. Over that time Joc has given an enormous amount of time and energy to our school and athletic programs. She is, and has been, an event worker for volleyball, basketball, soccer, football, baseball, and softball. She is also active in Unified Sports and continues to play soccer and basketball. When not working or participating in an event, Joc can be seen at Bellingham Bells games and just about every sporting event you can imagine. What sets Joc apart from others is her genuine kindness and compassion. She cares about others and gives selflessly to those around her. I truly appreciate Joc and all that she has done for Squalicum.”
Patrick Brown, Athletic Director
“The only things bigger than the ginormous coat that Jocelyn Gonzalez wears to the numerous athletic events that she supports are her heart and the warm smile that spreads quickly across her face when she greets you. First and foremost, Jocelyn is a workhorse here at Squalicum and she spends the entire school year working hard behind the scenes to support many of our athletic teams. In the Fall she can be found at Civic Stadium where she helps move the yardage chains for our home football games, and also at Squalicum where she runs the scoreboard for both the girls’ soccer team and the volleyball team. In the Winter she can be found in the House of Thunder gymnasium where she runs the scoreboard for many of our basketball teams. When Spring arrives, she once again dons that enormous coat and moves back outside where she operates the scoreboard for several baseball, soccer and fastpitch games.”
“In all my years at Squalicum I have never met another event worker who works as hard as Jocelyn or who is as humble about her efforts as she is. She is a quiet person by nature, not prone at all to blowing her own horn, and she goes about the duties of her job in a very subtle and efficient manner. The smile that I described earlier is almost always present on her face and she immediately puts you at ease with her pleasant and positive demeanor. As a result, she is beloved by everyone she encounters here at Squalicum including players, coaches and other event workers. She is an absolutely integral part of our athletic programs, l and I am just so happy to see all of her efforts finally getting some recognition.”
Bob Lazaar-Atwood-Retired Life Skills Para
“Jocelyn Gonzalez is Squalicum’s biggest fan. She is the epitome of good. Jocelyn’s moral compass always points right. Her work ethic is fantastic; she is always on time, communicates effectively and is very skilled at her craft. She takes her job very seriously and strives to be the best at all her assigned tasks. Working with Jocelyn is fun. Her kindness and positive vibe are easy to be around. She is always willing to help, is eager to learn new things and spreads joy around to everyone. In short, she is the standard I measure all teammates against.”
“Jocelyn also has an infectious love for sports. She plays just about every sport and thrives in and out of competition. Her deep understanding of sports and experience as an athlete makes her contributions to Squalicum priceless. She is always rooting fully – and professionally – for all things Squalicum. She is a forever fan and an irreplaceable member of the Storm community.”
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!
Sehome Athletics
Person of Distinction – Cathy Moran
Cathy goes above and beyond every day, ensuring that ASB business is handled with precision and care. Her impact extends far beyond the finances. She consistently puts the well-being of our students at the forefront of everything she does. Her unwavering work ethic, coupled with her genuine pride in her work, sets an example for us all. Cathy is not only working her normal school day hours, she is generally at all of our evening contests, greeting our families, selling tickets and helping manage our game venue. She is a rock star in the athletic and activities department and truly a Sehome person of distinction.
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 Sehome High School!
SEHOME HIGH SCHOOL
TRUSTWORTHY
Elyse Krout (Sehome)
“Elyse Krout is one of the more trustworthy players in our program. She is our team captain who is positive, uplifting and always looking out for the best for each of her teammates and players from other teams. She is honest and straightforward about everything. She doesn’t look to cut corners, she is always working hard and seeking the best for her teammates. There are so many great characteristics about Elyse and trust is just one of the many attributes she has.”
Jim Emerson
Fastpitch Head Coach
COACHABLE
Owen Berreth (Sehome)
“Owen is a player who leads by example, through humility and a selfless mindset for the team. He is open to feedback, willing to learn, and adaptable. Owen took on a new position as a defender and he embraced the challenge. Now, Owen is a top defender in the conference. Owen’s positive mindset helps the team stay focused and calm.”
