Breakfast of Champions Thank You!

Kicked off with more punch than a strong cup of coffee, the thunder of the Ballard drumline coming down the stairs announced the arrival of the BHS Pep Band, who performed for the appreciative audience, along with the dynamic Ballard Dance and Cheer teams.

In addition to celebrating BeBe and enjoying pancakes, Loka Murphy's oatmeal, and camaraderie, the Breakfast of Champions brought attention to and raised money for Student Wellness Resources.

Couldn't Make it to the Event?

Thanks to Event Photographer Briane Henak/Rowland Studio, we have some great images from the day so you can also enjoy the fun. And, if you're inspired to support this year's special ask for Student Wellness Resources, the Foundation has a great offer to double your dollars! Thanks to all who have supported the call to action so far.

Thanks to everyone who assisted with the program: Emcee Erin Mayovsky, our Coaches Panel (Softball Coach Dale Griffith, Gymnastics Coach Stephanie Gundel and Baseball Coach Doug Montgomery '03), student speaker Alessa Iliakis '27, featured speaker Dr. Jonathan Drezner, and Athletic Booster Club President Suzanne Dale Estey.

Whether alums, tennis friends, or from her training gym, award recipient BeBe Burns' supporters turned out en masse. It was fun to hear from her Lifting Coach Todd Christensen and former students Teresa Allen and Sue Stimac Verduin '78. Sue presented her mentor with the Woman of Impact Award. (Photo of Sue, BeBe and Coach Todd, with BeBe's award and her special "commemorative" Wheaties cover.)

Ballard students also inspired with their performances, from the jovial arrival of the band, and Pep-Band backed Cheer and Dance performances, to the heartfelt anthem harmonizing of Tess Keenan and Ellie Pake.

Thanks to all the BHS student-athletes and coaches who joined each of the tables to share their perspectives. Link Crew volunteers, coordinated by Assistant Principal David Fort, also offered efficient table service.

We are indebted to the awesome volunteers from the Cheer and Dance teams, who rolled up their sleeves and assisted in many facets. We are grateful to our kitchen staff and custodial staff for their assistance as well. Thanks to generous community donors Smith Brothers Farms (milk cartons), as well as prize donors Rough & Tumble, Duke's Seafood, Seattle Storm, and Ballard FC/Salmon Bay FC, and the Ballard Athletic Booster Club for sharing fun merchandise and sports memorabilia.

Final thanks to our hard-working planning committee, sparked by the imagination of Executive Director and Co-founder Dick Lee '61 and shaped by the force that is Suzanne Dale Estey. Gloria Kruzner assisted with program and event communications. We're grateful to Principal Abby Hunt and the administrative team, Athletic Director Eric Ensign '91, along with our wonderful speakers for getting enthusiastically onboard for the event and call to action.

Like many other seasonal Ballard High School Foundation fundraisers, 100 percent of ticket proceeds for the Breakfast of Champions will go to the purchaser's choice of BHS team or program. We look forward to accounting for this assistance for Beaver students, as well as another fun community event next fall!

Suzanne Dale Estey, Dr. Jonathan Drezner, Erin Mayovsky, Sue Stimac Verduin '78 and Dick Lee '61.

The Breakfast of Champions was presented by the Ballard High School Foundation and the Ballard Athletic Booster Club.

Mark your calendars for our next exciting community event, the Running of the Beavers 5K Fun Run & Walk on March 21, 2026, at Golden Gardens Park.

Follow the BHS Athletic Booster Club on Instagram!