Shorecrest Dublin Dollars group honored for community service

Photo from left: Deputy Supt. Marcia Harris, Supt. Sue Walker, Mary Grassley, Barb Swan and Peter Hughes of Dublin Dollars, Principal Pat Hegarty and Enumclaw Supt Mike Nelson, president of WASA 110.

Dublin Dollars, the community group which raised funds to support the Shorecrest High School recent trip to Ireland, was among those honored by the Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA) at its Community Recognition Awards luncheon held May 18 at the Puget Sound Educational Service District in Renton.

Each year, WASA 110, which includes Shoreline, holds a luncheon and an awards ceremony to honor community leaders nominated by their respective districts.

Representing Dublin Dollars at the event were Mary Grassley, Barb Swan and Peter Hughes, accompanied by Superintendent Sue Walker and Shorecrest Principal Pat Hegarty.

Dublin Dollars raised more than $44,000 to support the trip by the Shorecrest marching band, pipers. Flags and Highland Dancers to Dublin to participate in the St. Patrick's Day parade and tour sites in Ireland.

The Dublin Dollars nomination read as follows:

"The "Dublin Dollars" fundraising group was an immense help in making the Ireland tour a reality. From June 2011 through February 2012 the volunteers of this organization provided numerous opportunities for Shorecrest students to earn money for their trip. 

"This group of parents and community members graciously gave of themselves so that our students could have the opportunity of a lifetime. In nine months they raised in excess of $44,000. They kept up a Web site, Facebook page as well as a Google group to promote their efforts. They also were sensitive to families having difficulties and reached out to several to get them help with the cost of the trip. Some of the parents made personal and gift matching contributions to allow scholarships to be offered, beyond the usual fundraising efforts for the entire group. 

"The experience for Shorecrest students has been immeasurable. The 135 Shorecrest students, accompanied by 30 staff and parents, spent 10 days in Ireland performing, touring, and bonding. While the trip was a musical success, it was also a deep cultural learning experience as well. They visited Dublin, Limerick, Killarney, Cobh, Dingle, Athlone, Galway, and points in between. They had the chance to meet and interact with Irish high school students and to share a performance with a community youth band from Athlone."

Shoreline Deputy Superintendent Marcia Harris was also honored at the luncheon. She will retire August 31 after 37 years overall in public education.