Each year, Identity Clark County (ICC) celebrates local school employees and volunteers who make outstanding contributions to student learning and school resources. As a non-profit coalition of local business leaders, ICC recognize that schools are the “foundation of vibrant, healthy communities where people want to live and employers want to operate.”
This year, ICC recognized HHS English teacher Elizabeth Fortier and parent volunteer Jennifer Foster at its October 24 “Live Here, Learn Here Heroes” awards ceremony. Fortier worked with Project Lit to create a library with over 1,000 books, while Foster’s leadership with fundraising efforts generated over $90,000 for the district's band program. These are just two examples of how Fortier and Foster go above and beyond for the Hockinson school community.
Thank you, Elizabeth and Jennifer, for all you do to enrich the Hockinson student experience. Appropriately enough, Jennifer isn’t pictured as she was unable to attend the event. She was attending the HMS Band concert!
Both honorees citations are below:
Empowering Every Learner: Elizabeth Fortier embodies the essence of "student-centered" education. A Nationally Board Certified educator, she builds meaningful relationships with her students, recognizing and nurturing their strengths while fostering a belief in their potential. Beyond her role as a teacher, Elizabeth has worked with Project Lit to create a library of over a thousand books, representing diverse perspectives so students can both see themselves and learn about others. She has also inspired fellow educators at Hockinson High School to create their own classroom libraries, fostering a culture of reading. Her dedication extends to creating and leading alternative classrooms, like Bridges at Mt. View High School, where she bridges core subjects through service learning, showing struggling students how academics connect to the real world. A former literacy coach, she has championed academic literacy across curriculums. Most recently, she has collaborated with educators to establish an inclusive ninth-grade English classroom, incorporating diverse teaching methods to support all learners. Thank you, Elizabeth, for creating an environment where every student can thrive.
Jennifer Foster is a vibrant force of community spirit and dedication. As a committed volunteer for HSD schools, she and her husband consistently step up to support district events, leaving a lasting impact on students’ lives. With two sons in the band, Jennifer has served on the People Working Together (PWT) board since 2019 and became the VP of Fundraising for the Hockinson HS Music Boosters in 2023. Motivated by her passion for building community connections, Jennifer orchestrated the Fun Run, raising an impressive $40,000. Additionally, her leadership in running the silent auction and preparing raffle baskets helped generate over $50,000—proceeds that directly enrich student programs. Grateful for the generosity of local businesses, she ensures their contributions are recognized, believing that collaboration is essential for success. Balancing a full-time job with her volunteer commitments, Jennifer inspires those around her, even motivating her husband to create a kindness bench near the middle school track. Thank you, Jennifer, for your unyielding dedication and for making a profound difference in the lives of our students and schools.
