Sequim Irrigation Festival | Royalty & Dignitaries

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Welfare for Animals Guild

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Olympic Theatre Arts

Bio

Lily has lived in Sequim since she was six and is fortunate to be part of one of Sequim’s Pioneer Families. Last year she had the delight of watching her grandmother be celebrated as an honored pioneer. Being part of a Pioneer Family has given Lily a greater appreciation for Sequim’s community and is one of the reasons why she wanted to participate in the Irrigation Festival.

Lily’s passions include science, fashion, art, theater, and volunteering. When she is not studying for her AP classes or improving her art skills, you can find her at home spending time with her three rescue dogs: Martha, Fern, and Cosmo.

Animals have always been a part of Lily’s life. Her love of animals in need started when she was little and she volunteered for three years at a local alpaca rescue. For this reason, Lily has chosen The Welfare For Animals Guild as her platform.

Platform

Support the education for the Captain Joseph House Foundation

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BrokersGroup Real Estate

Bio

Malachi has been a Sequim resident his whole life. He has many hobbies ranging from mountain biking, fiddling and videogame design, but his passion has always been in helping others. That’s how he discovered Scouting. Malachi joined Cub Scouts as a first grader and he is now currently working towards his rank of Eagle Scout.

The virtues of Scouting have helped to make Malachi into the person he is today. Scout Troop 90 has been involved in supporting many community organizations, and as a member Malachi’s knowledge of local non-profits and how the troop can help has grown. While recently serving at the Captain Joseph House Memorial Day ceremony, Malachi discovered his desire to support families who have lost loved ones in Service to our country. His platform is to continue to support the education for the Captain Joseph House Foundation.

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Spread awareness of Celiac Disease

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Woods Guitar Service

Bio

Roxy moved to Sequim 3 years ago with her parents, Christopher and Shannon, and her sister Tilly. She has a passion for the arts as well as a great interest in science and mathematics.

From an early age, Roxy knew that she wanted to be a ballerina. Roxy trains hard to perfect her technique, whether it be at the ballet studio or at home. Post-graduation, she plans to audition for several ballet companies.

After fulfilling her ballet career, it is her goal to complete her bachelors and master’s degree in nutritional science and become a dietitian. Healthy eating and dietary awareness is very important to Roxy as she has been diagnosed with Celiac Disease and has chosen to spread awareness for the disorder as her platform.

Platform

Sequim Food Bank

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Dungeness Kids

Bio

Joanna was awarded the Congeniality Award during the royalty pageant.

Joanna has spent her entire youth in Sequim where she has enjoyed many outdoor activities, with Carrie Blake Park and Railroad Bridge being among her favorite spots. It was here that she developed a deep appreciation for nature, leading her to start a small backyard garden with her parents. She will major in Biology in the upcoming year.

In addition to her love of nature, Joanna enjoys baking and listening to music in her free time. Over the past year and a half, she has volunteered at the Sequim Food Bank, an experience that has deeply impacted her. She is passionate about helping others and has chosen the Sequim Food Bank as her platform. Joanna hopes to continue raising awareness about food insecurity and encourage others to get involved in supporting their community.

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Hillcrest Homes

Teacher

Mrs. Miller, Hellen Haller Elementary

Age

Savannah is a bright 9-year-old student in Mrs. Miller’s 3rd grade class at Helen Haller Elementary

School. She is the beloved only child of Silas and Vanessa Fuller.

Essay:

Sequim is a magical place to grow up and make memories. From the beaches to the river, to the mountains, Sequim is full of adventure.

One of my favorite memories is camping at the Dungeness Spit with family and friends. Playing at the park, in the woods and the beach is a great day. Another place I have made memories is the Dungeness River. I have enjoyed the days of looking for rocks, swimming and jumping off logs on hot summer days.

My favorite memory is living on the mountain, exploring wildlife, nature and picking

berries.

I am lucky to live in Sequim, a town that is unforgettable and awesome!

