Faith, Equity, and the Responsibility to Protect Opportunity
As a pastor, educator, and proud member of the African American community, I approach public policy through both a moral lens and a deep sense of responsibility to those who are too often left behind. In both the Black church and across the African diaspora, leadership has always carried a sacred expectation: to protect the […]
Former Lynnwood businessman and NFL Hall of Famer Kenny Easley dies at 66
SEATTLE—Kenny Easley, the Pro Football Hall of Fame recipient renowned for his hard-hitting style during his tenure with the Seattle Seahawks, passed away on November 14, 2025, at the age of 66. His death followed a long period of declining health, though an immediate cause was not disclosed. He had previously undergone triple-bypass heart surgery […]
In Loving Memory of Our Friend and Supporter, Coach Lenny Wilkens
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our friend, mentor, and longtime supporter, Coach Lenny Wilkens, who passed away Sunday at the age of 88. Lenny Wilkens was one of basketball’s greatest figures. A nine-time All-Star and Hall of Famer both as a player and a coach, he guided the Seattle SuperSonics […]
Lenny Wilkens, Basketball icon and Hall of Famer, dies at 88
SEATTLE—Lenny Wilkens, a towering figure in basketball whose career spanned five decades as one of the game’s premier point guards, innovative coaches and a champion of youth development, died on November 9, 2025, surrounded by family. He was 88. Born Leonard Randolph Wilkens on October 28, 1937, in Brooklyn, New York, Wilkens grew up in […]
Nirvana’s Krist Novoselic to speak at Rise Up Academy’s 26th annual gala
LYNNWOOD—Nirvana co-founder and Grammy Award Winning artist Krist Novoselic will be a featured guest at Rise Up Academy’s annual 26th fundraising gala – titled Together We Rise – at the Lynnwood Event Center on Friday, November 7. Together We Rise is Rise Up Academy’s largest celebration and fundraiser of the year. Every dollar raised helps […]
Registration now open for the 14th Annual Celebrity Golf Classic
EVERETT—Rise Up Academy is excited to announce registration for the 14th Annual Celebrity Golf Classic, hosted by 2017 NFL Hall of Famer, Kenny Easley, is now open. This is More Than Just a Tournament. The event incorporates a day of activities designed to raise awareness and support for the amazing Early Learning and After School […]
Dr. Paul A Stoot, Sr delivers message of unity in diversity at Edmonds College’s MLK Celebration
LYNNWOOD—Dr. Paul A. Stoot Sr, Senior Pastor/Founder of Greater Trinity Church, Founder/CEO of Rise Up Academy, and Lynnwood Times’ 2025 Person of the Year was the keynote speaker for Edmonds College’s MLK Celebration: Together We Stand: Justice Beyond the Dream event. “Today, we’re here to talk about something big—bigger than me, bigger than any of […]
Dr Paul A Stoot named Lynnwood Times Person of the Year for 2024
EVERETT—It with absolute pleasure that the Lynnwood Times staff has named Dr. Paul A. Stoot Sr, founder/CEO or Rise Up Academy, as its Person of the Year for 2024 for his faith-based community service and dedication to providing accessible, and affordable, quality early childhood education especially to underserved communities. “After being in this community and […]
Rise Up Academy celebrates new outdoor Performing Arts Amphitheater
EVERETT—Rise Up Academy on Wednesday, May 29, unveiled its outdoor Performing Arts Amphitheater, the first of its kind in Snohomish County for an Early Learning School. “We are excited about our kids having an outdoor performance space because we believe this space will stimulate their creativity and will lend support to many outdoor activities,” Dr. […]
From poverty to promise, Inslee visits Rise Up Academy
EVERETT—Kicking off its 25th year of educational excellence, Governor Jay Inslee toured Rise Up Academy on Wednesday, January 17, seeing firsthand an education curriculum that refuses to let any child “fall through the cracks.” “Trudi and I have been trying to help for the last four years on this by creating resources for early childhood […]
