Auburn School District No. 408
915 4th Street Northeast, Auburn, WA  98002

12/8/06

NEWS RELEASE
Tim Petrie Receives Auburn School Board Gold Star Volunteer Award

The Auburn School Board will present the Gold Star Volunteer Award to Tim Petrie, in recognition of his volunteer support at Cascade Middle School, on Monday, December 11, at 7 p.m. in the board room at the James P. Fugate Administration Building.

It is fitting that during this season of giving the Auburn School Board honors volunteer Tim Petrie, who epitomizes the spirit of a true giver.

Tim Petrie, otherwise known as “Papa Petrie” by Cascade Middle School students, is often mistaken as a staff member. Tim devotes two to three days a week to help kids in need at Cascade Middle School. An occupational therapist by trade, Tim lost the functional use of his right arm years ago and had to forego his beloved occupation. “I knew I needed to begin doing something else with my time, and I knew it had to be something meaningful,” says Tim. Tim acted on his feelings and decided to express an interest in volunteering at Cascade. “Cascade is a unique school because it has such a diverse student body. I felt drawn there because I am really comfortable dealing with kids from different cultures and backgrounds.”

Tim began volunteering on a regular basis in the fall of 2005. He supervises seventh grade lunch detention and helps with the girls’ varsity basketball program and the sixth grade girls’ and boys’ basketball teams. He also assists staff in whatever capacity they need assistance. While Tim is an extra help to staff, which includes his son TJ, a counselor at Cascade, he also has a profound impact on the students. “I really connect to kids on the edge, so supervising detentions isn’t a chore for me. I get to know students by listening to their stories and giving them a chance to talk,” says Tim. “A lot of kids don’t have role models, especially male role models, so I feel I connect as a mentor with many students.”

Tim has a heart for people. He finds working with middle school students perhaps even more rewarding than working with adults. “Middle school is a tough time for a lot of kids, but also a cool time to befriend kids and let them know someone cares about them,” remarks Tim. Tim helps to build students’ social skills, self-esteem and self-worth through motivational talks, tutoring sessions and sometimes just by listening.

Tim also supervises after-school dances and extracurricular activities, helps at parent-teacher conferences and field trips, and assists teachers in the classroom. On a district level, Tim supports the bond and levy campaigns, recognizing that it is a responsibility to educate others on the importance of quality public education. “Tim is an amazing asset to the Cascade community and the district,” says Cascade Principal Dennis Grad. “He even treats our staff to Starbucks lattes and goodies, but more importantly he benefits our staff by being such a selfless giver.” Tim also can be found volunteering with his wife, Jill, who is an occupational therapist in the Auburn School District, as well as in his daughter’s resource room at Evergreen Heights Elementary School.

During his time at Cascade, Tim has had many “wow” moments—times when he knew he was in the right place at the right time. For example, he ran into former students at some Auburn High football games this fall and was thanked by the students and their parents for making a difference in their lives. “The most amazing thing I’ve ever heard is a student telling me ‘thank you’ for not giving up on them,” reflects Tim.

Tim looks forward to the remainder of the school year and cherishes each day he is able to support the students and staff at Cascade Middle School. The feeling is mutual. Last year, after just his first year of service, the Cascade PTA awarded Tim the PTA Golden Acorn Service Award—an award quite fitting for a volunteer who wakes up each day and asks himself, “How can I make a difference today?”

For more information contact Amy Spence, public information officer, at (253) 931-4713.