United Way Ambassadors from around the district enjoyed an appreciation event on February 28. Hosted by Superintendent Welch and Campaign Coordinator Rexanne Forbes, the Ambassadors had a chance to share thoughts and ideas about their experiences.



The Superintendent praised the efforts of the group, thanking them for their leadership roles. Forbes added, "Through your hard work, creative ideas, energy and enthusiasm, and organizational skills, we had one of the most successful campaigns in Highline's history with United Way."

Several schools and departments were recognized for their results:

North Hill Elementary – Gerri Goss, Ambassador - led the schools with 80% participation!

ERAC upper level – Judy Balko and Brianna Smith, Ambassadors - had the highest participation for a department – at 85%!

Two schools and one department had big increases in giving:
•Cedarhurst Elementary – Harmony Dickey, Ambassador - increasing their pledges by 625%
•White Center Heights – Jenna Archer, Ambassador - increased pledges by 288%
•Lower ERAC – Lora Giboney and Cheryl Schindel, Ambassadors- increased their pledges by 60.1% and had over 50% participation.

Mount View Elementary was the leader in pledges for an elementary school. They raised $5,621 - a 24.9% increase over last year. Ambassador Eleanor Cho commented, "Our staff is very generous - with this effort as well as many others."

Highline High School - Alice Hammond, Ambassador - was the leader in pledges for high schools with $5,180 raised - a 23.2% increase over 2006.

The campaign raised a total of $88,431.08 - up 13.8% over 2006.

Of this amount, $16,289 was raised for the Highline Foundation for Excellence. Executive Director Dawn Elwell thanked the Ambassadors for their work on behalf of the Foundation. "This is wonderful news! These dollars go directly back into the classrooms of Highline Public Schools!"

So, Highline, can we top this next year? How many more people in need will we be able to help?