Golden Apple and Acorn Winners Announced!

Congratulations to our 2022 winners!

Here are just a selection of the kind words said about each of these amazing Orcas!

Chris Blackstone – Golden Acorn

Chris has led all of HTPTA’s fundraising efforts this year! Of note, she’s been the single organizing force on the HTPTA side for the Read-a-thon, bringing in over 12K each year, and really igniting a love of literacy in all our Orcas, partnering with our librarians to make sure this isn’t just a “read for cash” event, but one that’s filled with inspiration and accessible for all our students. Thank you, Chris!

Katie Schielke – Golden Acorn

Katie has been such an exceptional volunteer leader in so many ways, but of note in handling mini-grants and leading the charge on Science Night for at least 3 years running! Her positive attitude and amazing energy is so valuable – Katie is amazing 🙂

Joy Burke – Golden Apple

Joy has come in to our HT library and taken a huge step in making it much better for our students for many years to come! She has a love for reading that she is passing onto everyone that steps into the library!

Mira Ponomarchuk – Golden Apple

Ms. Ponomarchuk goes above and beyond for Highland Terrace. She doesn’t just serve in one classroom, but in many and all over the school. She works with small groups of students to teach and review academic content and supports individual students with academic or behavior needs. She has high expectations of her students- firm when students need to be challenged, and gentle when students need extra care. She fills in as a substitute wherever needed and is always asking staff, “How can I help?” Ms. Ponomarchuk cares deeply for the students of Highland Terrace and spent hours beautifying the school with colorful and inspirational art and visuals for them. She understands the pulse of the school, sees the big picture, and works to make HT a better place every day. Ms. Ponomarchuk is a remarkable educator and we are lucky to have her at HT!