March Volunteer of the Month: Tracie Jones, Community Writer

Issaquah Highlands, by nature, is the truest illustration of community built on “volunteer spirit.” I’m thankful we found this welcoming place to call home.

We moved here in 2006. Our family was typical, like other folks moving here from all points on the globe. I was a stay-at-home mom with young kids who had relocated to somewhere now foreign. (Over and over, asking when does the rain stop?)

What carried us onward? Neighbors started knocking on our front door, some bringing cookies, to welcome us into the community.

Eventually, I met more and more people by simply walking outside and visiting the local parks. Slowly, we realized our neighbors were all searching for the same things: friendships, recommendations, childcare, carpools, playdates, wine, block parties, birthdays, schools and so much more.

As my kids grew, those relationships strengthened into deeper friendships—now spanning too many years to count.  These experiences innately built-up my confidence, leading me to get involved.

For parents, Grand Ridge Elementary was the perfect place to start. The school offered flexible hours, a short commute and built-in passion projects abound (such as working with staff, leading art projects or making thousands of copies). Every job was necessary to ensure overall student success, which felt good. Taking it further, Grand Ridge led to Pacific Cascade Middle School and then Issaquah High School and so on…

While volunteering at one of the schools, a mutual friend introduced Nina Mulligan, who asked if I’d like to contribute to Connections. (No one says, “No,” really.)

Like all good stories, the conversation began with, “Hey, I need some help… Are you available?”  One thing led to another, and to another, and so on.

I’m happily into my seventh year working with the incredibly supportive, patient and caring staff at Highlands Council. I write the monthly School Spotlight column, which highlights upcoming events and opportunities for families across Issaquah School District.

Throughout the years, I’ve realized volunteering is a free, every day, organic experience. First steps might seem challenging. However, it’s important to collaborate with volunteers and neighbors in order to grow and strengthen our vision for the Issaquah Highlands community.

Myself, I gratefully acknowledge those who’ve come before me as mentors and those who will eventually follow. It’s these shared experiences that truly shape this great community.

Tracie Jones is a Wisteria Park resident.