And the SAMMI goes to ...

Skyline High School senior Sam Levenson and Cascade Ridge second-grade teacher Patrick Marckx won a coveted SAMMI Award at the city of Sammamish's annual community gala on March 17.

Dubbed the Oscars of Sammamish, the SAMMI (Sammamish Acknowledging Magnificent Moments of Inspiration) Awards promote volunteerism, lift community spirit, and recognize people who serve the Sammamish community with passion and compassion. More than 500 people attended the celebratory awards event this year.


Sam Levenson received the "Teen Spirit" SAMMI.

Nomination bio: Sam Levenson has a passion for helping others, especially those with special needs. He is a coach for the Special Olympics, is involved in Athletes for Kids, mentors a young boy, and is a coach for Skyline High School summer football camps. He was recognized by his peers as an Unsung Hero at Skyline High School and as Captain of the Skyline Football team.

Sam is also involved with many other programs, including Issaquah Food Bank and Eastside Baby Corner. He hopes to one day become a pediatrician.





Patrick Marckx received the "Learning Promotion" SAMMI.

Nomination bio: Imagine second graders performing Shakespeare, and you have walked into Patrick Marckx's classroom. Each year, every student is involved in the production of a Shakespearean play. Students learn to love the language as they rehearse, construct sets, and perform. By the end of the "season," the entire play is memorized and the excitement and comfort of Shakespeare has grown to include spectators.

Patrick also keeps creativity present through music exploration and poetry evaluation, going beyond the traditional lesson plans to make learning come alive. He loves to see kids fulfill their potential, and he believes that "second graders don't know their own limitations. It is my job not to give them any."