Photo courtesy of City of Woodinville
Former and current Woodinville Sunshine Preschool students join Woodinville City Council members to celebrate MaryAnn Russell’s Spirit of Woodinville Award. Front (left to right), Sam Bryant, Grant Thompson, Mia Kinsella, Alice Dixon; Row 2, Erik Stecker, Paige Thompson, Molly Dixon, Derek Beers; Row 3, Emily Beers; Center, MaryAnn Russell; Back, Mayor Cathy VonWald, Councilwoman Gina Leonard, Councilman Don Brocha, Deputy Mayor Hank Stecker, Councilman Scott Hageman and Councilman Chuck Price.

At its Aug. 7 meeting, the Woodinville City Council honored MaryAnn Russell with a Spirit of Woodinville Award. She has owned, managed and taught at the Woodinville Sunshine Preschool for 25 years, influencing over 500 young people’s lives in that time.

Deputy Mayor Hank Stecker presented the award and commended Russell’s commitment to children.

“Thank you for all that you have done for the City of Woodinville,” said Stecker.

Artie Schell opened the Woodinville Sunshine Preschool at a church on 140th Avenue Northeast in the 1960s. She moved the school to the Mountainview Community Center on 168th Avenue Northeast in the late 60s. Russell, former elementary school teacher, substituted at the preschool several years before buying the business when Schell retired in September 1981.

And she’s been there ever since.

People have asked Russell how she could teach preschool for so many years. Her reply: “Because I think I have some of the greatest kids and some of the greatest parents in Woodinville. It’s a fun place – for me, too. I don’t think of it as a job. I’ve kept it low key. I’ve never felt pressure. I never went big time because I wanted to keep it small and keep in touch.”

Between 18 and 20 students a day attend the preschool. There is a ratio of about six students to one adult. All classes are in the morning. Four and five year olds come three days a week; three and four year olds come two days a week. The preschool schedule coincides with the Northshore School District schedule. Students take several local field trips a year, to the grocery store when learning the alphabet, to the pet store when learning how to care for animals, to a pediatric dentist when learning about healthy teeth and healthy food, for example. They celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday, “He’s an important person at school,” and all holidays and traditions any family might celebrate.

Russell said she stresses social interaction and making friends.

“But the main thing is school is fun,” she said. “There’s lots to learn at school.”

Theresa Beers said that Russell remembers her children’s names even after they’ve left preschool, marveling how any one person could keep all those names straight. She said on days her daughter resisted going to preschool, she would tell her daughter that they had to go tell Mrs. Russell that she wouldn’t be attending class. When they got to school, Beers would signal Russell that her daughter was reluctant that day.

“MaryAnn would swoop down and hug (the little girl) and say, “I have your favorite play dough all ready for you. You’re just going to love it. And off (the child) would go, happy as a lark.”

Kerry Kinsella said the kids couldn’t wait to come to the city council meeting to see Mrs. Russell. She said they often stop and visit her; they’re so attached to her.

“She’s a strong solid lady,” said Kinsella.

Emma Dixon said, “(My daughters) love her to bits. They couldn’t wait to come to the council meeting to see her.”