Sentinel Standouts
October 2011 - Drew Brown
After all the runs, throws, jumps and relays, the track meet between Central Valley High School and its cross-town rival, University, came down to a single vault.
For CV junior Drew Brown, the setting was a chance to put one of his favorite expressions into practice - "actions speak louder than words."
The cheer that went up among the Central Valley faithful told the final story that spring day - Brown soared to a winning pole vault of 13 feet and secured first place for his school.
Central Valley High School senior Drew Brown (front in blue jersey) is a four-year letter winner in cross country. He also serves as ASB president.
Contributed Photo.
"To me, that's Drew - that's what he's become," said CV track coach Chuck Bowden. "He's built himself into that kind of person."
These days, Brown is a senior co-captain of the cross-country team and Central Valley ASB president. A member of the Liberty Lake Ward in the Spokane Valley Stake, Brown also maintains a 4.0 grade point average and serves as second assistant in his Priest quorum.
Bowden said Brown is known at CV as a dedicated leader who "reaches out to everyone."
Brown qualified for the regional track meet in the pole vault last season.
Contributed Photo.
"Drew doesn't hide behind his varsity athlete status or his ASB president status - he fits in with a lot of groups," Bowden said. "Drew is always striving. I've never seen him not respected or not seen in a positive light."
As part of his academic schedule, Brown attends release-time seminary at the Institute building on the CV campus. He said the class provides a welcome spiritual respite in the course of a busy day.
"It really helps me get focused and get in tune with the Spirit," Brown said. "I have a clearer perspective and a better attitude for the rest of the day."
In earning his Eagle Scout award in 2009, Brown completed a project that honors a CV graduate, Kelly Grothe, who lost his life in Iraq while serving for the U.S. military. A memorial tree and concrete ring pay tribute to Grothe at the east end of the CV track.
From Scouts to sports to school, Drew said the guidance and encouragement of his parents, Nathan and Shaun, have been critical to his success.
Drew earned his Eagle Scout award in 2009.
Contributed Photo.
"Growing up with gospel principles has been a key," he said. "I've learned that hard work is necessary if you want a greater goal."
Brown proudly acknowledges that "most people at school know I'm Mormon" and said he makes it a point to be an example of the Church in a manner that is affable and inclusive.
"I try to reach out to people," he said. "It might be just some friendly advice or a side comment, but I try to influence them instead of shun them. My goal is to get out of my comfort zone and be a friend to everyone."
As for examples of inspirational leadership, Drew places a notable Book of Mormon prophet at the top of his list.
"I admire the story of Moroni and his diligence and worthiness before the Lord ," Brown said. "He was a great leader."
Drew (center) hopes to attend BYU-Provo and compete on the track team - but his first priority is to serve a full-time LDS mission.
Contributed Photo.
Looking ahead, Drew is hoping to attend BYU-Provo and join his brother, Kyle, on the track team. His goals also include a full-time mission, with the realization that sharing the restored gospel brings the sort of reward not found on any athletic field.
"I'm looking forward to the growth and experience a mission brings," Drew said. "I want to help people come unto Christ."
September 2011 - Keith Clark
Keith Clark - husband, father, community volunteer and doctor of veterinary medicine - will appear as a candidate for the Central Valley School District Board of Directors in the upcoming general election.
Clark is the heavy favorite to emerge as the winner in the Nov. 8 vote, especially considering he is the only name on the ballot. Observers say the lack of school board contenders likely has something to do with the difficulty of the job and lack of compensation - the small stipend awarded to board members might just cover the cost of gas to meetings and school activities throughout the year.
Others point to Clark's sparkling record of service and insight in his first four years on the board as one of the reasons for the lack of challengers this autumn. Clark currently serves as board president and has earned the respect of colleagues, teachers, students and parents throughout the district.
Central Valley Superintendent Ben Small said Clark has distinguished himself "a strong advocate for our students" who has campaigned on behalf of education with legislators and supported the district's various capital bond and levy campaigns.
"Keith Clark is a steady leader who is committed to the best interests of Central Valley School District students," Small said. "Keith can often be seen at school events and functions, supporting our students and reaching out to the community he serves."
Clark, a member of the Evergreen Ward in the Spokane East Stake, was elected to the board in 2007 on a platform that emphasized improvements to the district's math curriculum.
