It was an afternoon filled with fun, laughter, and plenty of big-top spirit on June 12. With beautiful weather setting the stage, everyone enjoyed an outdoor lunch, carnival games, and time to connect before the summer season. We also enjoyed live music from the Vancouver Community Jazz Band for the first time! We hope to invite them back to future events.
Inside, the festivities continued beneath the “big top”. Superintendent Tim Merlino took center ring to celebrate the growth of ESD programs and the accomplishments of students throughout the region. Alissa Jolly (Ringmaster Jolly), Melissa Burt (Melissandre the Magnificent) and Chelsea Howard (Madame Chelsea the Clairvoyant) guided the program, engaging featured staff programs ERSEA, Horizons, and the Regional Math Initiative in silly activities with the help of audience members.
One of the highlights of the afternoon is always recognizing the people who help make ESD 112 such a special place. We honored this year’s retirees, celebrated employees reaching years-of-service milestones (including Tim Merlino’s 40th year!), and presented two Spirit of the ESD Awards to staff members whose contributions exemplify the values of our organization.
No show as great as this one comes together without a talented crew behind the scenes. A heartfelt thank you goes to the entire ESD Connects committee, the facilities team, outdoor game hosts, ESD 112 Cabinet & Board, generous door prize sponsors, and everyone else who helped make this event such a success. A huge thank you also goes to the Vancouver Community Jazz Band for volunteering their time and talents to the outdoor luncheon. Learn more about the band on their website.
If you’d like to revisit the festivities, high-resolution photos are available in the photo archive (requires ESD login).
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