The Renton Chamber of Commerce and the Seattle Seahawks recognized five winners for their 2015 Ahead of the Class Awards.
Friends, family and members of the Renton business community gathered to honor the educators, who were being recognized for excellence in education. The special ceremony was held April 16 at the Virginia Mason Activity Center. Tony Ventrella, Seattle Seahawks spokesperson, was the emcee of the event and mascot Blitz provided some entertainment.
This year’s winners from the Renton School District are:
• Kerri Dowd, Hazen High School
• Allison Fox, Honey Dew Elementary
• Nathan Maddox, Hazen High School
• Christina Neuschwander, Renton High School
• Kristin Roy, Renton High School
There were more than 229 teachers nominated by their peers, students and parents. Sixty-three teachers sent in applications and there were 10 finalists from Renton. The five winners received a $500 cash award and the remaining five received a $100 cash award and special honors.
Two committees, consisting of community and business leaders, reviewed the applications, conducted personal interviews and selected the winners.
The awards program is a partnership between the Renton Chamber of Commerce, Renton public and private schools and Renton businesses. The program’s aim is to enhance community awareness of the excellence of education in Renton, according to a press release.