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Hilands Residential Mortgage

Teacher

Mrs. Burr, Hellen Haller Elementary

Age

Stella is 8 years old and in Mrs. Burr’s 3rd grade class at Helen Haller Elementary. In school she is known to be a bit of a social butterfly and especially enjoys studying art, science, and being with her friends. Her parents, Nikki Sather and Greg Good, have passed on their love of travel and adventure to Stella. In the last eight years, she has visited 7 countries and 15 states. Close to home, Stella is likely to be found exploring the outdoors. She is an expert wild berry and mushroom forager, and an exceptional docent at our local tide pools. During her down time, Stella can usually be found at her art table working on new creations while listening to an audiobook. Stella’s big brother, Konnor, is an engineer and when she grows up, she might want to follow his STEM career path to become a plant scientist. Stella has deep ancestral roots on the Olympic Peninsula. She is a descendant of the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe as well as a descendant of some of Sequim’s Pioneer Families. Her great grandmother, Hazel Lowe, is one of the 2025 Irrigation Festival Honored Pioneers.

Essay:

Sequim is a big part of my heart and all the people and places in it. My favorite memories are being close to my family, practicing my culture, and last but definitely not least I love

spending time outdoors. I have so many cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents that I have lost count. There are so many of us in Sequim we can barely fit in one house for our family gatherings. My ancestors have been here for over 1,000 years. Even though I didn’t know them I remember them through my culture. Beading is one of my favorite hobbies. At inter-tribal

gatherings it is hard to get me off the dance floor. Some of my favorite memories are camping at the Dungeness River. The forest sounds are calming. My back aches after sleeping on the ground but it is worth it.

I love Sequim and all its memories.

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Dungeness Kids

Teacher

Mrs. Oden, Hellen Haller Elementary

Age

Madelyn, a vibrant 9-year-old, is a student of Mrs. Oden’s 3rd grade class at Helen Haller Elementary School. She is the cherished daughter of Monique and Gordon Davis and shares her home with two lovable furry siblings, Goose and Gemma, who are twelve.

Madelyn’s enthusiasm for learning shines through in her favorite subjects, PE and reading. Her creative spirit is evident in her love for drawing and art projects. Outside the classroom, Madelyn stays active by playing soccer, baseball, and enjoys horseback riding. Her dedication extends to her first year of

participation in both the 4-H Club and the Clallam County Junior Livestock Auction (CCJLA).

Looking ahead, Madelyn dreams of working with an animal rescue center, a true testament to her passion for animals. And if there’s one thing she wants everyone to know, it’s that she absolutely loves horses!

Essay:

Hi, my name is Madelyn and I love all the animals in the community! So, what about Sequim inspires my future?

Well, I love all the trees and the animals and I love all of the farms and horses in Sequim. I am active in FFA and 4H. The farming community of Sequim inspires me in many ways. Taking care of my animals makes me happy and feel accomplished. Connecting with all of my animals gives me a sense of purpose and peace. I hope to someday have my

own farm in Sequim. It would make me very happy and proud to be part of Washington state’s oldest community festival, the Sequim Irrigation Festival Jr. Royalty Court!

Thank you

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Sweet Spot Frozen Yogurt

Teacher

Mrs. Ellefson, Hellen Haller Elementary

Age

Briella is an enthusiastic 8-year-old in Mrs. Ellefson’s 3rd-grade class at Helen Haller Elementary. She is the beloved daughter of Kevin and Liz Gleason and a wonderful sister to Addy, LuLu, and Wesley.

Briella’s passion for learning shines brightly, especially in STEM subjects. Her dream is to become a paleontologist, reflecting her keen interest in the natural world. Outside of her academic pursuits, Briella enjoys horseback riding, exploring the outdoors, writing short stories, and spending quality time with her family.

She is honored and thrilled to serve as Jr. Royalty, proudly following in the footsteps of seven family members

who previously held royalty titles for the Sequim Irrigation Festival.

Essay:

I love growing up in Sequim because there are so many places to go and fun traditions. I love going to The Nature Center because I get to explore outside, learn about Sequim’s

history, and it has a cool nature exhibit. It inspires me to be a paleontologist because of the plants, animals, and birds. My other favorite place is The Sweet Spot because I get to make

froyo creations, try new things like mochi, and hang out with my friends. One of my favorite traditions is going to the Irrigation Festival, there are so many fun things to do like the Kids Parade. My favorite memory is when me, my sisters and cousins dressed up and walked in the Kids Parade and won first place! We were so excited and happy and it was fun to see all the other kids dressed up. Growing up in Sequim is the best!

