June 11, 2025
ISSUE 24
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IT'S IN THE CLASSIFIEDS
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Eatonville School District wraps up school year
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s we close out another inspiring school year, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you. The strength of our Eatonville School District lies in the people who make up this vibrant community—our students, Jay Brower families, staff, volunteers, and partners. Together, we’ve accomplished great things, and today I’m honored to reflect on just a few of the highlights that define this incredible year.
RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION—A NEW STANDARD Fifteen months. Zero canceled bus routes. Thanks to the unwavering leadership of Transportation Director Bonnie McNicol and her incredible team, we’ve maintained consistent, reliable transportation—something not many districts can say post-pandemic. Their dedication keeps our students safe and on time. Next time you see one of our drivers, give them a well-deserved thank you!
YOUR VOICE. YOUR VOTE. REAL RESULTS. Thanks to voter-approved levies in February 2023, we’ve seen tangible improvements: Academic excellence: Our students are wrapping up Smarter Balanced Assessments, and we’re confident results will reflect the hard work and strong instruction they’ve received. Track & Field progress: Final approvals are nearly in hand, and we’re ready to break ground on our long-overdue track and synthetic field upgrade. Stadium updates: Through creative partnerships and outside funding, we’re replacing our 1937 stadium—without additional cost to taxpayers. This includes energyefficient lighting, a new scoreboard, and renovated restrooms.
A GROUNDBREAKING MOMENT IN EVERY SENSE In one of the year’s most unforgettable moments, we held a ceremonial groundbreaking for our new Community Use Track, Synthetic Field, and Stadium. I was honored to deliver the following words at the event: “We’re breaking ground on a vision—a
BROWER, 4
ANDY HELWIG/RAINIERS
Rylee Pay is the first female broadcaster in Triple-A.
Tacoma Rainiers hire Triple-A baseball’s first female broadcaster By Merrick Parnell Contributing Writer
TACOMA, Wash. — For the first time in over 26 years, fans will hear a different voice calling the action as the play-by-play announcer for the Tacoma Rainiers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. This hire also marks a historic moment as Rylee Pay becomes the first female broadcaster in Triple-A. “It [being the first female Triple-A broadcaster] is certainly something that I understand the magnitude of, but for me, working in baseball is just what I love to do," Pay said. "My love for the game is what drove me to want to pursue a career in sports, so I hope others know that there is always a place for them in this game if they truly love it and work hard." During the off-season, the Rainiers announced they had hired Pay as the club’s new voice following longtime broadcaster Mike Curto’s retirement. Curto’s departure opened the door for Pay, who previously spent time with Double-A. “I recently spent the last two seasons with the Portland Sea Dogs (Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox), where I was a play-by-play broadcaster and media
relations assistant. I loved my time there, but the purpose of the assistant position is to hopefully go and take on your own broadcast department one day,” said Pay. Pay continued, “I saw this position become available after Mike Curto announced his retirement and jumped on the opportunity to apply. Being from the West Coast, I had heard great things about this organization, so I was very lucky to get this position after a series of interviews.” Since arriving in the Pacific Northwest, Pay has enjoyed both the South Sound area and being part of the Mariners organization. “I love being a part of the Mariners system and getting to watch such a talented group of players every day," Pay said. "This farm system is one of the best in baseball, which is very exciting to watch. One of my favorite parts about working in baseball is getting to see the progression of a team over the season, so even in the first few weeks of this season, it has been
interesting to see this group evolve. It is such a great opportunity to work in Triple-A and see the talent of these players who are close to the big leagues or already have big league experience.” Pay also shared what makes Tacoma a great place to work. “Tacoma has been great to me. The people are so friendly and welcoming. I have enjoyed all of the beautiful scenery, being close to the water, and trying out all of the great restaurants in the area,” she said. For the next generation of aspiring broadcasters, Pay has some advice. “Get as much experience as you can in internships, learning a variety of skills that not only make you a better broadcaster but also a better teammate in your office. Say yes to challenges and establish a good support system that you can rely on in the industry,” Pay said. You can listen to Pay and the Rainiers online at www.wertacoma.com/broadcast.