Colleen Sonnen has been selected as a finalist for the Rick Hill Meritorious Award for the 17th annual WAA High School Awards. Today, they just sent me additional information on the award ceremony. She will be recognized during halftime of the LCSC Men's Basketball game vs Walla Walla on Wednesday, Dec. 20. Other nominees from Prairie who were not selected as finalists: Coach of the Year-Ryan Hasselstrom, Team of the Year: Girls Track & Field, Male Athlete of the Year: Noah Behler, Female Athlete of the Year: Sage Elven Below is the nomination letter sent by Prairie for Colleen Sonnen: Colleen Sonnen began her teaching career in Cottonwood School District in 1995 and spent 27 years as a teacher, volunteer, avid supporter and mentor of Prairie students. Since her retirement in 2022, Colleen’s commitment to supporting the students attending Prairie schools has never wavered. The impact she has had at Prairie can be seen throughout our classrooms, our community, our playing fields and the lives of countless students whose educational and athletic opportunities she has enriched. Colleen’s impact in our schools and classrooms prior to and since her retirement cannot be overstated. She has been instrumental in providing books for our libraries, donating school supplies and activity fees for students who need assistance, tutoring, assisting with testing and volunteering to help students and parents during registration. Additionally, Colleen continues to find and support extended learning opportunities outside the classroom for our students arranging guest speakers and events that help strengthen the connections students make to the content they are learning. On the sidelines and in the stands, Colleen and her husband Greg continue to attend and support our student’s activities and athletic events throughout the year as well as donate to help student athletes and teams with travel expenses during post season play. In our community, Colleen is a constant presence volunteering and helping coordinate a wide variety of fundraisers and activities that not only strengthen our community and families, but indirectly help those in need in our surrounding communities. During her time as a teacher, Colleen was considered to be a second mother to her students and has continued to embrace that role supporting the students and the community at Prairie. I believe her commitment to freely give of her time and resources to ensure all students are supported to achieve their fullest potential in the classroom and activities beyond make her an excellent candidate for the Rick Hill Meritorious Service Award.  Colleen Sonnen |
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