Olive Strand

 

The Tacoma‑Pierce Athletic Commission is proud to recognize

Olive Strand of Cascade Christian High School as the recipient of the 2026 Stan Naccarato Civic Betterment Award, honoring a student whose leadership, service, and compassion have made a meaningful and lasting impact on her school and community.

 

Olive’s commitment to civic betterment is defined not by a single act, but by a consistent pattern of integrity, kindness, and service across every area of her life. As a multi‑year varsity athlete, she has been a steady and positive presence on the golf team, known for her sportsmanship, perseverance, and encouragement of others—even in the most challenging conditions. Coaches describe her as calm under pressure, unfailingly positive, and deeply respectful of teammates and opponents alike.

 

What sets Olive apart is the way she chooses to serve others when no recognition is required. Whether mentoring younger players, welcoming elementary students into golf experiences, or acting as a mediator to restore team unity during moments of conflict, Olive consistently places the needs of others above her own. Her coach recalls trusting Olive to lead and support the youngest participants in a school‑hosted golf event, where her leadership, humor, and encouragement transformed the experience into one of confidence and belonging for her younger teammate.

 

Olive’s civic leadership extends well beyond athletics. She is actively involved in her school’s academic, artistic, and service communities, participating in choir, orchestra, theater, National Honor Society, and community‑centered service projects throughout all four years of high school. As a classroom leader and teacher’s assistant, she has demonstrated patience, responsibility, and a strong moral compass, earning the respect of both peers and educators. Teachers note that students naturally look to Olive for guidance because she leads with empathy, consistency, and quiet confidence.

 

In moments of adversity, Olive’s character becomes even more evident. While balancing advanced coursework, multiple sports, and extracurricular commitments, she took it upon herself to help resolve interpersonal challenges among teammates—maintaining relationships, encouraging reconciliation, and prioritizing team morale. This selfless leadership earned her the Cougar Award, recognizing the student‑athlete who best embodies the core values of her school community.

 

Selected by the Athlete of the Year Committee, Olive Strand exemplifies the spirit of the Stan Naccarato Civic Betterment Awardthrough sustained service, compassionate leadership, and a genuine commitment to making her community stronger. Her actions reflect Stan Naccarato’s legacy of bringing people together through care, generosity, and civic responsibility. The Tacoma‑Pierce Athletic Commission is honored to recognize Olive’s remarkable contributions and the example she sets for future student‑leaders.