Jensen, Rohrich receive NCESD Friend of Children award

CHELAN — Tom Jensen and Valerie Rohrich have been recognized with the North Central Educational Service District's Friend of Children Award for their volunteer leadership of the Lake Chelan Rotary Book Buddies program and the Page Ahead book giveaway program, according to the Lake Chelan School District.

The Friend of Children Award, established in 1992, recognizes volunteers across NCESD's four-county region for contributions to local schools and communities.

Rohrich received the award from NCESD Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services Trisha Schock during a recent Lake Chelan School District Board of Directors meeting. Jensen received his award from Lake Chelan School District Superintendent Brad Wilson at a recent Lake Chelan Rotary meeting.

Under Jensen and Rohrich's leadership, the Book Buddies program has expanded its reach in the Lake Chelan and Manson school districts, as well as Holden Village School. The literacy initiative began in December 2021 with the goal of connecting young students with adult volunteers and providing books for children to read at home with family members.

During the 2022-23 school year, volunteers read monthly with second-grade students at Morgen Owings Elementary School and supported students at Manson Elementary School, distributing about 2,200 books. In 2023-24, the program expanded to include first- and second-grade students at Morgen Owings Elementary, increased one-on-one reading support in Manson, participated in Scholastic book fairs and distributed more than 4,000 books.

The program expanded again during the 2024-25 school year to serve all students in kindergarten through fifth grade at Morgen Owings Elementary while continuing work with Manson Elementary and Holden Village School. According to the district, more than 5,000 books were provided to local children this year.

“Tom and Valerie represent the very best of our community,” Wilson said. “Their leadership has helped make reading more joyful and accessible for our students. Just as importantly, they have reminded children that their community believes in them.”

The Lake Chelan School District said the award recognizes Jensen and Rohrich's service to students, families and schools throughout the Lake Chelan Valley.