Mike Dashiell was born into a U.S. Navy family and spent his younger years crisscrossing the county with his family until settling in the Kitsap County area, where he graduated from Central Kitsap High School. He developed a love for words early on, and found his future vocation at Olympic College’s journalism classes. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism at Western Washington University.

For that degree, he needed an internship, and found one working for editor Jim Manders and publisher Frank Garred at the Sequim Gazette in 2001. After the internship was over, he stayed on as a general assignment reporter, and a couple of years later took on the role of sports editor. He earned Washington Newspaper Publisher’s Association’s Sportswriter of the Year four times.

In 2010 Mike was promoted to editor, and for the next 15 years — a time that included two ownership changes — he oversaw a newsroom that was regularly named one of the top weeklies in Washington state, success he credits in large part to former owner Brown Maloney, publishers Eran Kennedy, John Brewer and Terry Ward, longtime coworkers Matthew Nash and Linda Clenard, and dozens of fellow journalists and support staff.

Along with that work came covering the past 25 iterations of the Sequim Irrigation Festival.

“I have always felt that telling the stories of our citizens is a privilege and an honor,” Mike said. “I was truly blessed to do so for so many years.”

When not photographing and writing about the community, Mike has volunteered with a number of groups, including Sequim High School’s Career and Technical Education advisory committee, First Teacher and other school activities, helped found and organize the Back 2 School Family Fun Run, and serves on the worship team at Dungeness Community Church.

Mike met his future wife Patsene in 2002 and they married in 2007. They have two daughters: Chelsea, of Fort Collins, Colorado; and Hallie, of Leeds, Massachusetts. He now works as Tribal Communications and Publications Specialist for the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe.

Hazel’s lineage traces back to her great-grandparents, who homesteaded near Chicken Coop Road in Blynn. Born to Chauncey Messenger and Dorothy Delaney, she was the fourth of five children: Mayme, Phyllis, Pete, Hazel, and George. Tragically, Chauncey passed away when the children were young. In 1954, Dorothy remarried Don Hendrickson, and they had a son, John.

The Messenger family has deep ties to Sequim’s cultural heritage. Dorothy, Hazel’s mother, was crowned the 1927 Irrigation Festival Queen. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Hazel served on the Royalty Court in 1959, embodying the grace and tradition of Sequim’s annual celebration.

In 1962, Hazel married Tom Lowe, and together they raised five daughters: Sandy, Sheryl, Vicki, Cindy, and Kathy. Their family became a cornerstone of the community, with Tom Tom’s Grocery—a beloved local establishment located at the northwest corner of Washington Street and 5th Avenue (now the site of Rite-Aid)—serving as a gathering place for locals. During the gas shortages of 1973 and 1979, Tom Tom’s implemented a system where customers with last names starting with ‘L-Z’ could purchase gas on certain days, and ‘A-K’ on others, ensuring fair distribution during challenging times.

Hazel fondly recalls her childhood in Blynn, where life was simpler, and everyone knew each other. She remembers attending the Dresden Theater (now the site of Sunshine Café), purchasing a ticket, and often staying to watch the movie a second time. In high school, she and her friends enjoyed watching Elvis movies in Port Angeles, where the excitement was palpable, with everyone dancing in the aisles.

A memorable high school prank involved Hazel and her friends painting a ’59’ under the main stoplight in downtown Sequim using her mother’s house paint. While the cleanup was a chore, the laughter and camaraderie made it worthwhile.

Hazel’s involvement in the community extended beyond her family. She was president of the Girl’s Athletic Association (G.A.A.) and has fond memories of playing basketball in the Old Gym, where girls played half-court. She also recalls the excitement when girls were finally allowed to wear ‘dress pants’ to boys’ afternoon football games—a significant change at the time.

The Sequim Prairie Grange, known for its lively community dances, was another venue where Hazel and her family spent many enjoyable evenings. These dances were so popular that they often filled the dance floor, reflecting the strong sense of community in Sequim. Hazel has volunteered for the Sequim Prairie Grange for many years.

Hazel’s journey from her early days in Blynn to becoming an integral part of Sequim’s fabric exemplifies the essence of an Honored Pioneer. Her dedication to family, community, and tradition has left an indelible mark on Sequim, and her story continues to inspire those who call this town home.

