We love recognizing our amazing Cougars

Issaquah Valley Elementary PTA Awards

 

Issaquah Valley Elementary PTA is honored to have so many dedicated teachers, staff and volunteers. We love to celebrate and show our appreciation for those individuals who go the extra mile to make IVE the best it can be for our students and their families. Nominations from IVE families, school staff members, and other IVE community PTA members are accepted for the following award categories.

 

THE GOLDEN ACORN AWARD

This award is presented to an exceptional IVE volunteer in recognition of their dedication and service in alignment with the mission of PTA. Nominees must be a PTA member in good standing. Nominees who have won this award previously will not be considered.

 

THE OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR AWARD

This award recognizes IVE staff who have provided outstanding educational experiences to IVE students.  A nomination can be for a teacher, specialist, administrator, or support staff. Nominees do not need to be a PTA member to be considered. Nominees who have won this award previously may be considered.

Our 2025 - 2026
PTA Award Winners

Our Golden Acorn Volunteers:

Annie Bennet
Jen Kellum
Kim Neff

 

Our Outstanding Educators:

Jen Adams
Zazil  Davis
Matt Keigley
Tracy Pleiman

 

THE OUTSTANDING ADVOCATE AWARD

This special award recognizes an individual for their advocacy and commitment in helping to create strong policies relating to the health, welfare, safety, and education of children. This award is not typically given out each year, it is reserved for exceptional nominees.


HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIP

This special award recognizes an individual who has contributed significantly to the development, growth, and sustainability of the IVE PTA. It is awarded to someone who has shown extraordinary commitment to IVE PTA’s vision and mission. This award is not typically given out each year, it is reserved for exceptional nominees.

 

See Our Previous Award Winners
Year Golden Acorn Outstanding Educator
2025 Monica Cafferty & Caitlin Nilsen Nora Armstrong, Monica Cramer & Libby Pridmore
2024 Becky Sosby & Alyssa Burge Elizabeth Zyanya, Amy Butson & Anne Taylor
2023 Laura Burnett & GA Amy Rolph Krista Bir, Shirley Minty & Nicole McCulloch
2022 Ellie Vertrees & Krista Willis Kris Coleman & Sandra Floyd
2021 Marcelle Waldman & Lindsay Conger Shelley Harding, Katherine Rudie & Amy Allison (Outstanding Advocate)
2020 Ki Lan Black, Cortney Eldridge, Ashley Kowallis & Kitty Morris Stephanie Crandall, Pace Ebbesen & Freddie Pascua
2019 Jamie Rydberg, Jaimi Messmer & Stacy Harfert Nicole Min & Rylie Motley
2018 Andrea Hackney, Morgan Noble & Angie Warren Wendee Fowler & Alicia Jones
2017 Kim Pike, Rebecca Maljak, Laura Schmidt & Marisol Visser Jane Brammer & Suzanne Thoburn
2016 Amy Cancelosi & Margarita Leas Suzanne Thoburn, Dawn Harper & Leona Keltner
2015 Debbie Kuntz & Lizz Eng Allison Gullingsrud & Ann Marie Petry
2014 Anne Livinston, Rachel Stoner & Victoria Remer Susan Moffett
2013 Tiffany Aske, Natalie Hancock, Tara Moe & Teri Systma Gary Arthur
2012 Patricia Neil, Sharilyn Tokumi, Leslie MacInnes Dan Ullom & Tola Marts (Outstanding Advocate)
2011 Collen Gurkin, Dan Chernin, Kerri Jensen & Ana Inman N/A
2010 Tanya Alter, Kim Nardi & Suzie Kuflik N/A
2009 Kristen Allen Bentsen & Leah Gibson Cheryl Churchill
2008 Jana White & Kim Murphy Diane Bankson (Outstanding Advocate)
2007 Connie Bellas & Bert Jones Carol Fraser
2006 Rena Lang, Chuck Ratcliffe & Kathy Crisafulli Leona Keltner
2005 Mila Hover & Onti Rosen Michelle Robblee & Dusty Duke
2004 Marie Bruce, Pam Doxsie, Elaine Hollaway, Cindy Shimizu & Nancy Tochko Gary Arthur, Helen Cheney & Rebecca Posten
2003 Ursula Baba, Valaree Cox, Lisa Sacksteder & Rich Wood Suzanne Thoburn, Jennifer Ritchie & Paula Delucia
2002 Carol Powers, Laurie Jones, Deby Harvey & Sheri Ogilvie Dawn Harper, Carolyn Hall & Nancy Slanina
2001 N/A Peggy McNees & Chris Burnett

The Awards Committee consists of 3-7 PTA members who are appointed by the IVE PTA President/Board of Directors annually. This committee may consist of a mix of PTA members, including Board Members, Non-Board Members, and Previous IVE PTA Award Winners.

 

Nominations are open for submission each year until an identified deadline. The Awards Committee will meet to review and score nominations using the provided rubrics. Once the Awards Committee has identified the winners, they will be submitted to the PTA President for approval. Upon approval, the Committee may notify the winners and begin public recognition and celebration.