Every year, Identity Clark County recognizes volunteers and teachers that go above and beyond to make Southwest Washington such a great place to learn. These "Real Heroes" are honored at an annual event, which this year was held at Washington State University-Vancouver.
According to ICC:
Business leaders across Clark County appreciate our quality educational system. It is the foundation of vibrant, healthy communities where people want to live and employers want to operate.
Each honoree is deserving of our appreciation because their efforts foster a supportive culture and inspire others, even though none seek recognition for what they do. The extra commitment of staff and volunteers is why we have such a great educational system today. They are the ones who champion modern facilities, innovative programs, and a diverse range of student support programs that make it possible for each student to thrive.
Beth Tugaw (employee) and Scott Sorenson (community volunteer) were recognized Real Heroes for the Hockinson School District. Their photos and citations are below:
Beth Tugaw, HSD Educator (retired)
Beth Tugaw knows that school is best when it’s fun, so she brings this to Hockinson
High School’s leadership class, where she empowers her students to create a
connected school culture. Recently, Beth’s students orchestrated a creative and safe
“Pandemic Prom” as proof that community and unity are what makes school worth
showing up for. Beth’s success as a Leadership teacher derives from her belief that
teaching is about empowering kids to teach themselves. She’s observed that if you
give students a chance to be leaders, they’ll step up to the plate. Every year, Beth
notices more and more students standing up for the kind of school they want. The
belief that her students have the power to help each other thrive contributes to a
fun, community-oriented school environment.
Scott Sorenson, Chief - Fire District 3
Community outreach and volunteer work are inherent to fire departments, which
Chief Scott Sorenson’s work in the Brush Prairie/Battle Ground area exemplifies.
Founded by Hockinson community volunteers 75 years ago, Chief Sorenson ensures
that Fire District 3 is involved in the community, especially within the school district,
as a way of building relationships and trust. From helping out at field day to
implementing a Fire Cadet program, Chief Sorenson and his team prove that they
have the desire to learn about the citizens they serve. Fire District 3 is a pillar of the
community. Because of this, Chief Sorenson affirms that working for a fire
department is about relationships and serving the community.
Congratulations, Beth and Scott. Thank you for your contributions to the Hockinson School District and its students.
Past HSD honorees include:
2021: Jessica Ambrose, Justin VanNatta
2020: Shairn Villa, Betsy McBride
2019: Julie Atchley, Eirik Huset
2018: Cary Delbridge, Julie Ruhl