31st Annual Community Summit: April 28, 2026
Strong Communities, Kind Hearts
The 31st annual Community Summit brought Sumner and Bonney Lake community members together for an inspiring evening of connection and collaboration. Attendees engaged in meaningful conversations, explored breakout sessions on key community topics, and built new relationships over a shared meal.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this event impactful. Some highlights of the night included hearing a powerful message on kindness and community from Dr. Andre Stout, and honoring our community Unsung Heroes:
Congratulations to the 2026 Unsung Hero Award winners:
Dawnetta Isaacson
Educator, Bonney Lake Elementary
Dawnetta “Dawn” Isaacson has made an extraordinary impact through her leadership, compassion, and dedication to students, staff, and families. She consistently goes above and beyond, creating a school environment where every individual feels supported and valued.
Through her leadership of the National Elementary Honor Society and bringing this program to Bonney Lake Elementary School, Dawn has inspired students to lead with kindness, responsibility, and service. She works with her students to help them shape their classroom culture, as well as to have created an incredible Bonney Lake Elementary ‘Kindness Crew.’ Her work in diversity and inclusion ensures that every student feels seen, heard, and connected—building a true sense of belonging.
She brings people together, uplifts those around her, and strengthens her entire school community with heart and purpose.
Because of Dawn, students are not only learning—they are growing into leaders, and that impact will last a lifetime.
Alivia Marsh
Student Leader, Sumner High School
Alivia Marsh is a remarkable example of quiet leadership and unwavering positivity. Through her dedication and vision, she has brought to life meaningful events such as the Sumner High School Homecoming parade, Community Dinner, and Benefit Night—each one creating connection and belonging for those she serves. In fact, the dinner and benefit night raised over $53,000 in donations to benefit a young adult in our community who is battling brain cancer. Alivia worked with her peers and classrooms throughout the school to make this incredible outcome a meaningful gift of hope!
Though her contributions are significant, Alivia works with humility, often behind the scenes, ensuring every detail reflects care and intention. Her leadership is thoughtful, her presence uplifting, and her impact undeniable.
She brings light to every space she enters and inspires others simply by being herself.
Alivia reminds us that you do not need the spotlight to make a difference—and because of her, our community shines brighter.
Izumi (Zi) Taijeron
Student Leader, Bonney Lake High School
Izumi “Zi” Taijeron represents the very best of student leadership and community spirit. A natural servant leader, Zi creates spaces where others feel seen, valued, and empowered. Her influence has helped shape a culture of belonging and positivity at Bonney Lake High School.
As a founding leader of the AAPI Club, leader in her school’s Air Force JROTC program, and student representative on District facility planning committees, Zi has demonstrated a deep commitment to excellence, representation, and inclusion. Whether capturing the spirit of her school or uplifting those around her, she leads with integrity, empathy, and purpose.
Her impact is felt in every corner of campus—in every connection, every story, and every act of kindness. And her presence here this evening demonstrates her service to our communities, as well. Thank you, Zi, for the gift of your voice and willingness to support your cadets, as well.
If there is a heartbeat behind “Build the Hill,” it is Zi—and her impact will be felt for years to come.
Ady Brower
Community Volunteer
Ady Brower exemplifies a life devoted to service, compassion, and community. While many know her as a welcoming presence at the Gordon Family YMCA, her contributions extend far beyond, touching countless lives across our region.
From leading various components of Beautify Bonney Lake and mobilizing hundreds of volunteers, to mentoring youth, supporting refugee women through Undaunted Women, and serving families through GoodRoots Northwest—Ady gives her time and heart without hesitation. She also is a leader of youth education programs within her church, often requiring her to coordinate or teach classes in early morning hours.
In every role, she leads with grace, skill, humility, and a genuine love for others. She has a remarkable gift for meeting the needs of individuals, making people feel seen, valued, and connected.
Ady Brower does not just serve her community—she lifts it, strengthens it, and inspires all of us to do the same.
Stefani Montague
YMCA Leader & Community Advocate
Stefani Montague embodies the very heart of compassion and community. From the moment you meet her, her warmth and sincerity are unmistakable. Through her work at the Gordon Family YMCA, she ensures that every individual—especially students experiencing homelessness—has access to opportunity, dignity, and belonging.
Stefani approaches every challenge with a simple but powerful mindset: it is never “no,” it is always, “How can we get to yes?” She knows the importance of our seniors having access to exercise and community. For some of our seniors, coming to the Y might be their only interaction with people in their day or week. Whether supporting families or creating meaningful connections for senior citizens, she is present with people and leads with joy, empathy, and determination.
Her presence transforms spaces into communities and moments into lasting impact.
Because of Stefani, people feel seen, supported, and never alone—and that is a gift beyond measure.
Elizabeth Carter
Community Advocate & GoodRoots Northwest Leader
Elizabeth Andrews Carter has made a profound and lasting impact on our community through her compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to service. Time and again, she goes above and beyond—organizing food drives and fundraisers that support families not only in Bonney Lake, but across Sumner, Buckley, and Orting.
Through her work with GoodRoots Northwest, Elizabeth helps ensure that essential resources reach those who need them most. Her efforts are rooted in generosity, guided by purpose, and driven by a deep belief in caring for others. Elizabeth has also faithfully served other organizations, including multiple PTA groups and the White River Education Foundation.
Alongside her husband, Mayor Terry Carter of Bonney Lake, she models a life of service that strengthens the fabric of our community.
Because of Elizabeth, more families are supported, more needs are met, and our entire community is stronger.
Bill Pugh
Public Servant & Board President, GoodRoots Northwest
Bill Pugh’s life is defined by service, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to community. From his time as Mayor of Sumner to his many roles in public service, Bill has dedicated himself to improving the lives of others.
His leadership has helped secure transformative investments in education and essential services, creating opportunities that will benefit generations. As Board President of GoodRoots Northwest, he continues to expand access to critical resources for families in need. As the Chair of Sumner-Bonney Lake Citizens for Schools, he was the leader of the community’s effort to ensure the passage of both a school levy and bond - in back to back election cycles. These measures provide for state of the art facilities supporting 11,000 students a year, and that will benefit our communities for decades to come.
Yet, despite the scale of his impact, Bill remains humble—always focused on the work, never the recognition. He brings people together, builds trust, and leads with integrity in every endeavor.
Bill Pugh is the kind of leader every community hopes for—and because of him, ours is stronger, more connected, and full of possibility.
Tuesday, April 28
4-8:30 pm
Calvary Community Church
15116 Gary St. E., Sumner
Registration is open for the 31st Annual Community Summit on April 28, where Sumner-Bonney Lake neighbors, community leaders, youth, and human service organizations come together to become informed about local issues, inspired to create solutions, and involved in taking action.
Event Schedule
4 pm: Doors open for registration
4-5 pm: Key Leaders Community Cafe & Topic Tables
5-6 pm: Breakout Sessions:
- Meet Your Community Civic Organizations
- USGS: Explaining Lahars, Drills, and How to Prepare
- City of Sumner Community Forum
- City of Bonney Lake Community Forum
- Sumner-Bonney Lake Family Resource Center
- Strong Minds, Kind Hearts: SBLSD Kindness Campaign
- Supporting Mental Health in Communities
6:15-8:15 pm: Dinner; Community “Unsung Hero” Awards; Keynote Speaker, Dr. Andre Stout, “Kindness - The Foundation of Strong Communities”
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Andre Stout
Education Consultant and Speaker