As Hazel reflects on her life, she notes, “Life in Sequim was much simpler growing up where everyone knew each other.” Her enduring legacy is a testament to the enduring spirit of Sequim and its people.

This year, as Sequim celebrates the 130th Irrigation Festival, it is with great pride that we recognize Tim Wheeler as one of the festival’s esteemed Honored Pioneers. Tim’s deep roots in the Sequim community, coupled with his remarkable career and unwavering commitment to service, make him a fitting honoree for this milestone celebration.

Born and raised on a dairy farm in Sequim, Tim Wheeler has been a part of this community since his childhood. He graduated from Sequim High School in 1958, where his passion for learning and dedication to his community were already evident. After high school, Tim pursued higher education at Amherst College, graduating in 1964. His journey would take him far from Sequim, but his heart remained anchored in his hometown.

In 1967, Tim and his wife Joyce moved east, where he embarked on a career in journalism. He began as a staff writer for The Worker and later became the Washington correspondent for The Daily World, gaining recognition for his insightful reporting and sharp writing. During his time in Baltimore, Tim and Joyce raised three children, contributing to their community and making a lasting impact through their work and volunteer efforts.

In 2006, after retiring, Tim and Joyce returned to Sequim, eager to reconnect with the place they always considered home. Their return marked the beginning of a new chapter of civic engagement. Tim became an active member of the Clallam County Democratic Party, where he and Joyce spent countless hours doorbelling for local, state, and national candidates, including those of historic importance like President Barack Obama and President-elect Joe Biden, with his running mate Kamala Harris. Their dedication to these causes highlights their steadfast commitment to shaping a better future for all.

Beyond his political activism, Tim has made significant contributions to the literary world. He is the author of two books: News From Rain Shadow Country, a reflection on his childhood in Sequim, and News For the 99%, which draws on the stories and experiences from his career in journalism. These books showcase Tim’s unique perspective on the world, blending his deep connection to Sequim with the insights he gained from his time in the newsroom.

As we celebrate the 130th Sequim Irrigation Festival, we honor Tim Wheeler not just for his accomplishments, but for the values he embodies—community, service, and a lifelong commitment to making a difference. His story is a testament to the enduring spirit of Sequim, and we are proud to count him among our community’s Honored Pioneers.

The small city of Sequim is honoring Janet Ellis Duncan with the title of Honored Pioneer at the Sequim Irrigation Festival, a recognition she holds dear with gratitude and pride. Janet, a 1956 graduate of Sequim High School, has fond memories of her childhood in the Dungeness area, where she grew up surrounded by the rhythms of farm life and a close-knit community.

As a young girl, Janet remembers her mother guiding her through the steps of the traditional Maypole Dance, a cherished annual event during the festival. She also recalls attending the Dungeness Schoolhouse, where her mother often helped cook lunch for students. Janet’s father, a farmer who grew Silver Lake Peas and worked at the Clallam Co-Op and Dungeness Creamery, instilled a love of agriculture in her. The family’s move from Bellingham back to Dungeness was marked by her father’s passion for moving, as Janet fondly recalls, “Dad liked to move.”

Growing up on a farm, Janet often had chores like feeding the calves and working in a large vegetable garden. The McAlmond Farm, where the family lived and worked, is now on the Historic Registry, and Janet’s memories of her time there are full of affection for the hard work and sense of community that defined her upbringing. Janet even saved time walking across fields and climbing fences to catch the school bus, demonstrating her resourcefulness and determination.

Janet’s personal life is just as rich, with four children from her first marriage: Anita, Howie, Shelly, and Steve. She later married Clinton Duncan in 1969, who owned Duncan’s Backhoe Service.

When asked to accept the title of Honored Pioneer, Janet was initially surprised but soon felt deeply honored. With her signature humor, she quipped, “Well… I AM old!”

Betty Kettel and Janet Duncan are sisters and have a shared history.

Their parents, seeking stability after difficult years in North Dakota during the 1920s, packed up their belongings and set out for a more peaceful and prosperous life in the lush Sequim-Dungeness Valley. The Fuller grandparents, who had settled in Sequim on Secor Road years earlier, were instrumental in drawing the family westward. The five children (Donald, Betty, Mary, Janet, and David) grew up in Dungeness, attending school at the Dungeness Schoolhouse in the earlier grades before heading to Sequim High School.

