Jensen and Rohrich Honored with NCESD Friend of Children Award for Leadership of Book Buddies Program in Local Schools

information released; pictured above — Trisha Schock (left) and Valerie Rohrich

The Lake Chelan School District is proud to recognize Tom Jensen and Valerie Rohrich, recipients of the North Central Educational Service District (NCESD) Friend of Children Award, for their outstanding volunteer service and leadership of the Lake Chelan Rotary Book Buddies program and the Page Ahead book giveaway program.

Created in 1992, the Friend of Children Award honors exceptional volunteers across NCESD’s four-county region. Recipients are people who make extraordinary contributions to local schools and communities, not for recognition, but because service is part of who they are. They give generously, consistently, and without seeking the spotlight.

Valerie Rohrich received her award from NCESD Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services Trisha Schock at a recent Lake Chelan School District Board of Directors meeting. Tom Jensen received his award from Lake Chelan School District Superintendent Brad Wilson at a recent Lake Chelan Rotary meeting.

Tom and Valerie reflect the heart of this recognition. Under their leadership, Book Buddies has grown from a simple idea into a meaningful literacy effort serving students in the Lake Chelan and Manson school districts, along with Holden Village School. The program began in December 2021 with a goal of helping young students develop a love of reading by connecting them with caring adult volunteers and providing books they could take home and read with family members.

Since then, Book Buddies has continued to grow. In 2022-23, volunteers read monthly with second graders at Morgen Owings Elementary and supported students at Manson Elementary, distributing approximately 2,200 books.

In 2023-24, the program expanded to include first and second graders at Morgen Owings Elementary, increased one-on-one reading support at Manson, participated in Scholastic book fairs, and provided more than 4,000 books to students.

In 2024-25, Book Buddies expanded again at Morgen Owings Elementary to serve all students in grades K-5, while continuing its work with Manson Elementary and Holden Village. This year, the program provided more than 5,000 books to local children.

Brad Wilson (left) and Tom Jensen 

“Tom and Valerie represent the very best of our community,” said Superintendent Brad Wilson. “Their leadership has helped make reading more joyful and accessible for our students. Just as importantly, they have reminded children that their community believes in them.”

Lake Chelan School District extends heartfelt congratulations to Tom Jensen and Valerie Rohrich and thanks them for their exceptional service to students, families, schools, and the entire Lake Chelan Valley.