We wanted to create a fun and meaningful way to recognize our students and staff, so we created the Matter of Heart (MOH) awards. Renton staff can nominate a student who they believe deserves special recognition. Students’ nominations are based on their participation, perseverance, compassion, resiliency, empathy, dedication, and being part of an amazing Renton student body. In turn, our student nominate teachers for the Staff MOH award and provide reasons why they think it is deserved. 

Photo of Ms. Richards 

Mrs. Richards has been teaching for 20 years and this is currently her 5th year at Renton High School. She lives in the Renton community and absolutely loves it here and  she would not want to live anywhere else. She became a teacher because she wanted a career that could help improve the world and feels that by teaching, she can make a positive impact on society. Mrs. Richards said that teaching is also a way of giving back to society by helping students grow and develop into responsible adults. She believes that her students are the future, and that they could have happier and more fulfilling lives that will lead to making our world a better place.  

Photo of Mr. King 

Mr. King has been teaching for 12 years in Renton High School. He became a teacher because both of his parents are teachers and seeing how they were, was enough to convince him that this might be the right career choice. Mr. King enjoys the students, staff, and being in this community. All this year, he feels like he doesn’t see himself anywhere else. 

Photo of Mr. Willecke 

Mr. Willecke has been teaching for 6 years in Renton High School. He became a teacher because his wife is a teacher and she told him to go back to school since he hated his old job. Mr. Willecke graduated from Renton High School and is also from the Renton community. He loves teaching, the community, and diversity.

Students who won Matter of Heart:

Abdinasir Ali

Abigail Nakimuli

Adam Alonzo

Ai Chau Lam

Alex Ramos Perez

Alyssa Price

Andi Davila-Zavala

Angel Becerra Macedo

Angel Vo

Antonio Hunt 

Ariah Ashford

Ashley Bhan

Austin Farris

Benjamin Lam

Benny Sy

Briane Villeda Ramirez

Carlos Tamayo

Christopher Mendoza Garcia

Cora Supasatit 

Daija Kelly 

Dawson Blankenship-Flinn

Dia’Vion Karriem 

Diego Contreras Ibarria

Donald Vinson 

Elaine Bailon 

Elliott Ketron 

Enzi Reyes

Eunice Lopez

Evan Peckham 

Fatoutama (Fatima) Saho 

Gabrielle Nguyen 

Giezi Villanueva Morales

Greyson Bush 

Hailey Arias

Han Ngo 

Hannah Fonatnos-Heasley 

Hannah Tan 

Havanna Wheeler Ford

Helen Duong 

Isis Cristal Crisostomo Nino 

Israel Adams 

Janiya Cornely 

Jayden Huggins

Jesse Holmes

Jesus Sanches-Estevez

Johnson Quach 

Jonathon Hartman 

Jose Frias-Martinez

Juan Diaz Guerrero

Juana Gutierrez Alonzo 

Kankanis Kleebrakson 

Kaylee Tanaka

Kieano Rolle

Kobe Benson 

Kirsten LaFontaine 

Lance Alonzo 

Liliana Urias 

Lilian Pham 

Lorenzo Armstong-Jackson 

Mahemed Jamegeh 

Makayla Diego 

Mark Dang 

Maya Credit 

Marisa Katy Disadila 

Merrisa Echaniz 

Michelle Sanchez

Myranda Moran 

Nadine Kirana 

Nasir Spartan 

Nathan Carig 

Nelly Musiwa

Ne’Teah Ford

Noah Stewart

Paul Pho 

Ray Shaun Sanders

Sanyah Holder

Shingo Evamoto 

Simone Guimaraes 

Skylar Seltveit 

Sophia Laronza

Syriah Boykin-Cornely 

Taylah McLennan 

Tina AirHart 

Treyneisha Sanders

Valentina Yamil Najera Bustillos 

Valerie Alvarez Figueroa

Yaowen “Evan” Mei 

Yekalo Woldemariam 

Zaakira Dukuray 

Thank you to the students and teachers at RHS for their hard work! This year, we were able to give out Matter of Heart awards to recognize excellence. Congratulations to this year’s winners. We look forward to another great year for RHS students and teachers.

Sources:

Interview with Mrs. Richards

Interview with Mr. King

Interview with Mr. Willecke

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