School Winners

Rotary Club honors Kamiak student

The Rotary Club of South Everett-Mukilteo recently honored McKenzie Strickland as their Kamiak High School Student of the Month for December.

The award was presented to her by club president Steve Shea at the Dec. 16 meeting. McKenzie’s parents are Katherine Breen and Mark Strickland.

During her four years in DECA, Strickland has spent three as president and two as a Washington state officer. She has been a member of the National Honor Society for three years and a member of the ASB Student Council.

McKenzie’s many awards include DECA Member of the Year, Kamiak High School Student of the Month, and Career and Technical Education Student of the Month.

She volunteers her time at the Seattle Ronald McDonald House and has helped raise awareness and funds at the high school, including a “Miracle Minute” where $680 was raised in one minute at a high school football game.

McKenzie explained to the 70 plus Rotarians and guests at the meeting that she plans to run for Western region vice president for National DECA. Although her goal has been to become a nurse, her involvement in DECA has her leaning toward a business education and perhaps hospital administration.

Granite Falls district cites award winners

The Granite Falls School District recently announced its first semester Success in Education award winners.

Success in Education Awards are presented to staff members for creating a caring and understanding learning environment through committed, excellent service to the district’s schools, and to students that show an understanding of the importance of education and provide service to other students, staff or the community.

Staff award winners included Christina Klepper, a Monte Cristo Elementary School teacher and Karen Gilliam, a preschool paraprofessional. Student award winners included Elizabeth Bradley, Madison Cory, Logan Dane, Coni Hall, Kacie Hillery, Wyatt Long, Tyler Simonson, Claudio Ventura and Maia Whitley.

Winners were recognized at the Feb. 1 school board meeting.

Alumni inducted into school’s Hall of Fame

Two Granite Falls High School alumni were recently inducted into the Granite Falls High School Alumni Hall of Fame.

George Curtis, a member of the class of 1940, and Arlene Winje Stilley, a member of the class of 1953, were named to the Granite Falls High School Alumni Hall of Fame at the Jan. 27 varsity basketball game.

The Hall of Fame was established in 1994 to honor past graduates that were active in school activities that have gone on to become positive role models.

As a Granite Falls High School student, Curtis played football, was a member of the Torch Society, annual staff and Tiger Rag staff. He was also class president, secretary of the Big “G” Club and an honor student.

After graduation, he attended Washington State University where he was active in 4-H. He interrupted his college education and enlisted in the Army to serve during WWII. After the war, Curtis finished college earning his master’s degree in Farm Management and Agricultural Economics.

He started his career with the extension of WSU’s College of Agriculture in 1947. Curtis helped develop the first 4-H certified tree farm in the United States and received many awards and honors during his 35 year career.

Arlene Winje Stilley was active in school plays, a member of the Glee Club, Girls Club, Torch Club and student council, and editor of the yearbook. She was also an honor roll student, class president and valedictorian of the class of 1953.

A lifelong resident of Granite Falls, Stilley was co-founder of Show and Shine Days, a community event that continues today; past president of the Eagles and Chamber of Commerce; chairman of the 100 Year Celebration; a member of the Fireman’s Auxiliary; and a current member of the Historical Society and Alumni Association.

Stilley was also a Girl Scout and Camp Fire leader and coached youth softball while raising her five children. She retired after a 30-year career as the manager of the local bank.