What can I do to have a positive impact on the Sammamish community?

This is the question that lingered with me as I left the EX3 Teen Center in Sammamish last Saturday night, after attending the 2016 SAMMI (Sammamish Acknowledging Magnificent Moments of Inspiration) Awards. During the evening, the SAMMI Awards Foundation recognized passionate people in the community who show commitment, compassion and a strong sense of community.

I had the opportunity to speak with award winners such as Jeff and Kellea Taylor, who condensed their 13-year-old son Sam’s devastating journey with an inoperable brain tumor into a 10-minute conversation.

The Taylor family established the Strong4Sam Foundation, dedicated to creating community awareness for pediatric cancers while raising funds for innovative research into more effective and less toxic therapies, according to their website. Given the Taylor family’s strength through their ordeal, it’s no surprise they were recognized with a Courage award on Saturday.

I also spoke with Angela Shi, a Youth Spirit award winner, and Julie Siefkes, who was recognized with a Circle of Service award. Both women are featured on this week’s cover.

As I drove home following the event, I thought about these inspiring people and their stories. Sometimes it’s difficult to tell an entire story in one newspaper article. Sometimes, there are multiple stories — magnificent stories — worth telling.

So, over the next year, the Reporter will publish a new monthly series entitled “SAMMI Spotlight.” Every month, we will feature one of the SAMMI award winners. Thank you, Sammamish, for inspiring me to join you in having a positive reflection on this community.

We look forward to sharing your inspiring stories and celebrating your contributions to Sammamish.