"I wanted to be an influence in guaranteeing the quality of education in the district," Clark said. "I wanted to feel good about the direction the district was going."
In his first year, the five-member board was assigned the daunting task of hiring a new superintendent. The charge was one of many responsibilities that comprised what Clark remembers as "a significant learning curve."
When it came time to decide on a re-election bid this year, Clark said he added his name to the ballot after considering the strides he'd made since 2007.
"I finally feel I know what's going on," he said.
Clark said Church members can each do their part in the community to stand up for positive standards.
"As the values decline in our society, it becomes more important that we are involved and provide a voice for moral decency in values," he said.
Clark added that the greatest reward in working on the school board has been "meeting good people in the community who are not members of the Church."
"Before getting on the board, my circle of acquaintances was limited mainly to those in the Church and those I worked with," he said. "Being on the school board has given me the opportunity to know many more in our community. I have come to appreciate how many good, religious, family-oriented people there are. I realize we are not that different in a lot of ways."
Clark said his work on behalf of local education has helped to clear up certain stigmas that some may have had about his faith.
"There is so much false and misinformation about the Church," he said. "For some that is all they know. As those in our community come to know us, they will be less likely to believe the negative information."
Clark and his wife Shelly have seven children, five of whom have graduated from Central Valley High School. A daughter, Kali, is currently serving a mission in El Salvador while son Joel is an elder in Argentina. Clark is a member of the High Council in the Spokane East Stake and helps to coordinate the seminary program.
Clark was born in Manhattan, Kansas in 1958 but grew up in Idaho. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Idaho before earning his doctorate in veterinary medicine from Washington State University. He served an LDS mission in the Washington, D.C. area between 1977 and 1979. Before opening Pet Vet Hospital and Wellness Center in Spokane Valley in 1995, Clark practiced as a vet in Idaho and Arizona.
"I am convinced that the 'animal kingdom' is an essential part of 'God's Kingdom,'" Clark said. "There is no doubt that Heavenly Father loves all His creations. Certainly for me, heaven wouldn't be the same without the association with my friends from the animal kingdom."
August 2011 - Andrea Nelson
Few people noticed the simple gesture after the cheers had subsided at Mt. Tahoma Stadium back in May 2007.
Andrea Nelson, a sophomore from Shadle Park High School in Spokane, quietly handed her first-place medal in the 2-mile race to a competitor from Bellarmine Prep who had won the event but been disqualified for lane violations. Later, it turned out to be the debarred runner's teammate who had stepped outside the chalk.
Andrea Nelson won two individual state titles in cross country at Shadle Park High School in Spokane.
Contributed Photo.
Eventually, the unique story of sportsmanship was included in the pages of the New Era magazine, an LDS publication for youth.
For Nelson, the decision was simply another chance to do what was right - not what was easy. Each November, at the Washington state Cross Country Championships, a similar scenario emerged. As one of the top 10 placers in each of her four years in high school (she won the state title as a sophomore and junior) Nelson was invited to participate in the Nike Border Clash featuring the best prep runners from Washington and Oregon.
The only problem - at least for Nelson - was that the race in Portland took place on Sunday. She politely informed race officials each year that she would not be running on the Sabbath.
"There never was a question," said Nelson who grew up in the Spokane North Stake. "I knew I qualified for it but I'd set a standard for myself and it wasn't that difficult. I knew it wouldn't be worth it."
While individual honors vaulted Nelson to a lofty place among the Spokane area's best all-time runners, it was a team accomplishment that she places at the top of her list. As a senior in 2009, Nelson ran to a fourth-place finish at state, part of an effort that earned the Shadle Park girls squad its first team championship in school history.
Nelson is now a sophomore at BYU where she competes in cross country and track. She is pictured above with her parents, Doug and Edie, of the Woodridge Ward in the Spokane North Stake.
Contributed Photo.
"It really did mean more than an individual championship," she said. "We all contributed."
In high school, Nelson maintained a 3.9 grade point average and participated in choir and honors classes. She recalls early morning seminary setting a positive tone for each school day.
"It was my early morning boost," Nelson said. "It definitely helped me a ton. I know it helped me become a stronger runner."
