News and Events

Tukwila’s strong sense of community and commitment to youth shone brightly this spring as three generations of Foster High School alumni came together to celebrate a remarkable athletic achievement—and to uplift the next generation of leaders.

Mycal Ford, a proud 2008 graduate of Foster High School and current public servant, returned to his alma mater to recognize Litani Moimoi, a graduating senior who broke Mycal’s longstanding school record in the discus throw. In a heartfelt gesture, Mycal presented Litani with a custom-made trophy and a one-time $1,000 award to honor his outstanding athletic accomplishment.

This moment of celebration was made even more special by the presence of Joel Parker, another Foster alumnus and former discus record holder, who had gifted Mycal a trophy of his own 17 years ago. Now, the legacy continues with Litani—a reminder that our students carry the strength of their community with them as they rise.

This full-circle celebration also highlights the lasting impact of the Tukwila Children’s Foundation (TCF). In 2007, TCF supported Mycal during his first trip to Washington, D.C.—an experience that helped shape his career in public service. That same spirit of support continues today, as TCF uplifts Tukwila scholars, staff, and families through its ongoing mission.

We are deeply grateful for the Tukwila Children’s Foundation’s unwavering commitment to our scholars and for helping turn moments of inspiration into lifelong impact. Tukwila is a community that stands behind its young people—and their stories are just beginning.

#FosterHighSchool #TukwilaPromise #StudentSuccess #CommunityPride #AthleticExcellence #PayItForward #TukwilaChildrensFoundation #HereLearningHappens #AlumniSpotlight

We are thrilled to share that Tukwila School District is the only district in King County to receive full Green Schools recognition for every single one of our schools! 🌎💚

This historic achievement celebrates our district-wide commitment to recycling, composting, and waste reduction—and it wouldn’t have been possible without the passionate teamwork of our custodians, principals, teachers, cafeteria staff, and students across all five schools.

Thanks to a strong partnership with the City of Tukwila, our schools made incredible strides in sustainability throughout the 2024–2025 school year.

What We’ve Accomplished Together:

• Launched recycling and composting programs in every school cafeteria and kitchen

• Installed photo-based signage to support proper sorting at all waste stations

• Held 29 student training sessions, reaching more than 2,700 students, led by the City of Tukwila

• Secured a $14,000 King County RE+ grant to support green infrastructure

• Switched to reusable trays and utensils in elementary cafeterias

• Piloted birch compostable utensils at Foster High School, eliminating over 233,000 plastic utensils annually

• Formed Green Teams at every school, uniting staff and students in this effort

• Diverted 523 cubic yards of waste per year from the landfill—the equivalent of filling 5½ school buses!

This year, Cascade View Elementary, Thorndyke Elementary, Showalter Middle School, Tukwila Elementary, and Foster High School all received their official King County Green Schools banners, marking a proud and unified step forward for the district.

We were also honored by the Washington State Recycling Association this May for our district-wide environmental leadership.

Thank You, Team Tukwila!

This recognition reflects what’s possible when a community comes together around a shared goal: protecting our planet. A special thank you to Foster High School educator Joe Camacho for sparking this vision, and to Director Cardenas for your steadfast leadership.

We’ll be officially recognized at the May 27 Tukwila School Board meeting, and our banners will be displayed with pride across all schools.

Together, we are building a cleaner, greener future—one student, one tray, one school at a time.

💚♻️🌱

#GoGreenTukwila #TSDProud #SustainableSchools #KingCountyGreenSchools #OnlyDistrictFullyRecognized #WasteLessLiveMore #TukwilaTogether

We are thrilled to announce that Maryan Abdow, Quality Engagement Specialist for Secondary Education at Foster High School and Showalter Middle School, has been selected as the Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD) Regional Classified School Employee of the Year! 🎉

This prestigious award recognizes a classified school employee who has made exceptional contributions to their school community. As the regional winner, Maryan will now represent PSESD in the statewide selection process—and potentially as Washington’s nominee for the national RISE Award through the U.S. Department of Education.

Championing Equity, Connection, and Student Success

Maryan serves as a bridge between scholars, families, schools, and community. In her role supporting the McKinney-Vento program, she works with students experiencing homelessness, foster care involvement, or economic hardship—ensuring they have the tools, support, and connections to thrive.

Her work is rooted in compassion and impact. Maryan has led efforts that promote inclusivity, build strong community partnerships, and advance district policy—all while keeping scholars’ needs at the center. She mentors secondary scholars, guides unaccompanied youth toward graduation, and supports families navigating systems that can be overwhelming or unfamiliar.

As a Somali-American leader, Maryan brings both professional experience and lived understanding to her work. Her personal journey informs her advocacy for equity and access, and she empowers students and families to find their voice and place in our schools.

