Edmonds School District scholar athletes, community contributors honored at annual banquet

The Edmonds School District honored its top scholar athletes and community contributors at the annual Scholar-Athlete and Community Recognition awards celebration banquet Wednesday, May 27 at Edmonds-Woodway High School.

The Director of Ceremonies was Steve Willits, who covers high school sports across Snohomish County. Willits said that the awards are designed “to celebrate the very best of our student athletes” and to acknowledge the important role the community plays in shaping their experience.

“Tonight, you will meet an outstanding group of 16 young student-athletes whose athletic, academic and community accomplishments will inspire you,” Willits said. 

The event was coordinated by Edmonds School District Athletic Director Angie McGuire.

“This scholar-athlete banquet is a special one because it’s our 25th,” McGuire said, explaining that it was started in 2002 by then-District Athletic Director Terri McMahan to recognize outstanding graduating seniors. “Over the past 24 years we have given away over $688,000 in scholarships to 407 graduating student-athletes,” McGuire said.

Noting that it takes a community to support student athletes, McGuire then recognized the following individuals with Community Contributor Awards:

Meadowdale High: Kristin Grant and Jenny Bardsley

Kristin Grant and Jenny Bardsley have served as co-presidents of the Meadowdale Sports Booster Club for the last three years and “have worked tirelessly for students,” McGuire said. This includes strengthening the annual auction, and raising funds for new jerseys, equipment, travel opportunities and experiences that otherwise may not have been financially possible.

“Their leadership also helped revive the Blue and White Fund, creating meaningful support for student-athletes in need of financial assistance,” McGuire said.

Meadowdale Athletic Coordinator Mike Nelson said of the pair: “Kristin and Jenny have consistently shown up for Meadowdale athletics as volunteers, supporters and fans, going above and beyond to champion not only their own children’s programs, but all Maverick athletes.”

Mountlake Terrace High: Jacki Tyler

“Jacki does everything at Terrace,” McGuire said. This includes keeping the scorebooks for the girls basketball program for 13 years and the boys basketball books for 11 years. She also took over the scorebook for volleyball nine years ago.

“Jacki has given countless hours of her time behind the scenes to ensure our student-athletes have the opportunity to compete and succeed,” McGuire said.

MTHS Athletic Coordinator Sharalee Mathews-Malloy stated: “Terrace athletics simply would not be possible without her commitment, reliability and selfless support. Jacki’s hard work has helped make Terrace athletics the success it is today, and for that, we are incredibly grateful.”

Edmonds-Woodway High: Angie and James Oliver

With four kids “heavily involved in athletics,” Angie and James Oliver have been part of the EWHS community for 11 years, McGuire said. The couple’s youngest, Ava, is graduating “so this is definitely the end of an era,” she added.

James Oliver has served as the E-W Booster Club treasurer for the past six years, collaborating with coaches and the school’s ASB secretary. Angie Oliver, meanwhile, “sees a need and takes it on,” McGuire said. “There is no limit to what she will help with — everything from organizing senior signing days for athletes to standing in cold weather hanging senior banners.” In spring 2021, when there were no in-person fundraising auctions due to COVID, the couple hosted an online auction to keep the booster club going through the pandemic.

E-W Athletic Coordinator Jennie Hershey said that “Angie and James will step up and advocate for all student-athletes, they are focused on what is best for the entire school community and they will be difficult to replace.”

Lynnwood High: Lynda Hughes and Linda Fitzgerald

Known affectionately as “the Lindas,” Lynda Hughes and Linda Fitzgerald have been staples at Lynnwood for 20 years. They are the first faces you see entering the building, selling tickets for volleyball and basketball, McGuire said.

Before they took on the responsibility of making people feel welcome at Lynnwood High, Linda Hughes taught English at LHS and Linda Fitzgerald was a counselor.

“Their dependability is a trademark,” said Lynnwood Athletic Coordinator Drew Prichard. “Every week, they inquire as to the prudent time for arrival for event staff for the games… I know I can count on them to arrive at least 15 minutes before the time I suggest. They know sports is about community, so even when they’ve told the same 16-year old at least five times to remember to bring his ASB card, they will still give him some grace.”

Student honorees

After the community members were honored, Willits returned to the podium to announce the student-athlete honorees. Here they are in the order that the awards were presented, along with the individuals and organizations who funded the scholarships:

Carmelo LaRocca, Edmonds-Woodway High School

A standout two-sport athlete in both football and wrestling, Carmelo LaRocca was elected team captain three times and earned five varsity letters. He was awarded First Team All-Wesco honors for both sports. He wrapped up his high school career as the state wrestling champion at 190 lbs. Maintaining a 3.65 GPA while taking both high school and Running Start classes, he plans to attend Washington State University, where he will major in finance.