In addition to setting an example on the academic and athletic fronts, Nelson has always made it a point to hold to standards as dictated by her faith. Whether it was taking her scriptures along on team road trips or talking about her beliefs with non-Mormon friends, Nelson said she "has never been afraid to let people know I'm LDS."
Now a track and cross country competitor at BYU, Nelson said she is even more aware of that mantle.
"Everywhere we go, "BYU" is on our uniforms and our bags," Nelson said. "There's an expectation that comes with that. People expect you to be a good example."
After BYU announced last year that it would join the West Coast Conference, Nelson realized she would make several trips back to Spokane as the Cougars compete against Gonzaga in track and cross country. Andrea's older brother, Rich, a former standout runner at BYU, was recently hired as an assistant track and cross country coach at Gonzaga.
Nelson said representing the blue and white is a honor and a privilege.
"I love the BYU team," she said. "I seriously am so blessed to be part of this great experience."
Nelson's first year in Provo included a trip to the NCAA Cross Country Pre-Nationals in Indiana. She was the only BYU freshman to qualify. Now a sophomore, Nelson has been sidelined by a stress fracture that will mean a redshirt season in cross country, although she hopes to return this winter for the indoor track campaign.
In 2009, Nelson was part of Shadle Park's first state championship in girls cross country.
Contributed Photo.
"It's been a learning experience," Nelson said of the injury. "It's definitely taught me to be patient and trust in the Lord and His plan."
A pair of Nelson's favorite scripture passages - Romans 8:31 and Ether 12:27 - serve as reassurance that the Lord will be by her side, regardless of the challenge.
"It reminds me that things won't be perfect but we must go through trials to come out stronger in the end," she said. "These (scriptures) really apply to running but also my life in general."
Just as in high school, Nelson finds herself sharing the gospel with friends, teammates and competitors, whether she is racing or not. Recently, one friend complained to her about the tiring toll of the party atmosphere at her college.
"She asked me why I'm always so happy," Nelson said. "It was a good opportunity to talk about how much the Church has helped me and I was able to give her a Book of Mormon."
Nelson gives credit to her parents, Doug and Edie, for helping her to stay on a safe and constructive path.
"My parents support me in everything," she said. "They are quick to point out my success in life without centering it around running. They have taught me to be the person I am today."
As she works her way back into racing mode, Nelson said she will rely on the self-discipline and work ethic that have been her trademarks. Along the way, she will continue to work toward a degree in teaching and a future career as a educator and coach, motivating kids to reach their own potential.
"It will be a challenge getting back to where I want to be, but I'm super motivated," Nelson said. "Once I get a goal in mind, I do everything I can to get there."
July 2011 - Ryan Romney
Most people who visit Liberty Lake, WA. are aware of the city's award-winning trail system, well-maintained parks and level of civic participation that has made "community picnic" part of the everyday lexicon.
As a resident of Spokane County's easternmost city, Ryan Romney understands that Liberty Lake is a great place to live. He and his wife, Jessica, are raising their five kids there. In addition to being an enthusiastic promoter of his adopted hometown, Romney also serves on the Liberty Lake City Council as one of seven elected officials who, along with a mayor, act as the city's governing board, coordinating everything from the general budget to road maintenance.
Romney said he decided to throw his hat into the political ring as a way to make a positive difference. He was appointed to the City Council two years ago this spring and won an uncontested election that fall.
"I thought it would be good to have a contributing voice in the decisions made in our city," he said. "I wanted to help steer public policy in a direction that coincided with my values and priorities."
Born and raised in Hayward, CA., Romney visited family in the Spokane area as he was growing up. Now, he is glad to be here on a permanent basis.
"It's an amazing place to raise a family," he said.
Between Hayward and Liberty Lake, Romney ventured to Russia as part of a two-year mission for the LDS Church. He served in the Latvia, Riga Mission from 1994 to 1996.
"I loved the opportunity it gave me to serve and live in a completely different world," he said. "I formed lasting friendships and connections with people that I met there that have lasted to this day. It taught me how the principles of the gospel apply to everyday life."
As he deals with a variety of issues - and the politics that surround them - Romney said his testimony of the gospel provides him with solid footing.
