A Message from the Department of Communications and Community Relations
  
Bellingham Public Schools is excited to announce Cynthia Wilson and Renee Swan-Waite, Lummi Nation educators, as recipients of our Community Partner of the Year award.
 
The Community Partner of the Year honor is part of our annual Promise Awards. We previously announced seven of the eight honorees in April 2026.
 
We are announcing the Community Partner of the Year honor after we had the opportunity to gather and recognize Cynthia and Renee at an event at Western Washington University in May. 
 
Cynthia Wilson and Renee Swan-Waite, Lummi Nation educators
 
Cynthia and Renee are shining examples of the way community partners impact our schools, exemplifying The Bellingham Promise in action. 
 
Over many years, Cynthia and Renee have supported our teachers, instructional coaches and leaders in so many ways as we have implemented locally-focused Indigenous centered curriculum in support of the John McCoy (lulilaš) Since Time Immemorial: Tribal Sovereignty curriculum. 
 
We encourage you to watch this video highlighting their impact, and read more on our website. 

About the Promise Awards
The Promise Awards program recognizes the exemplary achievements and contributions of staff and volunteers connected to The Bellingham Promise, our district’s strategic plan. The Promise Awards are supported by the Bellingham Public Schools Foundation.

The Promise Awards provide an opportunity to highlight the exceptional work of honorees that make a significant difference in our schools and community, increasing awareness of the important contributions of all staff, volunteers and community partners.