Cesar Chavez Awards honor community heroes
Above: Bellevue Police Department Officer Craig Hanaumi with YES Executive Director Patti Skelton-McGougan.
Bellevue Police Department Officer Craig Hanaumi can be found, on various days, at the skate park shredding with local youth, at the gym practicing Jiu-Jitsu, or inside a music room playing the trombone. On March 31, Youth Eastside Services (YES) honored him and other local heroes for their service to the community at its annual Cesar Chavez Awards.
Officer Hanaumi has previously been featured in 425 Magazine, on KOMO and elsewhere for his down-to-earth approach to connecting with local youth. He’s also been instrumental in guiding struggling youth to YES’ services.
Also honored was long-time YES Counselor Tina Morales, whose dedication to youth — particularly Latino youth — is credited with turning many kids’ lives around. Morales co-coordinates YES’ Latino H.E.A.T. and Mamas Unidas programs, which support Latino youth and families in growing their leadership skills, accessing resources and opportunities, and creating an environment where culture and community service are celebrated.