"I believe that one of the blessings of the gospel is that it provides enhanced perspective that facilitates in making sound decisions," he said.
A counselor in the bishopric of the Liberty Lake Ward in the Spokane Valley Stake, Romney currently works as a senior design engineer with Gennum Inc. He earned a bachelor of science degree in computer science from Eastern Washington University and a master's of science in electrical engineering from the University of Utah. He is currently working on his master's in business and, in his spare time, has participated in a half-Ironman and marathon.
While the presidential campaigns of Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman have brought increased attention to Mormons in the mainstream, this Romney (whose grandfather is a cousin to Mitt's father as well as former general authority Marion G. Romney) said the LDS population in general could work on becoming more a vital cog in the community wheel.
"I think too often LDS members isolate themselves from their community unintentionally," Romney said. "I think that we often focus so much on contributing to our wards and stakes that we can feel overwhelmed at the idea of assuming community responsibilities as well. Too often our social circles don't extend far enough to include those that are not of our faith. While this is natural and understandable, we ought to be vigilant to find ways to be in the world and let our personal light extend to those who may not be LDS."
Liberty Lake Mayor Wendy Van Orman said Romney has brought a valuable perspective to City Hall.
"Ryan has been a good addition," Van Orman said. "You can tell he is an engineer because he asks the tough question and concentrates on the details - and that's been good for the city."
As one of Liberty Lake's most visible citizens, Romney has emerged as leader who has put his principles into practice with faith and character forming the pillars of a unique campaign platform.
"I would hope that non-LDS people that I interact with would walk away being able to see that my affiliation with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints influences me to have a high standard of integrity, to treat others with kindness, to joyfully work and serve those around me."
June 2011 -
They may be known as the Kelloggs and hail from Michigan, but there is nothing flaky about the Sentinel Standouts for June 2011.
Tim and Priscilla Kellogg began serving in the Spokane Mission Office last January and, according to Sis. Kellogg, have relished the opportunity to serve in "a beautiful part of the Lord's vineyard." The couple's 18-month calling winds to a close on July 1.
"It's been wonderful being out of the world," Sis. Kellogg said. "We have really gotten to know each other and ourselves as well. It's been like a honeymoon for us."
Married for 43 years, the Kelloggs were baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1976. The two met while employed at a community hospital in Traverse City, Mich., their home for 41 years. Bro. Kellogg worked as a laboratory computer systems manager and Sis. Kellogg was a nurse with an emphasis in special education.
Bro. Kellogg said the quality and character of Inland Northwest residents - both LDS and non-LDS - has made an impression during the couple's time here.
"People in this area are just very kind and considerate," he said. "We've been very impressed with their generosity."
The Kelloggs have four grown children and 10 grandchildren, most of whom live in their homestate of Michigan. One daughter and her family live on the Westside of Washington in Issaquah. Bro. Kellogg said that while leaving family to serve a mission is not easy, the decision is one that has blessed their family in many ways.
"Things like hiking and fishing are for time, but a mission is for eternity," he said.
Sis. Kellogg recalled that when she and her husband were set apart they "were promised that all of our children would proper financially and spiritually."
"That promise has come to pass with all of our children," she said.
As the financial secretary in the mission office, Bro. Kellogg is responsible for bill-paying of all kinds, including rent, gas cards and cell phones. He also arranges housing for nearly 200 missionaries throughout the Spokane district. Sis. Kellogg's duties involve coordinating all referrals that come through the mission office as well as facilitating the distribution of scriptures, DVD's, pamphlets and other missionary materials. She also works as the mission president secretary and the office's postal director, organizing all the mail - an average of around 100 letters and over a dozen gift boxes arrive each day with about 10 times as many during the holidays.
The Kelloggs are also called upon occasionally to sit in on discussions with the full-time missionaries, an experience Bro. Kellogg described as "a true blessing."
"We love to teach the gospel and share our testimonies," he said. "When you see that change occur in someone, when they realize this is right, that's a special experience."
Sis. Kellogg said she has appreciated the chance to work with Spokane Mission President Mark Palmer and Sister Jacqueline Palmer as well as other missionary couples.
"We have learned so much from them and have developed friendships that hopefully will carry through the eternities," Sis. Kellogg said. "Last but not least, it has been incredible to serve with the young elders and sisters. They are such wonderful examples of faith and trust in the Lord. We are better people today because of our association with them."
