Community

About the Family Association

Every family attending Charles Wright Academy is a welcome member of the Family Association. We actively seek meaningful ways for you to get involved in our community. From the annual Charlie’s Picnic every fall to the Jogathon in May, and events throughout the year, there is no shortage of fun opportunities to get to know fellow Tarrier families and to support the endeavors of your enrolled Tarriers. We look forward to seeing you throughout the year!

Family Association Purpose

The CWA Family Association is a friendly and inviting community of family volunteers. We aim to connect parents, caregivers, and families, through planning play dates, hangouts, and events that bring the community together. Our goal is to build connections based on trust and friendship that lead to school engagement and inspire active family involvement. As a part of Auxiliary Services within CWA, we serve the school through the time, talents & resources of our parents and volunteers.

Family Association Activities

Past Family Association activities include:

• Back to School Coffee

• Night Out at the Rainiers

• Tubing at Snoqualmie

• Roller Skating

• “Vibe” Bingo Nights

• CWA’s Annual Jogathon

• Restaurant Takeovers

• End of Year parties

• And More!

Volunteer with the Family Association

We would love to have you join our team of volunteers and help you get involved at a level that is comfortable for you and your schedule! If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out CWA’s Volunteer Interest Form and someone from the Family Association will get in touch with you when opportunities arise.

The Spirit Store is led by the Family Association and is volunteer run. The CWA Spirit Store is open on most Wednesdays from 2:30-5, as well as during key events. Sign up for a shift here!

To volunteer in your child’s classroom or to learn more about additional opportunities by division, please contact your assigned division leadership.

What is the steering committee? 

The Family Association Steering Committee is a team of dedicated volunteers who foster the connection between families, faculty, and our school. The Family Association differs from a parent union or a PTA in that we function under the school, not as an outside affiliate, nor do we influence school operations or academics. Additionally, we do not serve as liaisons for concerns about the school. Our focus is on building a supportive and joyful community through meaningful interactions and shared experiences. If you are interested in joining or would like to know more, please connect with the Family Association Steering Committee via email at familyassociation@charleswright.org. 

Family Association Steering Committee for the 2024-25 School Year:

Family Association Steering Committee Chair: Surtida Shelton, P’30

Engagement Coordinator: Gordon Adams, P’30

Fundraising Coordinator: Gwen Hearn, P’36, P’38

Events Coordinator: Dulce Ngo, P’ 29

Marketing Coordinator: Open

CWA Staff advisor: Colleen Borst, P’33, Director of Auxiliary Services

Once a Tarrier, Always a Tarrier! 

The Development Office aims to stay engaged with Charles Wright Academy alumni all over the world and encourages graduates from our first class of 1964 and onward to get involved in the life of the school and our community.

Get Involved

Connect with students by hosting a senior for an internship or serving as a mentor; attend an alumni event such as Homecoming, Pub Night, or a regional gathering in a town near you; submit Class Notes to Ties alumni magazine; or support your alma mater and help the next generation of Tarriers discover their potential by donating to the CWA Annual Fund.

Would you like to get involved with Charles Wright but just don’t know how? Contact our Family Association!

Stay Connected

• Update Your Contact Info

• Connect with Tarrier Alumni on Facebook

• Submit Class Notes

Alum of the Year

This award is presented to a graduate of Charles Wright Academy and recognizes the individual’s accomplishments and/or service to community. Nominations can be submitted here. 

Recent Award Recipients:

2024 – Henry Cheney ’16

Henry is a CWA “lifer”, meaning he attended our school from Beginning School to Grade 12. After graduating from CWA, Henry went on to play and coach baseball for the University of Portland, where he graduated with his BA and MBA in Nonprofit Management. Since graduating from the University of Portland, Henry has taken his talents back to the CWA community where he serves as the Assistant Athletic Director for Youth Sports and Upper School Baseball Coach. 

2023 – Nate Mondou ’13

Nate has been making headlines over the past 12 months—first after appearing for the Oakland Athletics in his Major League Baseball debut last fall, and then again in February after signing with the Chicago White Sox organization to support their minor league needs at second base.

2022 – Trevor Will ’93
Trevor is the owner of Titus-Will Automotive Group and works hard to care for his community, including his alma mater, CWA. 

2021 – Laura Malcolm ’00
Laura is the co-founder and CEO of Give InKind, which she founded in 2016 as a means to provide people around the world with concrete ways to help their loved ones through challenging times.

2020 – J’Nai Bridges ’05
J’Nai navigates the competitive world of opera with confidence, turning her passion into a successful international stage career. 

2019  – Scott Case ’94
Scott co-founded a software startup called EnergySavvy to help people use energy more efficiently in their homes and reduce the impact of climate change. 

2018 – Trevor Moawad ’91
Trevor was an internationally known mental conditioning coach and veteran of the professional sports business. 

2017 – Charles “Chuck” Morey ’65
Chuck is a director, playwright and former artistic director with more than 45 years’ experience in professional theater and extensive credits from coast to coast. 

2016 – Kathy Niakan ’96
Internationally renowned researcher and scientist Kathy Niakan ’96 was named in Time Magazine’s World’s Top 100 Most Influential People.