PORT ANGELES — Port Angeles Education Foundation members and guests celebrated public education at the foundation’s recent annual fundraising dinner at the Red Lion Hotel.
The event raised funds through its sponsorships, ticket sales and “Pass the Hat for Kids” fundraiser.
The master of ceremonies was insurance agent Steve Methner, whose wife, Sarah, is an elected member of the Port Angeles School Board.
He announced Mike McCarty as the recipient of the foundation’s Distinguished Service Award.
After working throughout Texas and Georgia, McCarty “retired” in Port Angeles and remains active in local schools and the community.
“Mike has coordinated a Science, Technology, Engineering, Art/Music, Math [STEAM] after-school program at Franklin Elementary for the last five academic years, and he’s doing the same program at Jefferson Elementary for the second year in a row,” Methner said.
“This year as a Kiwanis after-school mentor, Mike is teaching introduction to computer science for sixth-grade students at Franklin Elementary.
“This is the class that will use the Finch Robots purchased by the Kiwanis Foundation and Education Foundation.”
Special recognition also was given at the dinner to Robin and Tom Swanson. They have begun the Pathway to Prosperity scholarship which will be managed by the foundation.
(On Saturday, Tom Swanson began a 3,400-mile cross-country bike ride to raise funds for the scholarship fund. See story and photos today.)
Guest speaker Ron Jones presented “Celebrate Music in Our Schools.”
Jones, orchestra director at Port Angeles High School, was joined by the school’s Chamber Orchestra, which played several music selections.
