The NK Schools Foundation surprised Supt. Laurynn Evans with $10,000 to start a district FIRST Robotics program for the 2019-20 school year. "This is a dream I've had since I got to the district," she said. The international high school robotics competition is dubbed "the ultimate sport for the mind." And because engineering is a growing field, Evans said, "In FIRST Robotics, every kid can go pro."

How's this for inspirational? The Foundation funded $4,775 for a KidWalk device that allows students in wheel chairs to stand up and participate in recess, PE and other activities that require mobility. Foundation President Shannon Singleton said the device breaks down barriers between special-needs students and their peers. It's sized for students from preschool to Grade 7 and will be used primarily at Poulsbo Elementary, Vinland and Wolfle.

NKHS junior Sydney Mahitka's Introduction to Agriculture class last year left quite an impression. And it's largely thanks to Foundation grants that equipped and updated the district's greenhouses. "Every week, we could go out to the greenhouses and actually see progress. It let us learn in a different way," she said. "Thank you for grants that allowed us to explore and extend our way of learning and really make a difference."

Here's what Poulsbo Elementary Principal Drew Crandall had to say about this year's grants: " Because of you, all students at my school will get access to new net sports. These are a life-long skill they get to engage in. Because of you, my first grade learners will have daily access to electronic resources to supplement their learning. Because of you, my preschoolers will have new and engaging materials to support their growth."