LaRocca received an award of a $ 1,500 sponsored by Alfi Real Estate Team and the Terry Ray Scholarship.

Hailey Bernards, Meadowdale High School

A multi-sport letter winner in soccer and fastpitch softball, Hailey Bernards served as captain of the soccer team and earned several honors in both sports, including most improved in softball, second team All-Wesco, and Defensive MVP in soccer. She helped establish Model United Nations at her school, is a member of National Honor Society, serves as the editor in chief of the yearbook, volunteers at local elementary school events, and also volunteers at the Edmonds Food Bank. Graduating with a 3.91 GPA, she plans to attend Gonzaga University this fall and study biochemistry.

Bernards received an award of $1,500 sponsored by Pacific Little League and Mike Pittis.

Liam Moore, Mountlake Terrace High School

A four-year member of the varsity baseball and football programs, Liam Moore helped the MTHS football team win its first Wesco football championship. He earned First Team All-Wesco honors on offense both his junior and senior seasons and First Team All-Wesco honors on defense his senior year. He also served as baseball team captain. Outside of athletics, he volunteers at the Puget Sound Down Syndrome Awareness Buddy Walks. With a 3.57 GPA, he plans to attend technical school and become a licensed electrician.

Moore received an award of $1,500 sponsored by the Mountlake Terrace High School Athletic Boosters and the Edmonds School District Athletic Alliance.

Nik Nelson, Meadowdale High School

A multi-year letter-winner in track and cross country, Nik Nelson earned First Team All-Wesco honors, Birger Solberg Gold and Silver Medals, multiple podium finishes at Districts, and qualifications for state track. He also served as track team captain his senior year. Outside of track, he volunteers with local organizations and works at Play it Again Sports. Graduating with a 3.44 GPA, he plans to attend Oregon State University to study finance.

Nelson received an award of $1,500 sponsored by the Richard Gourley Scholarship & ESD Coaches.

Sierra Swan, Mountlake Terrace High School

A four-year participant in volleyball and a three-year member of the cheer and track teams, Sierra Swan decided to pick up wrestling as a senior and went on to qualify for state wrestling. A three-time state track qualifier in the javelin, she finished fifth in state her lunior year and took first at this year’s District Championship. Outside of athletics, she spends time volunteering at the Edmonds Food Bank. Graduating with a GPA of 3.97, she will be attending Chapman University where she plans to study music and art. 

Swan received an award of $1,500 sponsored by the Mountlake Terrace High School Athletic Boosters.

William Alseth, Edmonds-Woodway High School

William Alseth is a four-year varsity letterwinner in baseball, and a three-year letterwinner in basketball. He earned 1st Team All-Wesco honors for basketball in both 2025 and 2026 and was named to the 2nd Team All State Tournament team in basketball as a junior and senior. Taking a mix of rigorous International Baccalaureate, honors and Running Start classes, he is a member of the National Honor Society and co-founder of the EWHS Investment Club. Next fall he will be attending George Fox University, where he plans to study business and economics and will continue to play both basketball and baseball. 

Alseth received an award of $1,500 sponsored by Sno-King Youth Club and ESD Coaches.

Zoe Grant, Meadowdale High School

Zoe Grant is a four-year letterwinner in her school’s cross country and track programs. At last week’s District 1 track meet, she earned 3rd place in the high jump, qualifying her for the state track tournament. Outside of athletics, she is a member of National Honor Society, a Link Leader, Model UN participant and volunteers at the Edmonds Food bank. Graduating with a 3.66 GPA, she plans to attend the University of Montana with the hope of walking on to the track and field team. 

Grant received an award of $2,000 sponsored by the Jim and Karen Miller Memorial Scholarship and the Lewis Family.

Alice Tyler, Lynnwood High School

Alice Tyler is a four-year member of the track team, competed for three years on cross country and spent one year playing varsity soccer, earning eight varsity letters throughout her career. She served as track captain for three years and captained cross country as a senior. She has been active in school leadership and ASL Club, volunteers at Young Life and works as a barista at Starbucks. Earning a 3.7 GPA, she plans to attend Western Washington University and pursue a degree in education. 

Tyler received an award of $2,000 sponsored by the Ron Phillips Memorial Scholarship, Limback Lumber and Lynnwood Coaches.

Alison Schel, Edmonds-Woodway High School

Alison Schel is a two-year competitor on varsity soccer and a four-year varsity track athlete. Last week, her 4×100 relay took 4th place at the District track meet and qualified for the state meet. She has been recognized with multiple All-Wesco honors in both soccer and track, as well as helping her soccer team get back to the state tournament after eight years. She holds a 3.99 GPA as a full International Baccalaureate diploma candidate and plans to attend Gonzaga University in the fall as a biology major. Her goal is to attend medical school and become a doctor.

