North Thurston Citizens for Schools Executive Committee

Jon Halvorson, Co-chair (2nd from Left):

Former Mayor of Lacey, past President of North Thurston Education Foundation, former Thurston County Citizen of the Year, member of the Community Youth Services Board and Medic One Council, NTPS volunteer and proud grandpa of two current NTHS students. Jon is a retired Social Worker/Administrator who served 30 years with the Department of Social & Health Services.

Ruth Weigelt, Co-chair (4th from Left):

Born and raised in Washington, Ruth has lived in Lacey for almost 40 years.  She has three grown children who received their education in the North Thurston Public Schools and also has a grandson that will attend Komachin Middle School in September.  A retired Account Executive for Moore Business Forms, Ruth is a member of the South Sound YMCA Board of Trustee and chair of the Child Care Committee; President of Lacey Spring Fun Fair; and Soroptomist Service Budget Chair.  Ruth also volunteers for Twin Star Credit Union, serving on their Partners/Cusos Committee, Scholarship Committee and Nominating Committee. 

Bonnie Hawkins, Treasurer (Right):  

Bonnie was born in Olympia, and has lived here most of her life.  She and her three siblings graduated from North Thurston High School.  All four of her children also graduated from North Thurston Public Schools.  Bonnie retired from the Department of Social and Health Services in 2007.  She has served on the North Thurston Citizens For Schools Committee in the past, acting as Treasurer.      

Cynthia Coble, Secretary (Left):

Cynthia has lived and worked in Lacey since 1973, having retired from teaching in the North Thurston Public Schools in 2006. She and her husband have 2 children, both of whom are graduates of NTPS. She is a principal with ERI, International and was recently named Director of European Operations for the Company. In addition to doing volunteer work at Mountain View Elementary, she also serves on the Board of Trustees for the North Thurston Education Foundation.  

Aaron Owada, Board of Directors Representative (Right):

Aaron is a member of the North Thurston Public Schools Board of Directors, volunteer of the North Thurston Citizens for Schools, and an Attorney at Law. 

Gretchen Maliska, Social Media Coordinator (3rd from Left):

A Washington native, Gretchen and her husband have five children, two of whom currently attend North Thurston Public Schools.  A former “dot.com” worker turned stay-at-home mom, Gretchen is the administrator for the Thurston Co. Youth Football League and has been an active community and school volunteer, from meal programs to orphanages in India.

NTCFS Executive Committee