The Lake Washington Schools Foundation’s (LWSF) eighth annual “Legacy for Learning” luncheon fundraiser will feature Alaska Air Group President and CEO Brad Tilden as the keynote speaker.
Doors will open at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 1 and the lunch and program will run from 12-1 p.m. at Juanita High School, 10601 N.E. 132nd St., Kirkland.
Tilden will build on the event theme: “With a great education, the sky’s not the limit, it’s just the beginning.”
According to Tilden, “A good education is crucial for everyone, and to be successful the next generation needs help from everyone involved: parents, teachers and the business community. In order to stay competitive in the 21st century marketplace, our young people also need better opportunities to learn science, technology, engineering and math, such as those offered by the Lake Washington School District.”
Tilden understands how education can inspire kids and prepare them for their futures. It was a school field trip to the airport that ignited Tilden’s love for airplanes and led to his 22-year career with Alaska Airlines. Tilden is also a strong supporter of Aviation High School and Alaska Airlines’ annual Aviation Day, exposing middle and high school students to careers in the industry.
Additional speakers include: Lake Washington School District Superintendent Traci Pierce, STEM High School teacher Mike Town, and former news anchor and creator of La Famiglia Design Monica Hart, serving as emcee.
Founded in 2005, the Lake Washington Schools Foundation raises money to ensure academic excellence and success for all students in the Lake Washington School District.
Community donations help struggling readers feel confident and cared for through the LINKS (Looking Into the Needs of Kids and Schools) mentoring program, provide Reaching for Success grants so that students have extra help and activities that inspire them, and support the Access Fund, which allows students in need to fully participate in high school.
The community has the opportunity to help the school district bring Signature Programs based in STEM (science technology, engineering and math) subjects to its high schools through this event.
According to Pierce, “This fall, we are launching bold and innovative new high school programs. These ‘Signature Programs’ are three-period blocks of instruction that will be available to 11th and 12th grade students. They will combine rigorous academics with real-world applications of learning on industry-based projects. While this approach may be applied to many different subject areas, we will begin the implementation of high school Signature Programs with the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) career pathway.”
Luncheon guests will hear more about Signature Programs from Pierce.
The luncheon brings together parents, business people, and community leaders from Kirkland, Redmond and Sammamish, including many companies with a commitment to STEM education. Attorney David Alskog, of Livengood, Fitzgerald & Alskog, explains why his business has been a long-time luncheon sponsor.
“A good education is the strongest factor in a student’s future success and is perhaps the most important investment the community can make for its future. Our firm supports the foundation as it impacts students through grants, tutoring, and innovative learning programs, such as the new Signature Programs in global health, engineering and environmental sciences.”
Lunch is complimentary, although there is a suggested donation of $150. There are still opportunities to be a table captain, to sponsor the luncheon, or to volunteer to help make the event a success. For more information, email luncheon@lwsf.org, visit www.lwsf.org or call (425) 936-1414.
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