Last night, Chase Youth Commission recognized our community’s outstanding youth, teens and an adult who are making a difference in our community or making positive choices through the Chase Youth Awards.
We are so proud of the Spokane Public Schools students—and educator Dave Jackson—who were honored for their leadership, innovation, and community engagement!
Arts & Creativity, Elementary School
Jayrhoon Borongan, Stevens Elementary School
“Jayrhoon, or Junior as we call him, is incredibly arts and crafty not just at school but also at home. He has won awards for his art, which includes incredibly lifelike portraits, and sculptures out of various materials. For weddings, birthdays, or any other type of occasion he gifts a piece of his beautiful artwork, usually a portrait of that person. When anyone feels down, he draws a beautiful scenic piece of art with a motivational quote. He puts his art first, his biggest passion.”
Arts & Creativity, Elementary School Group
Shaura World Music & Dance, Stevens Elementary
“This ensemble is dedicated to performing culturally responsive music in ways that celebrate and highlight the communities they represent. Each year they learn multiple songs from different cultures, including playing musical instruments with the techniques of that culture and singing songs in the original language. The students have formed connections with musicians and culture bearers from around the world and have been taught songs by people as far away as Zimbabwe through information sharing. They put in hard work throughout the year, helping each other to be successful. Their leadership shines in such an impactful way that students throughout the school are excited to perform in the group.”
Arts & Creativity, Teen
Illusion McSwain, Shadle Park High School
“Illusion's commitment to music is unparalleled. They participate in multiple ensembles including jazz, percussion, and wind ensembles, all while managing online college courses through EWU's running start program. What makes Illusion stand out is their passion for both music and visual arts. They excel as a digital artist, but also enjoy traditional media like drawing, painting and crocheting. Their creative talents extend to Shadle's music program, where they designed logos for the pipe band, and helped create logos and website for iepercussion.org. Illusion has a unique ability to combine creativity and technical precision that is impressive for someone so young. Additionally, over the past three years, they have helped raise over $5,000 through performances to support the program's growth.”
Arts & Creativity, Teen Group
Shadle Park Video Club, Shadle Park High School
“This group of talented students is dedicated to storytelling, representation and community engagement. Their commitment to producing high-quality, inclusive, school news broadcasts has made an impact on SPHS. SPTV is not just a school news program, it is a platform for student expression, inclusion and advocacy. They have also embraced multilingualism, incorporating languages like Farsi, Pashto, Dari, French, and American Sign Language into their broadcasts and morning announcements, they even put captions in the news. One of their most powerful initiatives has been presenting the American Pledge of Allegiance in different languages, reinforcing the message that every student belongs in our school. Beyond the news broadcast, they take on meaningful projects to further elevate student voices, like a 30-minute video for staff, capturing student perspectives on the school environment and the impact of harmful language. The goal is to foster important discussions among staff about how to create a safer, more inclusive school culture. Another positive contribution is related to suicide awareness, making videos to show the school to facilitate the conversation about suicide in our schools' homeroom classes.”
Community Service, Elementary School Group
Girl Scout Troop 1928, Finch Elementary School
“These Girl Scouts spoke with a social worker at Sacred Heart Children's hospital to research needs and see if there was anything they could do to make their hospital experience any better, and following that conversation decided to make special home-made blankets to comfort them and help reduce their anxiety. They also created instruction sheets to leave with the hospital so that future volunteers could reproduce the blankets. They spent hours working on creating the blankets and making arrangements for distribution.”
Community Service, Teen
Abigail Liezen, North Central High School
“What sets Abby apart from other high-achieving peers is her sincerity and compassion for others. She has spent the last three years on the Ronald McDonald House Charities teen board and has been instrumental in raising nearly $11,000 for the non-profit. She has done this by spending nights and weekends flocking houses with flamingos and organizing a major annual Staff vs. Students basketball game. She also volunteers countless hours at the house making and serving food to families who have spent all day at the hospital with their child. Her dedication to serving others is not simply for her college applications, she values serving others in our Spokane community.”
Cultural Advocacy, Teen
Nermin Omar, John R. Rogers High School
“Nermin currently serves as Senior Class President and previously as an Executive Board Commissioner for our Associated Student Body. She excels in all her subjects, including a rigorous course load of AP classes. In addition to her academic successes, she speaks six languages, a result of her background and desire to connect with all people. Nermin's journey has been marked by hardship and sacrifice, having moved from Syria and enduring the instability and fear of refugee life. As the president of amnesty international, Nermin takes on a large role in the high school multicultural night where students celebrate their cultures by participating in fashion shows highlighting the beauty of each culture. She exhibits natural leadership and has a natural ability to inspire her peers and effectively organize school events and activities that highlight diverse populations that often are overlooked.”
