Honor paid to 23 champions of youths

By Diane Huber | The Olympian • Published February 24, 2008

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They are coaches, teachers, parents and volunteers who work tirelessly to provide programs and opportunities for the community's young people.

Tonight, 23 Thurston County residents will be recognized for their commitment to youths at the seventh annual Champions for Kids celebration at Saint Martin's University.

The reservation-only event is sponsored by Together, an organization aimed at steering kids away from violence, and alcohol and drug abuse. Area businesses and organizations sponsor a Champion, and the proceeds go to programs run by Together.

"The purpose is really to honor those in the community who have gone above and beyond working with and for children and youth," said Together's executive director, Mary Segawa.

The event is Together's largest fundraiser, contributing about $10,000 to the organization — but fundraising isn't the focus, Segawa said.

"For us, the important piece is honoring people in the community and encouraging others to follow their lead," she said.

Here's a list of this year's winners:

nJames Charette has coached soccer locally since 1993 and the Blackhills Football Club since 1997. He helped to organize a food and clothing drive for flood victims in Lewis County and send care packages for the 585th Engineers in Afghanistan.

nBeth Daniel began working for the YMCA as youth sports director in 1988 and has seen the program grow from serving 500 participants to 6,500. She also trains more than 1,500 volunteers to teach basic sports skills to kids.

nJose Diaz is president of the Hispanic Roundtable and has helped plan the Latino Youth Summit. As interim director of Centralia College Diversity Center, he is an advocate for increased recruitment and retention of underrepresented students.

nCharla Dunham has been a school nurse for 29 years in the Tenino School District. She also has served on task forces and boards relating to children's health.

nGary Enns worked with parents, mental health care providers and the community to establish a continuum of care for children and families as children's care coordinator for the Thurston Mason County Regional Support Network.