ON THAT NOTE

Spokane Valley businesses.

BECU was given the Community Stewardship Award in the large business category for its commitment to philanthropy. The business has supported multiple non-profit organizations over the years and recently gave $15,000 grants to Joya, the Spokane AIDS Network and the Idaho Central Spokane Valley Performing Arts Center.

Business Innovation awards were given to Spokane Valley Summer Theatre in the small business category and Western States Cat in the large business category.

The Chamber also traditionally recognizes an educator from each of the Spokane Valley school districts as Educator of the Year. The teacher selected for the East Valley School District is Marcy Williams from East Valley Middle School.

In the West Valley School District, culinary arts teacher Lasley Dalke from West Valley High School was selected as the Educator of the Year. She’s been at the school since 2006. Principal Lindsay Stinger praised Dalke’s dedication to her students.

“While many teachers struggled to find ways to engage students during the COVID shutdowns, Lesley rose to the occasion,” Stinger said. “She ran her virtual classes like a cooking show where students could log on and watch her practice recipes. Lesley’s dedication to students makes her one of the greatest teachers to ever work in the Spokane region. She is inspiring and makes you want to be a better version of yourself.” organizations that have a significant impact on the community through volunteerism and philanthropy. Valleyfest was given the award in the small business category for its commitment to community involvement and support for

“Marcy is truly deserving of this recognition,” said Principal Mat Orndorff. “She champions for each and every one of her students, consistently works to improve her craft, and teaches with her whole heart. She consistently goes above and beyond to make our school a better place for students, staff and families.”

The Educator of the Year in the Freeman School District is Transportation Director Char Trejbal, who has been with the district for 39 years. The Central Valley School District Educator of the Year is Mark Bitz from Spokane Valley Tech. Bitz is a mechanical engineer who worked for HewlettPackard and Agilent Technologies for nearly 30 years and has taught principles of engineering, physics and advanced manufacturing at Spokane Valley Tech since 2013.