Sis. Kellogg said her favorite mission memory took place last November when a fast was held for baptisms throughout the approaching holiday season, also known as a "White Christmas."
"Not only did we fast together, but we read the Book of Mormon and did an underlining exercise," she said. "We underlined the words of Christ - words about Him and His attributes. I have always known the Book of Mormon was true, but never had it testified to me so strongly that Jesus is the Christ and the Book of Mormon is another testimony of Jesus Christ. It was a life-changing experience for me."
An avid angler and outdoorsman, Bro. Kellogg left his fishing gear in Michigan when he departed for Spokane. Still, the couple says the picturesque Inland Northwest terrain has been a bonus throughout their entire mission. Regular walks on the Centennial Trail have included sightings of soaring osprey and eagles.
"We love Spokane," Sis. Kellogg said. "The landscapes have been breathless, from the fields of grain to the blooming orchards to the lakes and streams."
Upon their return to Michigan, the Kelloggs will serve in a leadership support role for a branch some 50 miles from their home. After a year in that capacity, they plan to serve another mission, in Bro. Kellogg's words, "wherever the Lord decides."
"My testimony has grown by leaps and bound while serving here," Sis. Kellogg said. "I would encourage every senior couple to serve. If someone is worried about serving for whatever reason, just do it. Put your faith and trust in Heavenly Father and let go of all your worries. He will take care of them and you."
May 2011 - Sean Howard
Sean Howard dug in at the plate earlier this month during a district playoff game against Rogers High School, ready to launch the pitch into one of several alleys at Avista Stadium.
Turns out the ball never had a chance.
Howard, the cleanup batter for Central Valley High School in Spokane Valley, hit a soaring shot over the left field wall, one of two hits for the senior in a critical post-season win. For the season, Howard led the Bears with three home runs, 15 runs batted in and a slugging percentage (total bases divided by at-bats) of .740. He was second on the team with a .360 batting average. His stellar season earned him honors on the All Greater Spokane League second team.
Sean Howard is a two-year letter winner in baseball and basketball at Central Valley High School. He plans on attending BYU-Idaho this fall. Photo by Craig Howard.
On a different front, Howard digs in every day as a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ. He participated in seminary, refrains from profanity and avoids substance use. Howard said seminary served as a spiritual catalyst throughout his four years of high school.
"Seminary is great because I'm able to get away from school where there is a lot of swearing and inappropriate things going on," Howard said. "I can just focus on the gospel and becoming better spiritually. I'm able to feel the love of Christ and the spirit and take it with me throughout the day."
In addition to earning two varsity letters each in baseball and basketball, Howard earned his Eagle Scout award at the age of 14. He maintains a 3.6 grade point average and plans on attending BYU-Idaho this fall. Howard said whether on the field or in the classroom, he understands the importance of setting a positive and reliable example.
"People are always watching you and you don't know how you could be affecting them," Howard said. "Coaches and teachers have noticed how my language is different and how it makes others respond to me."
Among Howard's favorite scriptural stories is the account of the 2,000 stripling warriors in the book of Alma, chapter 56, "because it shows that by believing in Christ, you can do anything."
Howard led the Central Valley team in runs batted in, home runs and slugging percentage for the 2011 season. Photo by Craig Howard.
"They had never fought before but they were not afraid because their mothers had taught them if they did not doubt, God would deliver them," Howard said. "And that's exactly what my mother has done for me."
A member of the Belle Terre Ward in the Spokane East Stake, Howard credited his parents, Greg and Patti, for "helping me to see the true lessons needed to be learned in life." Sean has a younger brother, Liam, and an older brother, Alec, who is serving a mission in Arizona.
Along with his college plans, Howard is intent on serving a two-year mission.
"I get to serve the Lord for two years," he said. "He's blessed me so much in my life, I can give up two years of mine. I'll be able to bring the truth to other people and show them how much this gospel means to me and how it can help them. I don't know where I would be without this gospel or who I would be."
April 2011 - Lauren Archibald
As an all-league tennis player, it would make sense that Lauren Archibald might start each day with a heaping bowl of Wheaties.
