For the Reporter

The Auburn School District Board of Directors recognizes Lisa Wilkinson, office manager at Chinook Elementary, for her outstanding service at 7 p.m., Monday in the James P. Fugate Administration building.

A sign near Wilkinson’s desk reads, “Children are not an interruption to my work, children are my work.” She embodies that philosophy by researching and applying for grants to build a new playground, creating a “Snack Shack” for adults with the proceeds benefiting Chinook students, and even meeting daily with a student to set goals and reward his efforts.

“Lisa is truly a child magnet. She is a positive force in our school,” said counselor Jesse Rodriguez. “She greets parents and staff members with cheerfulness and an unending willingness to serve in any way she can.”

Wilkinson and her husband of 32 years, Clynn, have lived in Auburn since 1998. She has three adult children: one Auburn Riverside High School graduate and two Auburn High graduates. Her first grandchild was born in February.

Also

The school board recognizes Zoe Fichtel, a fifth-grader at Chinook Elementary, for being an outstanding student at 7 p.m., Monday in the James P. Fugate Administration building.

Fichtel started at Chinook in kindergarten and has always been a top student. She is an avid reader, writes creatively and problem solves in math beyond her years. She independently works on challenge homework, completing research and science projects.

Since third grade, she has been taking weekly French lessons from Chinook counselor Jesse Rodriquez.

“Not only does Zoe excel and challenge herself academically, but her kindness shines and positively impacts the social climate of our school,” said Jennifer Davidson, Chinook principal.