Thank you to all of our nominees! 

Please enjoy reading the nominations for all of our outstanding volunteers and educators! 

Golden Acorn Nominees

Cindy Britton

• What does one say to someone who does SO MUCH that most don't see and that truly has a direct and measurable positive impact on the PTA's ability to build community, educate on events and share information, and get important details to the masses? "Thank you" isn't enough, but hopefully this nomination expresses how much the entire LFP PTA and LFP community appreciate your social media posts, website updates, and ability to create an engaging flyer for all of our events! Thank you, Cindy! You are a PTA hero! 

Rachel Chen

• Rachel does so much behind the scenes for the PTA and a lot of people may not know that Rachel is key to the success of multiple, and well-loved programs and events. She is the reason our back-to-school BBQ always goes off without a hitch for the last 10 years! She was also instrumental (on multiple levels) to bringing Science Discovery Night back this year and what a success it was! She deserves a ton of recognition for her dedication to these incredible, communuty-building events! 

Thea Finnel

• All her years of art docent contributions are unbelievably appreciated! 

Guy Forbes

• Guy is a member of the LFP community...[he] volunteers to play the piano for us monthly at Sing-a-ling just for the joy of music with our kids. He has done this for the past 20 years. We are so lucky to have him and I would love to honor him for this selfless act for our LFP students!!

Rachel Martin

• Rachel is often the first person saying "yes" when the PTA needs help. She loves the school, the PTA, and the programs and events she helps coordinate (auction planning, procurement, PTA communications, Bingo Night, Health and Family Services, just to name a few). Thank you, Rachel, for being an awesome volunteer and an even better friend! 

John McDermott

• The man does it all, and with a smile on his face! We appreciate his organization, his dedication to kids (and to learning the math needed to help them!), and his sense of humor.

Jeff Okazaki

• Everyday you will find Jeff’s smile at LFP. Whether he is reading with second graders, helping 5th graders learn different approaches to math hurdles or helping pop popcorn in all sorts of weather, you know he is filling his heart and those around him with service to our school. Thank you Jeff for making a huge impact with our Dolphins!

Sarah Tucker

• Sarah is an incredible leader, volunteer, helper, friend, and advocate. She steps up when no one else does, even if it’s not the best timing for her.

• She has the best ideas and insight. Her intelligence is unmatched, only to her kindness and willingness to help anyone with anything. 

• Sarah keeps life real and shares an amazing and unique perspective. I hope every single person in LFP knows how fortunate we are to have had her step up to be President and continue in the role next year!

Golden Apple Nominees

Natalie Campbell

• It is with great enthusiasm that we nominate Ms. Campbell, a first-grade teacher at Lake Forest Park Elementary, for the Golden Apple Award. Ms. Campbell embodies the very best of what it means to be an educator—fostering growth, inspiring curiosity, and creating a nurturing, inclusive, and creative learning environment for her students.

From the moment students step into Ms. Campbell’s classroom, they are met with warmth, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. She has an extraordinary ability to cultivate a space where young learners feel safe, valued, and inspired to explore the world around them. Her classroom is more than just a place of instruction—it is a community where students build confidence, develop a love for learning, and form meaningful connections with their peers.

Ms. Campbell recognizes that every child is unique, and she adapts her teaching to meet the needs of each student, ensuring that they feel seen and supported. Whether through hands-on projects, creative storytelling, or interactive group activities, she sparks curiosity and lays a strong foundation for lifelong learning. Her dedication goes beyond academics; she nurtures social and emotional growth, teaching her students kindness, resilience, and the importance of working together.

We admire Ms. Campbell for her unwavering commitment to her students. She maintains open and thoughtful communication with families, fostering strong partnerships that support our child’s education. She has created a classroom environment that feels like an extension of home—one filled with joy, encouragement, and a deep sense of care. We are certain that Ms. Campbell’s impact extends far beyond a single school year. The lessons she imparts—both academic and personal—will stay with our child long after he leaves her classroom. Lake Forest Park Elementary School, the Shoreline School District, and our community’s children are so fortunate to have such an incredible educator.

Josh Frank

• Mr. Frank is exceptional and I feel so lucky we get to see him in the halls and classrooms of LFP. He cares so deeply for each student and it is incredible to see him interact with students, whether he's helping them manage big feelings or helping with conflicts, but especially when he's just being a positive presence in their day. 

• Josh is an overall amazing person and sets a high standard as an example for our students and community.

Andy Harrington

• Mr. Harrington is beloved by students, staff, and families. He is an LFP institution. 

• Andy was so eager to help with the Move-a-Thon when we wanted to bring it to LFP and the entire committee is so appreciative of his ability to help with t-shirts, sponsors, and the logistics on the day-of the event. On top of that, Andy is also an outstanding educator. It is incredible to see him combine physical education with vocabulary and kinesiology in an engaging and fun way for the students!   

Kelly Holloway

• She is such an amazing teacher and community member. Every day I am impressed and amazed with how much she truly loves her classroom and students. 

• Kelly cares about each and every one of her students and does so much to make their days positive. Hearing from her students about how much they miss her while she's out for a few weeks is exactly why she exemplifies the Golden Apple award and is an outstanding educator.

Riley Kreutzer

• Amazing patience, makes learning fun, positive remodel, overall fantastic person and the kids love him

Aimee Miner

• Aimee is truly amazing and the most wonderful and outstanding educator, deserving of all of the awards. Her ability to perceive the entire school’s needs, individual student’s needs, and how to best approach so many things with equity, respect, and kindness continues to amaze me. 

• While Aimee's years of experience plays an obvious role in her ability to be such an amazing leader, I believe it is Aimee’s heart that sets her above the rest.

Barbara Phipps

• Ms. Phipps works so closely with our intermediate teachers and is an expert "kid whisperer." 

• She supports by building trusting relationships with students both in her classroom and throughout the school and students know that they can rely on her to be their fiercest advocate. 

• We appreciate Ms. Phipps because she always has a pulse on the goings-on of 4th and 5th grade and she is a creative thinker in determining what students need in-the-moment.

Lauren Preston

• Lauren jumped into a tough situation, subbing for not only an established classroom after more than half of the school year but for a well-loved teacher who is greatly missed while she takes time away. Lauren has done this with not only passion, but excitement and genuine care and love for the students. She truly cares about the class and you'd never guess she hasn't been with them for months. As a parent, I can't imagine a better person to be my student's long-term sub, especially when the shoes to fill were so big to fill. 

Rhonda Okazaki

• Heart and soul goes into her students and her classroom. An incredible, inspiring, educator.

• Rhonda's dedication for the children amazes me every day. She makes each child feel special and loved.

Polly Olson

• Ms. Olson is welcoming and kind. She goes above and beyond to ensure her students are loved and respected. 

• When my son was in her class she managed a classroom with far too many students with grace and efficiency.

Lori Scobie

• Does a good job providing challenges to students when needed.