Betty and Janet’s family history runs deep, with their ancestral ties to the S’Klallam Tribe through their great-grandmother, Henrietta Stevens, also known by her tribal name Sea-litza, meaning “Little Quail.” Henrietta Stevens, born in 1849, is remembered as an important figure in the S’Klallam community, and her legacy continues to inspire Betty and Janet today. This connection to the region’s Indigenous roots provides an enriching layer to their story and serves as a reminder of the cultural significance of the Sequim area.

For Betty, Sequim has always been home. A 1953 graduate of Sequim High School, Betty’s fond memories of growing up in the valley are as cherished as the moments she spent giving back to the community. During her senior year, Betty served as one of the princesses, a role that introduced her to the importance of community involvement—a theme that would define much of her life.

After marrying Lawrence “Humpy” Kettel, another member of Sequim’s pioneer families, Betty and her husband became well-known figures in the community. They owned the gas station on the northeast corner of Washington and 2nd Avenue—a staple of Sequim for many years. Humpy, a beloved local figure, worked hard to build a reputable business, and Betty played an important role in the community as well. She worked at The Three Crabs, a popular local spot, and later dedicated her time to the Sequim School District, where she worked in food services, providing delicious meals for the youth of the area.

Betty’s love for family and nature is evident in her life’s journey. Betty and Humpy had three children—Gwen, Pam, and Gary—and over the years, the family grew to include nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. For Betty, there is no greater joy than spending time with her beloved family. Whether it’s camping at Kalaloch, hiking in the Olympics, or clamming and fishing, Betty enjoys the great outdoors and passing down these traditions to the next generation.

In fact, Betty is known for her remarkable fishing skills, and many in Sequim can recall her prowess on the water. Family time was always filled with outdoor adventures, fostering a deep bond with the land and each other. One particularly memorable moment for Betty was the big snowstorm of 1950, when she was just 15 years old. She recalls walking up the long lane of McAlmond Lane to the barn and house in Dungeness during the storm, only to experience the painful effects of chilblains from the cold. That was the year when heavy ice brought down telephone poles and lines, and the storm became a defining event in the community.

A strong memory was during World War II in Sequim where mandatory blackouts kept the Sequim-Dungeness Valley dark at night, a safety measure in case of enemy aircraft. Betty remembers how, during these wartime years, a serviceman came to their door to ensure their windows were properly blacked out to prevent any light from escaping. The watchtowers around the area are a stark reminder of the sacrifices made to protect the country.

Betty Kettel and Janet Duncan are sisters and have a shared history.

Hi, my name is Sonja Karabotsos. I am in Mr. Danielson’s 5th grade class at Hellen Haller Elementary. I live with my mom & dad, older brother, my dog Oly, and cat Artemis. One thing I love about living on the Olympic Peninsula is that there are lots of beautiful places to explore. The Dungeness River is one of my favorite places to go. In the winter, I love sipping hot chocolate while looking at Christmas lights on the Railroad Bridge Trail and snowboarding at Hurricane Ridge with my family. In the summer, I love surfing and playing in the waves at Salt Creek, swimming in Lake Crescent, and hiking to Marymere Falls. At home, I enjoy baking and eating cookies, cakes, and muffins. I also love to be creative- painting, drawing, sculpting with clay, and making jewelry. I am so happy to be a part of the Irrigation Festival and celebrate this special tradition with my community.

Royalty & Dignitaries

Royalty & Dignitaries

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2025 Queen Lily Tjemsland

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2025 Prince Malachi Byrne

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2025 Princess Roxy Woods

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2025 Princess Joanna Morales

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2025 Jr Princess Savannah Fuller

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2025 Jr Princess Stella Good

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2025 Jr Princess Madelyn Davis

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2025 Jr Princess Briella Gleason

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2025 Grand Marshal

Mike Dashiell

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﻿Hazel Messenger Lowe

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Tim Wheeler

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Janet Duncan

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Betty Kettle

2025 Button Design Winner Sonja Karabotsos

Hazel Messenger Lowe