Kokanee Teacher Receives Premera Teachers Tribute Award

Kokanee Elementary teacher, Stacy Hansen was selected to receive the Premera Teachers Tribute Award from Premera Blue Cross and Seattle Sounders FC. Hansen was nominated for her dedication to students by Deana Harris, a former parent.

In her nomination letter, Harris told the story of her student Ayden’s life changing experience with Mrs. Hansen.

“(Ayden) walked into her first-grade class half the size of his classmates. She welcomed him with a smile and treated him just like any other student. To Stacy Hansen, Ayden wasn’t a student with dwarfism, he was just Ayden the first grader.”

Harris continued to share how Mrs. Hansen dedicated her time to tutor and advise Ayden. Mrs. Hansen also spent her time volunteering for Little People of America.

“Stacy committed herself to the academic, social and emotional well-being of Ayden… This success didn’t just happen. It was developed through years of commitment from a teacher who cared beyond measure.”

Harris and Ayden surprised Mrs. Hansen with the award alongside Hansen's family, Sounders' Steve Zakuani and representatives from Premera Blue Cross and Seattle Sounders FC.

As part of the award, Kokanee received $2,000 and Mrs. Hansen received a Seattle Sounders FC jersey, sideline tickets to an upcoming match and an additional 100 tickets to give to friends and family.