Schel received an award of $2,000 sponsored by the Edmonds-Woodway Athletic Booster Club.

Jaikin Choy, Lynnwood High School

A four-year participant in tennis, basketball and track, Jaikin Choy was track team captain as a junior and senior and basketball team captain as a senior. He earned First-Team All Wesco honors in track in 2024 and 2025 and qualified for the state track meet in 2024 and in 2025. An impact player on the basketball court, he was instrumental in helping his team reach the District Tournament for the first time in 15 years. Choy is also an accomplished violinist, having participated in his school’s jazz ensemble and concert orchestra. Graduating with a 4.0 GPA, he will attend the University of Washington this fall with plans to study mechanical engineering. 

Choy received an award of $2,000 sponsored by the Nicholas Ryan Harrison Memorial Scholarship and the Tom Davis Memorial Scholarship.

Allison Mervin, Mountlake Terrace High School

Allison Mervin earned four varsity letters in track and field and competed in soccer for four years, earning varsity letters in two of those seasons. A First Team All-Wesco selection in the 100-meter dash, 4×100 relay, long jump and triple jump, she earned multiple state medals at the 2025 3A State Track Championships. She is also competing in this year’s state track championships. In addition to being involved in athletics, she is a member of the National Honor Society, DECA and Sports Medicine Club. With a 4.0 GPA, she plans to attend Boise State University on a track and field scholarship. Her plan is to study pre-med and become a physician’s assistant.   

Mervin received an award of $2,500 sponsored by the Terri McMahan Scholarship and the Maggie King Girls & Women in Sport Scholarship.

Jalen Brady, Lynnwood High School

Jalen Brady is a three-sport athlete, competing in cross country, swim and track and field. He also served as team captain for all three sports as a senior. Outside of athletics, he has been both an elected leader on ASB and Clubs Coordinator for two years, is a Link Crew Leader, editor of the yearbook and has taken a rigorous AP courseload. Graduating with a 3.95 cumulative GPA, he plans to attend the University of Washington to pursue a degree in education — with the eventual goal of becoming a leadership teacher and a coach of both cross country and track.

Brady received an award of $2,500 sponsored by the Mike Pittis Scholarship.

Ben Webster, Meadowdale High School

A two-sport athlete competing in basketball and baseball, Ben Webster served as captain of the baseball program during his senior year. Beyond athletics, he is involved in his school’s ASB, FCLA, National Honor Society and Link Crew, and has participated in choir all four years. He has also worked as a SnoKing Youth Club basketball referee and flag football official and has volunteered in an elementary classroom as a student helper and mentor. Graduating with a 3.93 GPA, he plans to attend the University of Washington and study business or education. 

Webster received an award of $2,500 sponsored by the Meadowdale High School Athletic Boosters and the Johanson Law Group.

Charlie Schofield, Mountlake Terrace High School

Charlie Schofield is a four-year participant in baseball, lettering his junior and senior years, and a two-year participant in tennis. Outside of athletics, he devotes his time to National Honor Society and Student Association of Mental Health Awareness, where he is the co-founder and current vice president. He also volunteers at his local church, works sports camps for Run to Win and has taken a challenging AP courseload. With a GPA of 3.98, Schofield plans to attend the University of Washington where he will study mathematics.  

Schofield received an award of $2,500 sponsored by the Tyler Roberts Memorial Scholarship and the ESD Community.

Jane Hanson, Edmonds-Woodway High School

Jane Hanson is a three-sport athlete who competed in basketball court, track and soccer, filling the role of team captain in both soccer and basketball her senior season. Throughout her high school career, she has earned multiple individual awards, including All-Wesco First Team in soccer her junior and senior years, and First Team All-Wesco recognition in track. Outside of athletics, she is a member of the Senior Class ASB, the National Honor Society and the Investment Club. Graduating with a 3.8 GPA, she will be continuing her soccer career and studying elementary education at the University of Northern Colorado, with the goal of becoming a teacher. 

Hanson received an award of $2,500 sponsored by the Bryan & Darryl Rogers Memorial Scholarship and ESD Coaches.

Ena Dodik, Lynnwood High School

A standout in volleyball, basketball, and track and Field, Ena Dodnik has lettered in four sports throughout her high school career. She initially played football in ninth and 10th grade as a varsity linebacker, then switched and began playing varsity volleyball as a junior. She is a three-time Wesco South discus champion, a two-time Wesco South shot put champion, and the 2025 District 1 discus champion. At last week’s District 1 track meet, she qualified for state in the shot and discus. She has received all-conference honors in basketball and track in each year of high school. Graduating with a 3.7 GPA, Dodik is undecided which school she will attend, but she plans to compete in track and field, and pursue a degree in physical therapy.

Dodik received an award of $3,000 sponsored by the Lynnwood High School Athletic Booster Club.