Entrepreneurship, Teen Group
Annabel Bielaski and Aleena Dragoo, Lewis and Clark High School
Annabel and Aleena are both known for being outstanding students, athletes and musicians who step up as leaders in LCHS sports and clubs. Recently they created a business, the Teen Care Sitters, offering babysitting, tutoring and pet care. They came up with the concept, created a website and launched their business. Given the high cost of just about everything, including babysitting, they are offering a more affordable and reliable option for parents. These very social and caring girls will no doubt be successful and help to make children in our community feel loved and cared for.
Environmental Champion, Elementary School
Inga Larson, Spokane Public Montessori
“Inga is passionate about the environment so when she noticed the free little libraries in her neighborhood, she considered how she could take that concept and use it to share her passion, and the free little seed and plant library was born. She researched and learned a lot about painting, woodworking and gardening and built a permanent structure in her front yard that she stocked with seed packets and space to donate or take a plant. Inga learned that plants promote the health of animals, insects and people and sprung into action to ensure everyone in her neighborhood could play a role.”
Environmental Champion, Elementary School Group
Girl Scout Troop 3327, Logan Elementary School
“GS Troop 3327 learned that Transitions Women and Children's shelter has a community garden so the residents have access to fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers and decided that they could help the garden be successful by promoting pollination. By creating pollinator habitats at the garden, they increase the number of pollinators and increase the chance of having a more successful plant pollination, potentially increasing the garden's yield. They researched the design of insect and bug hotels and learned what type of spaces are best for each type of insects and bugs, and how to follow the pattern of a successful bug hotel. They procured all the supplies, built them and placed them in the garden. Their project will hopefully lead to more fresh produce for the women and children living at Transitions.”
Environmental Champion, Middle School Group
Girl Scout Troop 2102, Peperzak Middle School
“GS Troop 2102 loves the outdoors! Girl Scout Camp Four Echoes is an expansive 212 acre camp that is aging quickly, having celebrated its 85th birthday last year. After consulting with the camp ranger and camp director, they determined the highest need was to overhaul the trail signage that help Girl Scouts hike and find key vistas including Echo Point. They worked tirelessly to replace older, inaccurate trail signs and create proper signage. The camp hosts hundreds and hundreds of girls over the summer months and the signage will help protect the environment by using properly developed trails and not disturbing the natural growth. Their finale was making a new sign that welcomes Girl Scouts to camp.”
Environmental Champion, Teen Group
On Track Academy Youth Wellness Zone Class, On Track Academy
“This group of students focus on how community can support youth mental health and wellness and specifically speak to how much anxiety environmental issues cause children and youth in our region. Part of the anxiety stems from feeling the problem is too big to change, and as the class explored this anxiety, they developed projects allowing them to participate in changing this reality. Researching methane and causes of dangerous gases, explosions and fires in landfills, they learned that organic matter is causing these pockets. The solution is to not put organic matter in our garbage cans, so OTA now has sustainable recycling and composting programs and the whole school is involved in the zero food waste effort. Being outdoors decreases anxiety and helps youth regulate, so the students participated in an experiment to prove what they felt. By taking oxygen levels, heart rate and blood pressure, the class measured the biometrics before and after being outside. As they thought about why they didn't spend more time outside, the reality of dirty needles, unsafe or closed bathrooms in local parks, along with the lack of tree canopy in the neighborhoods around their school answered the question. They expressed these sentiments to local officials and community members at a wellness showcase and people are stepping up provide more maintenance and oversight of City spaces and plant trees.”
Innovation, Middle School Group
Sacajawea Advanced Engineering Class, Sacajawea Middle School
“These students not only complete a vigorous questionnaire to be admitted into the class, but also took online classes over the summer, which demonstrates their level of commitment and dedication. This year they worked with the Spokane drone squad to create 3D printed targets for mapping, designed custom LED holders that attached to the drone to provide additional light while flying, and designed a drone squad patch. Another group worked with the Spokane bomb squad designing one-of-a-kind pieces for their new robot, and designed custom spool holders and inserts for the officer's bullet proof vests. A select group designed a prosthetic arm that is specifically designed to let the wearer not only play guitar but also feel the movement of the strings. They also worked with JOYA to develop equipment and toys to aid in mobility and strength training.”
