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The Highline Public Schools and Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence inaugural Highline Public Schools Scholar-Athlete, Coach and Community Recognition Banquet held Tuesday, May 22, was a big success. Enough money was raised in advance to donate from $500 to $2,500 to all 16 nominees chosen.

The event, organized by Terri McMahan, Highline Public Schools Director of Athletics, was held at Mount Rainier High School at 6:00 p.m. Scholarship recipients, coaches, community and business contributors and sponsors were honored, including the Highline Times for its sponsorship. More details about the event and a list of names of honorees appear in our article here.

Bob Rondeau, "Voice of the Huskies", was Master of Ceremonies. (He filled in for Dick Fain, KJR Radio host.) Highline Schools Interim Superintendent Dr. Alan Spicciati welcomed scholars and helped hand out the awards.

"What you see tonight is the sum total of coaches, businesses, and community individuals who 'get it,'" said McMahan. "They get the benefit of athletics, what it has done for them and what it can do for others (...) To you student nominees, I am so impressed. You have a long list of community service. You are off to a great start in the 'give back arena' based on the volunteerism you have already begun (...) These kids know themselves as 'nominees', but, through the generosity of our sponsors, we are able to give at least a $500 scholarship to each kid. That was our goal."

An emotional highlight was when Evergreen High School tennis coach & Chief Sealth graduate Doris Burdin received a standing ovation while being honored by Terri McMahan. She retires after 48 years.

"She cares as much about the lowest performing player as the highest performing player," said McMahan, who appeared emotionally moved."I'll go to games and people will come up over and over again to acknowledge Doris. She has never cut a kid from the program.

McMahan continued, "Doris also, like me, was pre-Title IX."

Title IX prohibits sex discrimination in any educational program or activity receiving any type of federal financial aid.

"We've had a lot of opportunities denied to us because of our gender. Doris had some experiences growing up where there were some people here or there who gave her opportunities," she said. "I know I wouldn't be standing up here doing the job I am doing if it hadn't been for people like Doris. Title IX becomes 40 years old in September and I am so pleased to say we have some female athletes here who don't have a clue what a lack of opportunity in athletics means.That makes me feel a little better about things I didn't get to do when I was younger because I know that the young women passing after us have gotten to participate in quality programs. I admire you so much."