An inspiring evening where brain science meets community impact, supporting programs that help students thrive!
• Entertainment by Port Angeles High School Musicians
• Grant Award Presentations
• 2026 Distinguished Service Award
Join the celebration - support students & teachers in Port Angeles Public Schools!
About Staci Sorensen, PH.D. | PAHS Class of 1992
Staci grew up in Port Angeles, Washington, where she was lucky to have parents and teachers who helped her learn that her voice mattered and that thinking differently could be a strength. That curiosity took Staci from Port Angeles High School to the University of Washington, where she studied Psychology and later earned a Ph.D. in Neurobiology.
Today, Staci is a neuroscientist and the Associate Director of Neuroanatomy at the Allen Institute for Brain Science. Her work focuses on understanding brain cells—called neurons—what makes them different, and how they connect to form the networks that allow us to think, move, and experience the world. At the Allen Institute, studies are focused on individual neurons in extraordinary detail and all of the data and tools are shared freely with scientists around the world. This important work moves the learning toward the long‑term goal of mapping the human brain and better understanding how it works.
Questions? Email Director@PA-EF.org
Programs Supported by This Event
Attending the 2026 Celebrate Education Dinner is more than just a night out—it’s a chance to support students and educators throughout the Port Angeles public schools. By coming together as a community, you help raise awareness and provide vital support for PAEF’s programs, including Student Scholarships, School & Teacher Grant Awards for innovative classroom projects and field trips, Welcker Reimbursement Grants that cover out-of-pocket classroom costs, and our Student Needs Program that ensures every child has access to essential resources. Your participation helps PAEF continue making a real difference in the lives of local students and teachers.
PAEF also connects into the community and partners with local organizations to expand our impact and create more opportunities for students. Currently, these partnerships include:
• Clallam Resilience Project
• Juan de Fuca Foundation for the Arts – Kids Day at the Juan de Fuca Festival
• Field Arts & Events Hall – Peninsula Performs!
• Port Angeles City Ballet + JFFA – The Nutcracker Performance for all PASD 4th graders
• Lutheran Community Services – Back to School Fair
• Port Angeles Citizens for Education (PACE)
• Caring for Kids – Clothing closet support
• PAHS Music Program Booster Clubs – Supporting out-of-state performances and learning experiences so no student is left behind!
Join us as we celebrate education, show up with purpose, and help students and teachers thrive—today and into the future.
“This grant allowed my fourth graders to step beyond their textbooks and truly connect with the history of Port Angeles and the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. Learning directly about the people, places, and stories of our community helped students understand that history is living, meaningful, and right outside our classroom walls.”
— PASD 4th Grade Teacher