A Leader in and Beyond the District

Maryan’s influence extends well beyond her role. She is a:

• City of Tukwila Equity and Social Justice Commissioner

• District Parent Advisory Committee leader

• Trainer and advocate for organizations like SchoolHouse Connection, Building Changes, and the Road Map Project

She regularly organizes district-wide events to meet basic needs, supports students in post-secondary planning, and champions data-informed practices to improve McKinney-Vento services. From securing funding to shaping districtwide supports, her leadership creates meaningful, lasting change.

A Well-Deserved Honor

Maryan Abdow’s recognition as the PSESD Classified School Employee of the Year is a testament to her unwavering commitment to Tukwila’s students and families. We are proud and grateful to have her as part of our district and community.

Congratulations, Maryan—and thank you for your continued dedication to a future where every student has the opportunity to succeed. 💜💛

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#TukwilaSchools #PSESD #RISEAward #EquityInEducation #StudentSuccess #McKinneyVento #HereLearningHappens #ClassifiedEmployeeOfTheYear #TukwilaPromise

🎉 We are thrilled to share that two members of the Tukwila School District community have been recognized by the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) Region 110 for their exceptional leadership! 🎉

🌟 Alex Brewster: WASA Student Leadership Award Recipient

Foster High School senior and Superintendent’s Student Advisory Board member Alex Brewster has received the Student Leadership Award—a powerful recognition of his courageous advocacy and unwavering commitment to scholar voice.

Alex has consistently demonstrated the kind of leadership that lifts others up. Whether representing student perspectives as a Student Representative on the School Board or on district committees, challenging adults to think more inclusively, his voice has helped guide key decisions in our schools. His vision, passion, and integrity are shaping a brighter, more equitable future for all Tukwila scholars.

🌟 Dr. Concie Pedroza: WASA Merit Award Recipient

Tukwila School District Superintendent Dr. Concie Pedroza was honored with the WASA Merit Award for her exemplary leadership and impactful contributions to public education.

Since joining Tukwila, Dr. Pedroza has championed equity, celebrated the brilliance of our diverse students and families, and led with heart and purpose. Her focus on restorative practices, scholar-centered systems, and staff wellbeing continues to transform the educational experience in Tukwila. This award is a well-deserved recognition of her transformative leadership.

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These honors celebrate more than individual achievement—they reflect the spirit of our Tukwila community and the belief that leadership, at every level, matters. Whether it’s a scholar speaking truth to power or a superintendent building a system that uplifts every learner, bold leadership is at the heart of who we are.

Please join us in congratulating Alex Brewster and Dr. Concie Pedroza! 💜💛

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#TukwilaSchools #WASA #LeadershipMatters #StudentVoice #HereLearningHappens #EquityInEducation #TukwilaPromise #FosterHigh #WASARegion110 #WeCelebrateLeadership

 

On a sunny spring afternoon in front of Foster High School, community members, civic leaders, educators, and scholars gathered for the official launch of the Tukwila Promise—a powerful new partnership committed to expanding access to higher education for Tukwila graduates.

The event, held on the Foster campus, brought together representatives from Tukwila School District, the City of Tukwila, Highline College, the Washington State Legislature, and the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship. Their message was clear: Tukwila is ready to build pathways—not barriers—to college and career success.

Superintendent Dr. Concie Pedroza opened the event with a call to action:

“This promise reflects who we are and who we must continue to become—a city and a district that are courageous enough to listen to what our scholars truly need and bold enough to reimagine how we provide it.”

The Tukwila Promise is designed to remove financial and systemic barriers for Foster High School graduates by covering the full cost of attendance at Highline College and providing wraparound support to ensure students are successful in their transition from high school to college.

Here’s who is eligible for the Tukwila Promise:

• Must graduate from Foster High School
• Must enroll at Highline College
• Must pursue a financial aid-eligible degree or certificate
• No citizenship requirement
• Must not already have a college degree or certificate
• Program begins in Fall Quarter 2025 (not available Summer Quarter)

The program builds on the momentum of successful initiatives in other cities, such as Seattle and Long Beach, which have significantly increased college enrollment among scholars of color and first-generation college students.

At the launch, remarks were shared by School Board Director Carlee Hoover, Principal LaTanya Parker, Representative Steve Bergquist, Mayor of Tukwila, and Vice President of Student Services at Highline College, Dr. Jamilyn Penn, all echoing the importance of cross-sector collaboration in helping scholars thrive beyond high school.

A special highlight came from Johnathan Luster, Interim Executive Director of the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship, who underscored how programs like Tukwila Promise are critical for building a more equitable and economically vibrant Washington.

Dr. Pedroza closed the event with this reflection:

“Let the Tukwila Promise be a symbol of what is possible when a community says, ‘We will show up. We will listen. And we will deliver.’”

Tukwila Promise stands as a testament to what’s possible when educators, city leaders, colleges, and families unite around a shared belief: every scholar deserves a pathway to a brighter future.

Stay tuned for more updates about the Tukwila Promise and how you can support our scholars on their journey to and through college.