2025 Spring Recognition Event Recap & Award Winners!

Thank you to those who were able to join us for our 2024-2025 Spring Recognition event!
The evening was filled with conversation, laughter, good eats and celebration.
During our event, we were able to highlight the amazing work that our PTA/PTSAs are doing.
Check out the video below to see GREATNESS in action!
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Please take a moment to fill out our post event survey! 
We would love all PTA presidents to fill it out whether or not you had anyone from your school attend. And, please, pass the survey along to your attendees to complete as well!

During the Spring Recognition Celebration on June 4, 2025, Northshore Council PTSA recognized a few special people who go above and beyond in service to our community and promote the well-being and education of children in our district and beyond. Below are this year's Northshore Council PTSA Recognition Awards Recipients. Congratulations!

Golden Acorn Award
CHRISTINE ROEHNELT

Christine quietly and steadfastly serves Northshore Council, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. She has taken on numerous small but essential roles that keep our operations moving seamlessly. 
Her commitment extends to active participation in multiple committees where her insight and thoughtful approach have strengthened our work. Including serving on the Nominating Committee where she helped ensure that we had a full slate by the deadline for the first time in many years. 
She brings a valuable perspective to the board, guiding discussions toward affordability and equity. She thoughtfully considers every issue before speaking and always offers insightful contributions that help shape Council’s decisions. 
Beyond Council, she has been involved in every level of PTA in her children’s schools and is heavily involved in their activities. She has quiet leadership, unwavering support, and commitment to equity which make her an indispensable part of our council.

Outstanding Educator
​MAUREEN DIEHL - MS. MO
Innovation Lab High School

Let’s start with a quote from one of Ms. Mo's students: “The excitement and energy this teacher shows daily is one of the key reasons I make it to school every day. She has helped me to grow as a person in so many ways, pushing me when she knows I can do better and helping me when I am struggling. She is truly my favorite teacher that I have ever had.” 
She is approachable for all. She encourages student’s ownership of their learning, supports students through their struggles, and brings warmth and enthusiasm to everything she does.
This educator has led multiple cross-disciplinary learning expeditions on a diverse range of topics. Most recently, her 10th grade English students took a deep dive into l education budget shortfalls in our state. After learning about the complexities of the budget, teams of students created plans to potentially fix the shortfalls and then traveled to Olympia to present their plans to legislators.
She is also the teacher liaison of the student-led Marketing Team and has worked the past two + years to push out messaging about Innovation Lab High School so that students and families can learn more about this choice high school in our district. 

Outstanding Advocate
​HOLLY MUENCHOW

Holly is a dedicated and influential advocate whose leadership has profoundly shaped PTA advocacy in our district. As Vice President of Advocacy for the Northshore Council PTSA and a key voice in organizations like Northshore Special Education Community PTSA and the HiCap Parents Council she has transformed complex legislative issues into actionable strategies.
She is a tireless mentor, equipping new PTA leaders with the confidence and knowledge. She has mobilized parents, guided them through legislative testimony, and worked directly with policymakers to advocate for public education funding and special education services. 
Her commitment to inclusion has ensured that families—whether in mental health, LGBTQIA+ rights, neurodivergence, or special education—now have a seat at the table. Her work has strengthened relationships, trust, and resilience within our community, embodying what PTA advocacy should be.

Outstanding Student Advocate
ETHAN NGUYEN

This student is, quite simply, at the heart of every meaningful initiative in Northshore. As a senior on the Superintendent’s Advisory Board, an active member of the Middle School Task Force, a familiar face at advocacy trips to Olympia, and a steadfast presence at school and district events, He consistently shows up, participates fully, and brings an unmatched energy and professionalism to every space he enters.
What truly sets him apart is not just his impressive resume of leadership roles—it’s the way he carries himself. He exemplifies the qualities of a young professional: respectful, articulate, engaged, and always prepared. His signature style—often seen in a suit—reflects his commitment to excellence, but his impact extends far beyond appearances. In spaces where even seasoned adults struggle to navigate difficult conversations, he offers insightful, action-driven feedback with a maturity beyond his years. His advocacy is deeply rooted in storytelling, supported by facts, and delivered with a sincerity that moves both hearts and minds.
This student’s dedication knows no bounds. He attends late-night meetings after long days of studying, always ready to contribute. He takes initiative, follows through, and builds relationships.
If you meet Ethan Nguyen, you are immediately struck by his wisdom, passion, and drive. It is rare to find someone so young who not only knows how to lead but understands the importance of listening, connecting, and sustaining momentum. As he prepares to take his next steps in college, there is no doubt that he will continue to make a profound difference. His contributions to Northshore will leave a lasting legacy. Ethan is not just an advocate for students—he is a force for the future.