Instead, the standout student-athlete launches the morning with a different rendition of "the breakfast of champions," one that emphasizes spiritual nourishment.
Each weekday, Archibald attends early-morning seminary, studying the restored gospel of Jesus Christ along with fellow students at University High School in Spokane Valley. For Archibald, the daily study session sets the tone for the balance of her schedule
"It's always a good way to start my day," she said. "If I miss seminary, my day doesn't go as smoothly as when I do."
As ASB vice-president, a 4.0 student and a varsity athlete in soccer and tennis, the senior is putting a quality cap on four years at University. Even an injury plagued season in soccer - she sprained both ankles but still earned the "Respect" award from teammates - did not dampen her optimism, nor her view of "seeing happiness as a choice you make every day."
"Just being focused on having a positive attitude makes a lot of difference," said Archibald, a member of the Bowdish Ward in the Spokane East Stake.
Archibald's emphasis on a constructive approach to life includes placing a priority on service. After reflecting on a General Conference talk by President Henry B. Eyring that referenced the hymn, "Have I Done Any Good in the World Today?" Archibald decided to construct a poster featuring the words to the song as a reminder to serve others as the Savior would.
So far this spring, Archibald has a formidable opponent on the tennis court. She is undefeated in doubles and recently was part of a winning team at a regional tournament in the Tri-Cities. Last year, she was named to the All Greater Spokane League first team in tennis.
Archibald's achievements don't end on the athletic front, however. She is an accomplished piano player and has lettered in school choir for the past four years. In earning her Young Women's Recognition Award, she compiled her own cookbook.
At school, Archibald serves as an officer in a program called Washington Drug Free Youth which promotes a lifestyle free of alcohol and drugs. She also participates in Key Club, a student sponsored group that coordinates a variety of community service projects.
"I try to be a good example," Archibald said. "Having the gospel in my life really helps - just knowing what is right and surrounding myself with good people. I think it's cool to have standards that help you become a better person."
March 2011 - Charles Forsyth
Growing up on a farm outside Cardston, Alberta, Charles Forsyth discovered that a productive morning typically set the tone for a successful day.
These days, Forsyth still begins his routine at dawn - only, instead of bailing hay and milking cows, the 95-year-old can be found pedaling a stationary exercise bike. The 60-minute workout usually begins around 5:30 a.m. and is part of a Monday through Saturday regimen.
As a kid in Canada, Forsyth never had a bike. Sports were a luxury for someone who had the responsibilities of helping on a 200-acre homestead. Cardiovascular conditioning meant addressing a 4-mile round trip from his home to a one-room schoolhouse - by foot.
"We were on a ranch and there was a lot of work to do," Charles said.
Without a tractor, tilling the land meant working by horseback. The farm was known for cattle and crops like wheat, oats and barley. In 1935, the family purchased their first automobile. Charles remembers he and an older brother saving half of the $1,100 cost. His parents covered the rest.
Through all the transitions, one part of Forsyth's life has remained constant - an unwavering and exemplary work ethic. After moving to the Spokane in 1948 with his wife, Thea, and their family, Charles worked in a lumber yard. A 30-year career in the Iron Workers Union followed.
"It was strenuous work but I enjoyed it," Charles said.
Charles and Thea, members of the Evergreen Ward in the Spokane East Stake, will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary this September. The couple was sealed in the Cardston, Alberta Temple. They have two children, four grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Well before computers and programs like FamilySearch, Charles and Thea donated time working by hand on name extractions for temple work. Their volunteer service spanned 28 years.
Through almost a century of life - Charles will celebrate his 96th birthday this November - Forsyth has witnessed monumental strides in technology, from the advent of the television to jet travel and recent innovations like the Internet.
"All the changes have been remarkable," he said. "Although things like Twitter don't mean a thing to me."
February 2011 - Isaac Hawkins
As a student-athlete at Spokane's Ferris High School, Isaac Hawkins understood the meaning of going the extra mile.
Hawkins won the 4A state individual cross country championship in 1995 and 1996, his junior and senior seasons at Ferris. Each of those years saw Hawkins follow up his autumn achievements with state track titles in the mile and 2-mile. Along the way, he found himself ranked among the swiftest prep runners in the U.S., finishing with the third fastest time in the mile and seventh best mark in the 2-mile.
