Breakfast at Bethel

From left to right: Greg Brokaw, Lorri Nelson, Mark Young, Brooke McDonald, Superintendent Kraig Sproles, Tricia Berg, and a sliver of Patrick Hannah.

It was wonderful to celebrate the achievements of the Bethel Education Foundation at the annual “Breakfast at Bethel” advocacy and fundraising event. The foundation assists the Bethel School District by, in its words, “supporting the mental and physical growth of Bethel students by helping fund programs that support students and families.”

There was quite a bit of energy in the room for any time, much less 7 A.M. on a Friday morning. The talented Willamette High School Jazz Band played at the beginning and close of the event. A highlight was hearing how a new initiative that brings high school students on college tours had a profound impact on many students, especially those who will be first-generation college students.

Paul and Karen Jorgensen received the Community Spirit Award and delivered a very moving and powerful account together of their life, service, and deep connection with the Bethel School District. They ended their speech with an Arthur Ashe quote: “From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life.”

Thank you card from BSD student.