Much appreciation from

‘Tis the time of year to be joyful, to celebrate and show appreciation, thankfulness and gratitude. Previously, I’d mentioned how I am keen on Jim Keene and many others but recently Addison Hansen, our previous neighbor, triggered this outpouring of appreciation here. She surprised my partner of 52 years with a thank you - happy holidays greeting and a beautiful piece of her artwork signed off with much appreciation. Addison is a former Raider and fine arts major. Her message to Mrs. A said, “Thank you for encouraging my creativity and cultivating a safe space to explore the arts!” This is deeply heartfelt by my wife and got our holiday season off to a tremendous start. This emotional, loving gesture by Addison got me thinking again about people who I have much appreciation for. They are making an impactful difference for the better.

I look forward to the stories from Roger Lucas each week in the Star. His experiences, wisdom and humor are wonderful. Also, I appreciate Scott, the Star’s owner, keeping our local paper at a buck even with color!

The Coulee Dam City Council is working on multiple progressive projects. They’re helping get the vintage cinema up and running, finalizing the planting of new trees and many other complex things. Council Member Keith St. Jeor, who works at the Bureau, is instrumental in bringing the historic lightshow back to the Grand Coulee Dam Spillway. My wife and I were here when this was the original show – wonderful stuff!

Jesse Tillman is coaching an elementary basketball team that my grandson is on. Coach Tillman is doing such an amazing, caring job.

Nancy Armstrong and I talked recently. She and Sheri Edwards are two of the best educators I have ever known. She mentioned and I agreed that Dr. Dean is transforming the Nespelem School District for the better. Good, quiet leadership matters.

Natalie Kontos, our local Secondary Principal and her new Assistant Principal are a great team. I spoke Carlson’s praises previously. Natalie is exceptional. Her humble, genuine, natural, collaborative growth mindset, servant leadership style shows class, poise and professionalism. She always puts others first and is the best administrator in our local district.

Ashley and Derek Atkins are making a big difference as local system leaders, teachers, coaches and role models for our local students and athletes.

Susan Duclos, one of our local teachers, recently received her National Board Certification. In our local school district, her, my wife and only a handful of teachers total have accomplished this complex, distinguished, high-level standard as educators. Our local students deserve the best and I appreciate that these teachers have gone the extra miles to achieve this prestigious honor.

My wife, who has coached the Raider Cheer squads for four decades, has the program thriving. She’ll tell you, and I agree, that her assistant Wendy Olbright, is making a difference. The leadership and spirit our cheerleaders provide creates an amazing atmosphere. Their hard work shows!

It’s inspiring to see former Raiders Chance Garvin and Garrett Carlson coaching and giving back to our local communities. They were outstanding Raiders and are now great role models for our student/athletes. They and coaches like former Raiders Edward Wolfe and Billy Nicholson are making a difference for the better.

My sons and former Raiders, Jake and Jesse are now medical doctors and helping people on a daily basis. Jake’s fiancé is a pharmacist. Jake has been involved in numerous published research projects. Jesse and another MD have been selected to present their research for a medical conference in Boston this spring.

Finally, this holiday season, I want to show much appreciation for my son-in-law Sean Gorr. He’s a quiet person who doesn’t draw attention to himself, a great husband, dad, coach and person. He is very deserving of his new supervisory job with the Colville Tribes. I love my daughter, him and my spoiled grandsons very much.

Once again these are just a few of the amazing people who deserve much appreciation.

Happy holidays, enjoy, have fun and be thankful for what you have…especially for those who make a difference for the better in our lives!

John M. Adkins