Innovation, Teen
Aria Rossiter, Lewis & Clark High School
“Aria described in three words are creative, sensible and diligent. She always finds creative solutions to problems, usually in ways most people never think about. Aria worked with JOYA to find a way to help small children with different abilities be able to crawl. That project had many complications, one of the largest being finding a shape for a board kids could lay on top of to allow them to learn crawling motion. She spent so much time figuring out how to find the right shape that wouldn't cut off the circulation in their arms, allow their legs to reach the ground, and match their proportions. She came up with a figure eight shape that worked beautifully. With her innovation, these kids can now crawl wherever their little hearts’ desire.”
Leadership, Elementary School
Kali Merritt, Mullan Road Elementary School
“Kali loves to help people and is a reliable leader at her school. She was appointed group leader for Generation Alive, an organization that raises money and collects food to help the homeless. Kali made a presentation to the whole school and helped train students to know how to pack food. She is so passionate about this program she recently went door to door collecting donations to benefit GA and their mission. Teachers and staff at her school see her as a natural leader who works well with others to achieve common goals.”
Leadership, Middle School
Rhyker Thulean-O'Harran, Flett Middle School
“Rhyker is an exceptional young leader who exhibits character, work ethic and commitment to his community. He is an integral part of Flett's leadership class and is administration's go-to student when it comes to welcoming new students, ensuring they feel comfortable and connected. His warmth, kindness, and ability to make others feel seen and valued create an inclusive and positive school environment. One of Rhyker's most remarkable qualities is his ability to earn the trust of his peers. Many students turn to him for advice and support, knowing he is honest, wise and trustworthy. He approaches these situations with maturity, recognizing when to involve adults while handling matters with the utmost respect and discretion. He enriches his school community every day and his nominator has no doubt that he will continue to make a meaningful impact in the future.”
Leadership, Teen Group
Lewis & Clark Hope Squad, Lewis & Clark High School
“Members of the Hope Squad were chosen because they are trustworthy, caring students that high school kids struggling with mental health can turn to in times of need. Every day a member of the Hope Squad shares something we can do to improve our mental health, and every week they make a video of them talking to other students about what they do to improve their mental health that is shared with the whole school. They also hosted Hope Week, a spirited week dedicated to mental health awareness, and at the end of the week they handed out cookies shaped like life preservers to the whole lunchroom. This united us and showed that if we work together, we can help each other and build awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. They are leading the way in making LCHS a better place.”
Personal Achievement, Elementary School
Ava Parker, Peperzak Middle School
“Ava has always demonstrated determination and perseverance, even in the face of disappointment. In a world where negativity and peer pressure can often dominate, she choses a different path, one of kindness, integrity and strength. She refuses to engage in gossip or putdowns, instead standing up for those who are treated unfairly and leading by example with kindness and respect. She has often been the voice for those who might not have the confidence to speak up, demonstrating a level of courage and empathy that is rare and admirable. She takes on the challenge of advanced courses while maintaining a 4.0 GPS, a testament to her strong work ethic and dedication to excellence. She balances academics, extracurriculars and community service with grace and determination, never backing down from a challenge. Whether mentoring young kids, volunteering her time to help those in need, standing up for what is right, or pushing herself to excel in school, she approaches life with a positive attitude and a relentless drive to make a difference.”
Personal Achievement, Teen
Josephine Corbin, Lewis & Clark High School
“Josephine is the strongest person I know. She was born with congenital heart defects and underwent two open heart surgeries as a child. If that wasn't enough, she was also diagnosed with scoliosis that required a full spinal fusion as a teenager. Most people would let these challenges slow them down, but not Josephine, she never lets physical limitations define her. She is now a powerful advocate, sharing her story nationwide as a patient ambassador for Shriners Hospital for Children. Her ability to connect with people through her experiences has given hope to so many, especially those facing similar medical journeys. She was even chosen as the keynote speaker for Shriners Children's Hospital's 100th anniversary gala. She has become a leader in the patient advocacy community and she's only 17 years old.”
Phoenix Award, Elementary School
Maxwell Houghton, Jefferson Elementary School
“Max has autism, which is a challenge for him, but he is one of the brightest kids I know. He's intelligent, creative, curious, and loves expressing himself in different ways. Max has a rigorous schedule, in addition to his school day, he goes to ABA (a therapy for his autism) for three hours every day and doesn't get home until six o'clock every day. In school and ABA, his teachers talk about how much Max sets himself apart and leaves an impression on both his classmates and teachers.”
