Laurie Little | Class of 1980

Laurie was always a talented musician and has fond memories of music teacher, Betty Budd. Laurie began her performing career in Hollywood as a model and actress. By 1988, her focus turned to music. She released two country music albums and toured nationally with country western bands. Then, inspired by Audrey Hepburn and her work with UNICEF, Laurie wrote her trademark song, "One Light." The song speaks of Laurie's strong belief in the power of love and connecting with each other. Laurie and her family returned to the Northwest, where for the last 21 years she has dedicated her life and her music to uplifting humanity. Her CD’s have been released in the U.S. and the United Kingdom, raising money for Veterans, animals, cancer, abuse awareness, global water and children’s welfare.

In the summer of 2013, Laurie arose to lead our community in helping her neighbor, Jerry Bajema. Jerry was badly injured in a chainsaw accident. Laurie was a strong support while he was in the hospital. She also discovered that Jerry had not been able to repair his house after a house fire two years before. She thought about how he would need a home that was safe and comfortable to recuperate in after he was released from the hospital. Laurie, despite her own health challenges, stepped up to help and spread the word to bring the community together to help our neighbor in need. An amazing action of love was in full swing within a few weeks in the community to build Jerry a new home. For four months, Laurie coordinated fundraising, donations, and volunteers. In the midst of it all, Laurie wrote a song called, “Love thy Neighbor”. She performed it at the fundraising concert she organized, and through unity and hard work the community built a new home for their neighbor. Four months after his accident, Jerry moved into his house that love built. Even more than her own dedication to serving however she can, Laurie’s example and leadership in the community deserves a place on the Mt. Baker School District’s Wall of Distinguished Service.

Submitted by Ellen Dodson

The Mount Baker School District would like to honor the many alumni that have generously given of their time, skills and spirit to make a significant contribution to their community. Their efforts have transformed lives, strengthened local institutions, protected our environment, and built community. They've given us inspiration, leadership, and confidence that we, too, can make a difference. Their service comes in many forms: building a community library, serving decades as a volunteer firefighter, creating a park, feeding the hungry, showing outstanding valor in military service, daily assisting neighbors in large ways and small. These are just a few examples of how our alumni have provided service worthy of distinction. The school district has created the Distinguished Service Wall for the district website. Listed by their class by year, are the honorees names and a description of their service.

If you know of a Mount Baker Alumni who has provided distinguished service to their community and would like to propose that they be added to the list, please call (360) 383-2000 with the following information:

• Veteran's name

• Class Year

• 150-250 words describing who they are, their significant service, the effect of the service

• A photo (if available)

• Your name, phone number, email address