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Annual recognition event honors volunteers of the year, community

On April 29, our Volunteers of the Year and Distinguished Service Award winners were honored for their contributions to our students.

Dr. Templeton with the distinguished service award recipients.

Elizabeth Miller and Tina Mandella, pictured here with Dr. Templeton, are the 2026 Distinguished Service Award recipients for their vital support for students and families as part of the Lake Stevens Community Resource Center.

Distinguished Service Award

The district’s Distinguished Service Award honors outstanding community support for the Lake Stevens School District. This year we proudly recognized Elizabeth Miller and Tina Mandella from the Lake Stevens Community Resource Center.

Through their partnership with our district, the Resource Center has become a vital support for students and families. Each August, they help make our Back to School event possible—providing backpacks, grade-level school supply packs, and coordinating community partners to ensure families have what they need to start the year strong. And their support doesn’t end there—they continue to provide additional supplies throughout the year for students in need.

Beyond school supplies, they offer a wide range of services that make a meaningful difference in the lives of our families, including assistance with bills, birthday support for children, housing navigation, showers, laundry, and help connecting to other community resources. When a student needs hygiene products or emergency clothing, they are there—quietly and consistently—meeting needs with care and dignity.

Their work strengthens not only individual families, but our entire community.

This event honors the selfless dedication of countless volunteers throughout our district.

Dr. Mary Templeton

Volunteers of the Year

Each school selected a Volunteer of the Year who was introduced by the building principal or a member of the school’s staff, and honored with an inscribed vase and flowers.

  • Lake Stevens High School: Kara Visser
  • Cavelero Mid High School: Erica Nicholson
  • Lake Stevens Middle School: Josh Liddell
  • North Lake Middle School: Jamie Huber
  • Glenwood Elementary School: Candace Foster
  • Hillcrest Elementary School: Lisa Nilsen
  • Highland Elementary School: Joy Studer
  • Mt. Pilchuck Elementary School: Amanda Matheny
  • Skyline Elementary School: Tabby Monson
  • Stevens Creek Elementary School: Danyele Peters
  • Sunnycrest Elementary School: Nancy Hazen
  • Early Learning Center: Lehua Bonderer
  • HomeLink: Laura Davis
Volunteers were honored with a bouquet of white, purple and yellow flowers.

A Volunteer of the Year was honored from each of our schools. Honorees were celebrated at a special reception prior to the board meeting on April 29.

“This event honors the selfless dedication of countless volunteers throughout our district, whose contributions greatly enrich our schools and community," said Dr. Mary Templeton, Superintendent of Lake Student School District. "Through their engagement with our students, these volunteers are essential in helping us continue to build stronger and healthier schools and communities. We thank them for their service and dedication.”

Following the program, guests were treated to sweet and savory treats courtesy of the district’s Food & Nutrition Services Department. 

During National Volunteer Appreciation Week, school volunteers received small tokens of the district’s appreciation for their dedication to our students. 

Proceeds from the annual Lake Stevens Holiday Maker Fair fund the district’s volunteer recognition events and gifts.

There are numerous ways to volunteer your time in our schools. Check out our Volunteer Program to learn more.