ROBIN MCKENZIE

Robin has been Council's Emergency Preparedness (E-Prep) Chair since 2017 and his dedication to safety and security is unmatched. He lives and breathes emergency preparedness, tirelessly working to ensure our schools are ready in the event of an emergency. 
He has been instrumental in connecting PTSA emergency preparedness chairs across the district, fostering collaboration and shared learning. The monthly PTA E-Prep chair meeting, which he re-established, brings together PTA leaders and district safety officials to ensure a direct line of communication between those working to keep schools safe.
His unwavering advocacy has directly contributed to making ALL district schools safer places. The systems and relationships he has built took years to establish, and they will serve the community for years to come. As he leaves behind the E-Prep committee, we would like to thank Robin McKenzie for the innumerable hours he has dedicated in service to our community.  Thank you, Robin, for making us all just a bit safer.

Golden Acorn Award
MELISSA BENNET

Every staff member of the schools that Melissa's child attended has been spoiled in Staff Appreciation events. And at each of those schools, the bar has been raised for future Staff Appreciation chairs to follow. 
If you have attended a Council event in the last two years and thought, “Wow! This place looks great!” or “These decorations are amazing and so much fun!”, then you have this volunteer to thank.  She puts in an incredible amount of effort to make our events fun and engaging for our local leaders.
This person has been the driving force behind the success of our events. With passion and determination, she has found inspiring speakers, organized engaging activities, and created spaces that bring people together. Her work has strengthened our connection with the community by coordinating with local venues, caterers, and student volunteers.  
Even with her child graduating last year, she remained a dedicated Council member, continuing to bring fresh perspectives and unwavering support to PTA leaders across the district. 

Outstanding Educator
ELLIOT GRAY
Canyon Creek Elementary

Mr. Gray can be best described as talented, funny, and incredibly capable. His magnetic presence draws students in, making learning both engaging and enjoyable. When asked to share a favorite memory from his class, one of his fifth-grade students immediately mentioned his legendary “terrible” dad jokes, which fill the classroom with laughter and create an atmosphere where students feel encouraged to participate. His ability to personally connect with students fosters a welcoming environment that makes every child feel recognized and valued.
Beyond his humor, he instills musical concepts through interactive, hands-on activities, such as the beloved “squid passing” game. Students pass his stuffed squid while keeping the beat, with each round becoming progressively more challenging. His innovative teaching methods incorporate multiple modalities, ensuring that every learner engages with the curriculum in a meaningful way.
His musical talents inspire students and leave them in awe. A multi-instrumentalist, he founded the after-school Marimba club at Canyon Creek Elementary, giving students even more opportunities to explore music. He seamlessly blends education with entertainment, sparking curiosity and confidence in his students.
Mr. Elliot Gray’s creativity, passion, and dedication make him a true role model for both students and educators.

Outstanding Advocate
BRENAE BRIX

Brenae serves quietly to make a profound impact on the lives of children. Always informed and engaged in educational issues, she met with legislators in the 45th district several times and made sure they were up to date with PTA priorities. 
Her commitment extends beyond policy discussions, as she actively participates in the Northwest Gifted Alliance to help families, particularly those with twice-exceptional (2E) children, find the resources they need. As secretary for the Washington Coalition for Gifted Education, she collaborates with stakeholders and legislators across the state to push for key initiatives, including universal screening for highly capable students.
She serves with humility, never seeking recognition, yet her contributions speak volumes. She has supported the council in multiple roles—Vice President of Secondary Support and Treasurer—and next year, she will shine even brighter as she steps into the role of co-Vice President of Advocacy. Her unwavering dedication ensures a better future for all children.

Honorary Lifetime Membership
JANE CHIODO

Jane has served at all levels of PTA including each school that her kids have attended, on council and on state PTA. She is not afraid to voice her opinion, politely, and works to come up with solutions to problems. However, she can also lead a meeting with neutrality when needed. She is always willing to help anyone with whatever is needed. She is patient and well spoken.
​She willingly shares a wealth of experience and information with the Northshore Council PTSA board of directors and is always looking for ways that Council can best serve our local PTAs. She has been an amazing VP of Communications for council this year, stepping into a role with big shoes to fill. She also steps up whenever extra (wo)manpower is needed.  As a former Council President and serving as Chair of WA State PTA's Governance Committee, she is Council's go-to person for questions regarding bylaws and Robert's Rules and just about everything else. As the incoming Secretary on WA State PTA's Board of Directors next year, this person will no longer be serving on Northshore Council PTSA's Board of Directors and we will sorely miss her.

A special thank you to this year's Awards Committee members: Diana Christiansen, Tracy Jokisch and Jane Chiodo.

​Learn more about PTA Recognition Awards and how your PTA can recognize those who go above and beyond in your school community.