Rather than dwelling on the accolades - which included becoming the first high school junior to win the Foot Locker Cross Country Regional Championships and earning high school All-American status in track and cross country - Hawkins continued to increase his stride.
After earning a scholarship to Stanford University, Hawkins traded in his running shoes for a full-time elder's tag. He served a two-year LDS mission in the Philippines from 1998 to 2000.
"Going on a mission was like passing the Sacrament on Sunday," Hawkins said. "I knew it was my duty."
In college, Isaac was a part of a four national team titles in cross country and track. He also qualified for the NCAA Regional Meet three times in the 5,000 meters. After graduating from Stanford with a Bachelor of Arts in English, he went on to earn his law degree from the University of Utah.
When it involves going the extra mile beyond the track, Hawkins makes it a point to exemplify Matthew 5:41 in a variety of areas.
The former state and NCAA champion mentors local youth runners through the Foot Locker program and lends support to runners at his high school alma mater. He also volunteers with the Bloomsday Road Runners Club and Ronald McDonald House. His church callings have included service as Elders' quorum president, ward mission leader and Young Men's president.
Hawkins, his wife, Emily and their two children currently reside in the Lincoln Heights Ward of the Spokane Stake. He works in commercial real estate with the law firm of Hawkins Edwards, Inc.
Isaac said his parents, Paul and Ann, members of the Moran Prairie Ward in the Spokane Stake, helped him navigate a path that led to stability and success.
"I had great parents who had their priorities straight and set a good example for me and my siblings," he said. "My parents made it clear that there was enough time for each task if you used the time well."
January 2011 – The Davenports
The hours are typical for a desk job - Monday through Friday, 9 to 5 - but for Elder Dennis and Sister Kari Davenport the work at the Spokane Mission office is anything but routine.
There was the time when Elder Davenport - known by missionaries in the field as the "Car Czar" for his responsibilities as the mission's vehicle fleet coordinator - received a call from an elder serving in the Chewelah area. Some damage had occurred to the missionaries' car while they were knocking on doors in a rural section of Stevens County.
The culprits? Some pesky farm animals.
"Just another day in the life of a fleet coordinator," Elder Davenport said.
The Davenports are vital cogs in the wheels of a local missionary effort that encompasses 16 stakes, three states and part of Canada. They launched their one-year service mission last June after leaving their home in Republic, WA.
"As with many callings, we were a little awestruck at first, but we've always been happy to serve the Lord," Elder Davenport said.
Elder Dennis and Sister Kari Davenport are part of the support staff in the office of the Spokane, Wash. Mission. The Davenports began their one-year service mission last June. Photo by Craig Howard.
While Elder Davenport oversees the armada of nearly 70 vehicles, Sister Davenport is responsible for an array of paperwork and recordkeeping tasks, including the processing of baptismal records. Beyond mere filing duties - "accuracy, of course is number one," she said - Sister Davenport points to the residual joy of people joining the Church as the best part of her job.
"Seeing families united in the gospel is pretty wonderful," she said.
There is also another perk to the calling.
"I like working side-by-side with my husband," Sister Davenport added.
Sister Davenport's duties also involve sorting through statistics that help the mission evaluate how investigators to the Church are found. Among half-a-dozen categories, two emerge as the most common.
"There are a lot of referrals from members and part-member families," Sister Davenport said.
The Davenports, now members of the Belle Terre Ward in the Spokane East Stake, initially filed their papers to serve as workers in the Spokane Temple. Sister Davenport had been making the commute from Republic - three hours, one-way - to donate time as a weekly ordinance worker before the couple moved to Spokane. When it was clear that the mission office needed help, the Davenports stepped up to answer the call. Working alongside the Davenports are Elder Tim and Sister Priscilla Kellogg from Michigan, serving an 18-month mission.
"It really changes your perspective when you realize the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes of a mission," Sister Davenport. "It's exciting to be a part of it, even on a peripheral level."
Passing on the typical life of retirement, the Davenports say working in the mission field has been an enriching experience. Whether making sure a flat tire is repaired to sitting in on a missionary discussion, Elder Davenport said the calling has been a wonderful journey so far.
