It’s no secret that the Tumwater T-Birds and the Chehalis Bearcats share a competitive spirit when it comes to athletics.
Where no rivalry exists, however, is in our shared commitment to student success. As an experienced school board member in Chehalis, I am honored and enthusiastic to endorse Sarah Overbay for the Tumwater School Board.
I first got to know Sarah during the COVID-19 shutdowns when we both found ourselves advocating for students. Since then, we’ve become friends, and I’ve seen firsthand her heart for community and service.
She has demonstrated this through her involvement in various volunteer roles, including the district’s Equity and Budget Advisory Committees.
Sarah is a licensed foster care provider while raising six children of her own. This provides natural connection with parents and students, giving her valuable insights that will serve her well as a board director. She has a gift for connecting with others and models civility and respect, even in moments of disagreement.
Sarah has a clear mission: to refocus Tumwater schools on their core purpose — student learning and academic success. While distractions will always exist, Sarah understands that by keeping student success at the center, there is far more to unite than divide.
In conversations with Sarah, she has shown an eagerness to learn, grow and serve as the best school board member she can be. Her vision for building stronger community partnerships, prioritizing academic achievement and leading with integrity and compassion will be invaluable as Tumwater embarks on this critical election.
Kelsi Hamilton
Chehalis
