Board recognizes three newly National Board–certified teachers and Sumner High’s state football champions

The Sumner Bonney Lake School District board held two recognition segments celebrating classroom and extracurricular achievement.

Michelle Lewis, the district’s executive director of learning and innovation, introduced three newly National Board Certified Teachers (NBCTs). Lewis said roughly “25% of our teachers now have their national board certification” and described the certification as a marker of teacher leadership and research-based practice. Facilitators Jenna Chandler and Julie Hannan were recognized for supporting the certification process. The board added the teachers’ names to a district “Wall of Fame” in the learning center.

The board also recognized Sumner High School’s state championship football team. Principal Jeff Banes and the team described a large community turnout at the championship game, and several players and coaches spoke to the board. Senior player Jaden Chamese said the team’s success reflected community support and personal growth: "There's people reaching out I didn't even know... Just having such a special community means a lot." Another student, Luke, described receiving community support after a tragedy at home and credited it with helping him succeed on the field. Coach Ross and Principal Banes reflected on the team’s resilience and the long effort culminating in the title, with Banes noting it had been “47 years since we've won a state championship.”

The recognitions included brief ceremonial moments and a plan to display a commemorative plaque. No formal board action was required for these recognitions.