Sportsmanship, Elementary School
Nori Patel, Mullan Road Elementary School
“Nori plays football and never lets herself get down even when things go wrong. She always hypes her teammates up when they mess up, she has such a loving heart she always makes you feel better, which really lifts up the team. One of my favorite memories is when we were losing and she just kept going, encouraging everyone to give their best effort regardless of the outcome. We ended up winning because we got a touchdown just when it counted the most, and I attribute that to all the encouragement Nori gave the team. Learning the lesson to give your best no matter the outcome is such a valuable lesson for young kids and Nori is an excellent ambassador for good sportsmanship.”
Sportsmanship, Middle School
Milan Patel, Peperzak Middle School
“Milan is a basketball player who is not only dedicated to making himself a better player, but helping lift all his teammates to be better. He practices every day, spending hours and hours working on his skills so he can be the best he can for his teammates. He never gives up and never lets losing get in the way of being supportive to his teammates. When someone falls down, no matter what team they are on, he always helps them up. One time we were playing basketball in the neighborhood and one of his teammates was struggling, so he called a timeout so he could give him some pointers to help his game, it was so kind and you could see how much it meant to the young man. He's the kind of teammate every athlete hopes to play with and exhibits sportsmanship on and off the court.”
Sportsmanship, Teen
Ava Swigart, Lewis and Clark High School
“The LCHS swimming team is truly something special, but that's largely due to Ava, there is no one like her. The first day of practice she asked all of us to give her our number for the group chat. I was nervous as a freshman, not comfortable walking up to an upperclassman who is one of the best on the team. She made a joke that put me immediately at ease and that set the tone. Going to a meet I sat next to her on the bus, on the verge of tears telling her about my issues with friends who disinvited me to homecoming and she said, "Well you should just come with us". While this may not seem like a big deal, I had never experienced someone so genuinely kind who cares about me. When we won GSL champs, it was because of her abilities and leadership. When the swimmers who did not place were feeling discouraged, Ava said, ‘Are you kidding? You are seriously amazing and you have improved so much, whether you make State or not, you should be so proud of yourself!’ She reminds us to be good sports, be proud of our progress and accomplishments, and just be all around good people.”
Judges Choice, Individual
Wednesday Adams, On Track Academy
“Wednesday faced several challenges during the last seven months including housing instability, relationship instability and health issues that had her on several rounds of antibiotics, as well as the pressure from school to finish her graduation credits on time. She overcame these challenges and went to Olympia in January to speak to thirteen members of the legislature. For her to overcome her nerves, especially being on the spectrum, and have the strength to speak up for the challenges that her peers are facing at school and with their parent relationships is astounding. She believes that if the community could join together in creating parent to parent classes that are youth driven in curriculum, that many of the struggles that teenagers go through could be mitigated and help teens feel supported. Her tenacity to get the needs of her peers out in her voice so that everyone may hear is commendable and her commitment to making sure those around her are valued, respected and feel included is one of her best attributes.”
Judges Choice, Group
Ferris Hope Squad, Ferris High School
“This group shows up again and again for their peers. It's hard being a teenager in today's world and many students struggle with mental health problems including anxiety and depression; some even have suicidal ideations. The aim of the Hope Squad is to support every student in need, to lead a student in crisis to a place of safety, and to an advisor or counselor who can provide the student with resources and ensure safety of the student. Members spend their lunch time on Mondays attending meetings, participate in community outreach like 8th grade parent/student visitation night, and interviews with FHS News. The mental health crisis among teens is real and having such a large group of students, who are nominated by their peers, advocate for their wellbeing is critical. They are outstanding young leaders and members of our community who deserve to be recognized for their selfless commitment to teenagers in need of care and compassion.”
James E. Chase Adult Award
Dave Jackson, Lewis & Clark High School
“Mr. Jackson is a mentor, teacher, and overall a big role model for his students. He teaches us the importance of 21st century skills and how they reflect onto your work, school and life. He is unlike other teachers in that he is excited to teach and brings us fun, entertaining and interesting things to learn. He is committed to teaching students about the world around them, using real world examples and sharing experiences he's had in life. Aside from being an educator, he is an involved community member who is one of Hoopfest's founding members, and regularly donates blood to the blood bank, saving countless lives. His students say he is an inspirational leader and being in his class is one of the highlights of their day.”