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The Heart of the EEU:  Zelalem Yilma

It is with a heavy heart that we inform the EEU community that our beloved Zee Yilma passed away on October 16^th, 2012.  Zee was more than the EEU secretary—she was a friend, confidant, wife, parent, grandparent, volunteer, and the strongest advocate the EEU has ever known. Most importantly, Zee was the heart and soul of the EEU. Her sincerity, understanding and genuine care for anyone who walked through our doors exemplified the our mission. She made the EEU more than a school. Because of Zee, we are a family.

Throughout her 22 years at the EEU, Zee was famous for her compassion and empathy. She had a way about her that effortlessly made every child, parent and co-worker feel special and loved. She was one of those rare people who could capably connect with everyone she met due to the genuine ease with which she shared herself and her ever-inclusive notion of family.  

Clearly Zee was passionate about her work with the EEU. She was the first face children saw coming off the bus in the morning and the last face they saw before going home. Zee worked around the clock to make sure kids arrived to and from the EEU safely.  She never missed an after hours school event, and would often be the first one in the building.

Judging by how much time Zee spent at the EEU, many of us who worked with her found it hard to believe that she’s had the time and energy to raise a family of her own. But we were fortunate enough to get to know her husband, Tebebe Yohannes; her three beautiful children, Woyneshet, Mekdes and Eyoel; her son-in-law, Million; and her amazing grandchildren, Nathan, Tia and Noah.

The gathering of Zee’s friends during her time of illness reflected the diversity of people she had touched. It bore witness to her incredibly amazing personality and her loving influence. She has left an indelible inscription of love & joy, patience & gratitude, and giving & forgiving, in the hearts of those who knew her.

Auction 2012 Update:  

It is with great excitement that we announce the EEU’s 11^th Annual Auction, “Oh the Places You’ll Go” raised a record-breaking $775,000for the Experimental Education Unit at the Haring Center!!! Learn More

Whole Foods Market helps the EEU Eat, Grow and Thrive with a $12,000 donation.

Whole Foods Markets in the Puget Sound region partnered with the EEU on a commemorative student art bag project to raise funds for the donation.

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