"When more senior missionaries serve in (office) roles like this, it means more sister missionaries and full-time elders on the street," he said. "My job as the fleet coordinator deals with temporal issues, but it's also about moving the mission along."
December 2010 - Dave Orndorff
Since self-promotion is not on the priority list for Dave Orndorff, most people don't know about his background as an All-American wrestler and starting football player at Oregon State University in the late 1980s or the fact that he once tried out with the New Orleans Saints of the NFL.
A member of the Belle Terre Ward in the Spokane East Stake, Orndorff would rather talk about the accomplishments of his sons or the latest feats of the University High School wrestling squad, a program he has helped coach since 1998.
After a stellar two years in wrestling and football at Ricks College - now BYU-Idaho - Orndorff moved on to the OSU campus in Corvallis, Ore. where he finished as a national runner-up in wrestling as a senior while earning second team All Pac-10 honors as a center on the football team.
One of his OSU teammates was a linebacker named Bronco Mendenhall, currently the head football coach at BYU. Dave also participated in the East/West Shrine Game, an annual football showcase featuring some of the best college seniors in the country.
Between Ricks and Oregon State, Orndorff shared the gospel as a full-time elder in the Salt Lake North Mission.
Orndorff and his wife, Amy, will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary next summer. Dave and Amy are proud parents of four sons, including Tyson, currently serving a mission in Houston, Texas.
Between running his own company - Spokane Fence - Dave finds time to serve as an assistant coach with the University wrestling and football teams. He has been part of two state championships at U-Hi in 2005 and 2010. In 1997, he was an assistant at Central Valley when the Bears won their first state title.
Orndorff also volunteers as president of the booster club for University baseball and has coached little league football for the past 10 years. In the summer, he coordinates a wrestling program.
Orndorff's church responsibilities have ranged from ward mission leader to ward Young Men's president. As one of the most respected athletes in the history of Spokane East Stake sports, Dave sets the most effective offensive pick in basketball and has been known to launch softballs from Spokane Valley to Moses Lake.
For his achievements as an athlete, his work as a volunteer and his efforts in contributing to the community, Dave Orndorff has been named the Sentinel Standout for December 2010.
November 2011 - Madeline Barnes
It has been said that "the last shall be first."
In the spirit of saluting those who contribute to their community, excel in various arenas and simply make a positive difference, the Latter-day Sentinel is introducing a new feature in the last issue of each month called the "Sentinel Standout."
Sentinel readers can have a say in this monthly installment by nominating members of the Church who live within the Spokane Temple District and "stand out" through stellar service, high achievement, a steady work ethic and other worthwhile characteristics. Honorees will be notified a week before publication. Send nominations via e-mail to Sentinel News Editor Craig Howard at craigrh3@juno.com.
Madeline "Madi" Barnes is being recognized this November as the inaugural Sentinel Standout.
A senior at Central Valley High School, Barnes makes it a point to go the extra mile both in the classroom and on the athletic field. She maintains a 3.73 grade point average, serves as a senior class officer and is a member of the National Honor Society as well as Spanish Club and DECCA, a student organization that studies and promotes efficient business practices. For the past three years, the Central Valley DECCA team has qualified for state competition.
Barnes is a four-year letter-winner in cross country and placed 14th in the 4A state meet as a freshman, earning All Greater Spokane League first team honors. As a sophomore, she was part of a Central Valley team that placed third at state, the best finish in school history. Barnes was also named to the All-GSL second team in 2008. She also participates on the track team, running the 800 meters.
A member of the Pines Ward in the Spokane East Stake, Barnes gives credit to her parents, Steve and Leta, for helping her stay motivated and on the right path. She has three older siblings, Ashley, Curtis and Greg. She lists 1 John 2:5, Proverbs 4:4 and Doctrine Covenants 42:32-33 as among her favorite scripture passages.
"When I was younger, I decided to be the best I could be," she said.
Barnes also serves as seminary president and has earned her Young Women's Medallion as well as her Honor Bee award. She has contributed to a variety of service initiatives in the Spokane area including a blanket project benefiting Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery and visits to area retirement centers.
After high school, Barnes hopes to attend Brigham Young University or the University of Utah.
"I always try to be a good example," Barnes said. "I try to keep good friends and make sure they know my values."
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