Wait, Hockinson High Schools' Athletic and Activity Vans actually look...good? It's surprising, but true. By the end of July the two vans, purchased as state surplus vehicles back in 2019, were looking well, shabby. Very shabby. Paint had peeled from the hoods and front panels, exposing large sections of gray primer on both vans. Inside, the cloth seats reflected years' of mud, meals, and spilled drinks. After getting detailed, painted, and branded, the vans now look amazing.

Here is the backstory behind the vans recent makeover:

As is often the case in the HSD, this story involves the themes of "The Hockinson Way" and community support. "The Hockinson Way" is an expression that is used to describe the district's tradition of getting the job done at minimal expense. Community support, in this instance, took the form of a HHS parent approaching Athletic Director Kathy Pacheco and volunteering to paint the vans for the cost of the paint.

Pacheco jumped at the opportunity. Or at least she tried. "The vans were always in use," said Pacheco. "And when they weren't in use, one of the two was getting serviced," she added. Finally, in late August, she found a two-week window when the vans were available. The problem was that August happened to be the busiest time of the summer for the body shop. "But the guys (NE Portland Maaco) made us a priority and said they would paint the vans if we could get them right over," recalled Pacheco. Because the HSD Operations Department was immersed in summer projects and HHS administrators were committed to the school's Learning Improvement Days, Pacheco put out the all call to her coaches to help transport the vans across the river. Three coaches quickly volunteered: Michelle Jacobs-Brown, Heather Watkins, and Damon Roche.

After picking up the newly painted vans, they were taken directly to Excel Window Tinting in Brush Prairie. Public vehicles must be clearly marked and the new school and district decals really "popped" against the bright white paint. According to Pacheco, both businesses went "above and beyond" with their attention to detail and customer service.

Thanks to a team effort, the HHS vans are now a source of pride, not humiliation. "The vans were looking pretty rough. This last spring, our head track coach (Randy Pearrow) told me that his van's paint was peeling off as he was driving back from the state track meet," laughed Pacheco. "They just weren't indicative of the quality of our school, our programs, and our students," she added.

How does she feel about the vans now? "I'm excited. Excited for our kids and staff. I'm also grateful for all the support we've received," she replied. HHS coaches and students will surely feel a similar excitement when they represent HHS and the HSD at competitions and events around the area. True to form, thanks to the support of the Hockinson community, the Hawks will look good - on a budget.