The Northshore Schools Foundation is proud to announce Anela Garringer as the student speaker for the Annual Light a Fire for Learning Luncheon April 8 at the Lynnwood Convention Center.

Garringer, a transfer student from Hawaii, struggled her sophomore year to get used to all the cultural and systematic changes between two very different communities. What started as an elective course in computer aided design at Woodinville High School turned Garringer onto the hands-on learning at which she excels. Instructor Chad Simpson pulled her under his wing and introduced her to the FIRST Robotics program, where she immediately found a way to serve and be involved.

“I loved the environment of the Robotics team world. They have a rule of professional graciousness, which creates a collaborative, supportive environment, that supports me,” said Garringer.

Garringer first became exposed to the Foundation after a memorial donation lead to the purchase of new robotics sets for WHS. “Until we received the gift in Aaron Krofft’s name, I had never heard of the Foundation before.  I did lots of research about them and was really impressed with what I saw.  It’s an honor to have a chance to share about the difference the Foundation makes for students across the District,” Garringer said.

This year’s luncheon festivities will feature several of the projects that have affected Garringer’s life, including student-made robots, 3D printers and CAD scanners. Viewing of the projects is open from 11:30 a.m. – noon at the Lynnwood Convention Center.

Garringer joins an impressive line-up of speakers including, University of Washington Associated Student Body President Micheal Kutz; Puget Sound Energy’s Andy Wappler; and former Woodinville Council member Paulette Bauman, who will speak to the importance of ensuring that K-12 students graduate career and college ready with a skill set to support the job demand of the future.

Another special feature of this year’s luncheon is that the Foundation will celebrate its one-millionth dollar granted. Funds raised at the event will support innovation and the Foundation’s funding initiatives of supporting Literacy and Arts; STEM Education; support for Advanced and Disadvantaged Learners; Health & Enhancement; and Teacher Excellence in all thirty-one (soon to be thirty-two) Northshore schools.

For more information about the Northshore Schools Foundation Light a Fire for Learning Luncheon, please visit www.NorthshoreSchoolsFoundation.org.