2016 Pay It Forward Honorees

Jonathan Nguyen: Nguyen is a 2016 graduate from Todd Beamer High School and an Advancing Leadership 2 year program alumni. Jonathan has a passion to make a difference and a need to have an immediate impact on local and global problems. This passion drove him to develop and organize a talent show involving all high schools in Federal Way. This single night event generated over $6,000 which benefited three charities, "Youth Homelessness Awareness Program", the "Eliminate Project" and" United Nations for Syrian Refuges". Jonathan cares very much about inclusiveness and social equity for all. He is a musician bound for University of Washington this fall to pursue his degree.

Sharry Edwards: Sharry Edwards is a long time advocate and community activist for the homeless. She is a board member for the Federal Way Care Giving Network and operates a monthly event which provides free laundry for the homeless in our community. Edwards has organized a drive to collect tents, tarps, sleeping bags and emergency supplies for those in need. Currently Sharry is helping to bring a food pantry to Decatur High School and works with the Puget Sound Pet Food Bank.

Shelley Pauls: Shelley loves the heart, spirit and people of Federal Way's community. She is committed to taking time to learn about her community and then help connect people to volunteer projects they would enjoy. In her spare time she volunteers as the "We Love Our City" coordinator. Shelley and her husband, Dwight have organized volunteer teams to assist with many community building programs and events including: Habitat for Humanity, Break the Chains Against Human Trafficking, Paint the Fence, City Serve Days, Reach Out and many more. Shelley loves to take photos and uses these images to promote community events and tell the story of the wonderful people and events in our city.