Alumni in Action

Jamie Perry, Class of 2007
“I just want to give back to Bear Creek,” were the first words voiced by Jamie Perry when she was asked why she might be interested in coaching the JV volleyball team this fall.

“The volleyball turnout was so large during the fall season that we expanded the number of teams; creating both a JV and JV-C team. We were in great need of coaching support, and in walks Jamie Perry,” says head varsity volleyball coach Sherrie Brown.

As they discussed the opportunity to join the coaching staff, Coach Brown saw in Jamie the same high level of confidence, determination, and organization that were trademark skills when Jamie played volleyball and basketball as a student-athlete at Bear Creek. “She strives to develop a team where athletes can be the best they can be. She really believes in each of her athletes. Her willingness to step in and serve where there is a need is one of her greatest attributes,” says Brown.

Two volleyball teams, 24 athletes, and a 12-week season—a coaching schedule not for the faint of heart. Jamie’s commitment has impacted the lives of her players and, by example, demonstrated how powerful the offering of her gifts and talents can be to our community.

Jamie is a graduate of Seattle Pacific University and this fall accepted a new position as a prekindergarten teacher at The Goddard School.

Mac Graham, Class of 2007
Bear Creek Middle School basketball coach Kris Jensen recently reflected on the impact of Mac’s service and leadership.

“Mac Graham is one of my favorite players in my 18 years of coaching, mostly because of his great work ethic, positive attitude, and outstanding leadership qualities. After he graduated from Gonzaga last June, I immediately reached out to him and asked if he would be interested in returning to help coach the Middle School boys basketball green team.

“Mac played on this team as an eighth grade student and we both felt this would be a great way for him to give back. This also was consistent with our goal to reconnect our former players with current players to show a success path.

“Mac was limited in the time he could spend with the team as he was also serving in an internship program with a large accounting firm in Seattle. But, the time he spent with the players in practice and during our Jamboree was very valuable, and they responded to him extremely well. He served as head coach for two of our Jamboree games, winning both games, I might add. This was a win/win for everyone involved and we look forward to repeating this next season!”

Tara Sackman, Class of 2007
Tara is filling multiple roles at Valley Campus, including Early Childhood classroom assistant, Lower School classroom assistant, health room assistant, and library staff. “It is wonderful having an alumna work here!” said Jenn McDonough, Lower School Division Head at Valley Campus.

Prekindergarten teacher Allison Fletcher noted, “Tara’s personality is a unique blend of sensitivity and assertiveness. She is very gentle with the preschool students and has made special connections with the shyer ones. As a teacher, I appreciate her stellar ability to figure out what needs to be done next and then execute with excellence.”

Tara is a graduate of Whitworth University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and serves as a contributing writer to Modus Vivendi.

Jeanine Gorzalski, Class of 2010
“As an intern for Alumni Relations, Jeanine has offered such wisdom and passion for building the alumni network. She brings a critical insider’s lens as we develop the foundation of our alumni program. Her deep love for Bear Creek and her personal desire to see the mission impact generations to come has been an inspiration to all of us,” said Karen Beman, Director of Alumni Relations.

Jeanine also serves as a contributing writer and editor to Modus Vivendi.

Brittany (Robinson) Kukal, Class of 2004
Two years ago, after returning to the Northwest from Lubbock, Texas, Brittany was asked to help coach the varsity cheer squad. “She immediately jumped in and added her knowledge and experience, drawing from her own Bear Creek cheerleading days. Her biggest impact has been the ability to relate to and empathize with the growth process, as each member develops her athletic and performance skills,” says head coach Kimberly Robinson.

Brittany graduated from Azusa Pacific University in 2008 with a B.A. in communications. She is married to Curtis Kukal and currently resides in Renton, Washington.