Cory Sage Pablo was born on June 22, 1985 and went to rest with Jesus on October 2, 2026 after saying his final goodbyes to his children and wife.
He was a wonderful father to his children, Max, Emma and Lincoln. Being a father and husband was the light of his life. The love he had for his family could be seen by everyone who knew him. When he wasn’t at home with his family he was on the water providing for them. Family became his core and what drove him to be the best version of himself that he could be.
From the time Cory was a young boy he always wanted to go to work with his dad, whether this was construction, fishing, carpentry or woodworking he was eager to learn. He took the skills he learned and excelled to being a well-respected fisherman in the community and was well known for his dedication to the water.
Cory met his wife Sammy and became a family man. Together they raised 3 wonderful kids, Max, Emma and Lincoln. Much of his time outside of fishing was spent attending sporting events and helping coach his kids to be the most successful athletes they could be. If he was not watching them play, then he was at his nieces and nephews sporting events. He loved to golf with his brother and nephews. So much so that he got Max and Emma a set of golf clubs at 3 years old.
Cory’s presence was steady and quiet, but his impact was anything but small. He will be remembered for his love of family, his dedication to the water, his generosity toward others, and the wisdom he shared in his own quiet way.
His memory will live on through his children, his family , his friends, and the community that had the privilege of knowing him . He will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
Cory is survived by his wife Samantha. Children Max, Emma and Lincoln Pablo. His parents Dan Pablo Sr.(Stephanie) and Tami Dugan. His siblings Dan Pablo Jr.(Kelsie) Stan Rude ( Shandra) and Nikki Pablo and his many nieces and nephews.
Cory was preceded in death by beloved family dog Bella, Grandparents Louis Pablo Sr and Leota Pablo, Waynetta Brown and William Rude. Brother Michael Pablo Sr. Uncle Eddy Pablo Sr and special cousins Desmond Pablo and Ami Pablo.
Services will be held at the Tulalip Gathering Hall on October 9, 2026 at 11:00 am.
Orange shirts filled the Gathering Hall on Wednesday, September 30, as Tulalip community members came together for a Remembrance Dinner and Coastal Jam honoring boarding school survivors and remembering the children who never returned home.
Families filled tables throughout the hall for an evening of reflection and culture. Children could be heard throughout the room as speakers shared family histories, discussed the lasting effects of the boarding school system, and reflected on what it means for generations to gather together today.
Tulalip historian Tessa Campbell began by explaining the meaning carried by the orange shirts worn throughout the hall. She shared the story of Phyllis Webstad, whose experience at St. Joseph Mission Residential School in British Columbia inspired Orange Shirt Day. At six years old, Webstad arrived for her first day wearing a new orange shirt given to her by her grandmother. The shirt was taken from her along with the rest of her clothing and was never returned.
For Webstad, Campbell explained, the orange shirt eventually came to represent much more than a piece of clothing. “It represented what the residential schools told Indigenous children about themselves,” she said. “It represented that belongings did not matter, that feelings did not matter, that her family no longer mattered.”
Webstad publicly shared her experience years later, and her story became the foundation for Orange Shirt Day and its message that Every Child Matters. Campbell said the history represented by the shirts cannot be separated from what Native families continue to experience. “The story of residential schools is not simply a story about something that happened in the past,” she said. “It is also a story about what happened to our families, our communities, our relationships, and what we are still carrying today.”
Campbell said removing children from their communities disrupted relationships with parents, grandparents, language, culture, and the ways knowledge moved between generations. “When you punish a child for speaking their language, you are not simply taking away words,” she said. “You are disrupting a relationship and connection to their grandparents and ancestors.”
Healing those disruptions, Campbell said, also happens through relationships. She pointed to family, elders, cultural teachings, traditional foods, language, land, and water, as well as the behavioral health, cultural, language, and educational resources available within Tulalip. “We cannot heal only as individuals,” Campbell said. “We need to heal through our families, through our elders, and through our teachings.”
Tribal member Summer Hammons spoke about how knowledge of the boarding school system was carried by Native families long before it received broader institutional recognition. “For a long time, the history of our Indian boarding schools was known by Native families and communities, but it wasn’t fully recognized by the institutions that created and operated them,” Hammons said.
She pointed to the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative launched in 2021 as a shift in that recognition, while emphasizing that Native people and organizations are also driving efforts to document the history and create opportunities for healing. “Washington, D.C, does not just lead this work. Native people and Native communities lead it,” Hammons said.
Tulalip Vice Chair Deborah Parker brought the history directly home, speaking about boarding schools that operated at Tulalip and the children who were separated from their families. Pointing to historic photographs displayed at the Gathering Hall, Parker described what happened to children after they entered the schools. “Our children’s hair was cut. They were forced not to speak their language,” she said.
Parker also shared her own family connection through her grandmother, Harriette Shelton Dover, who found ways to hold on to her language before eventually being sent to boarding school herself. Parker said many children endured separation from the people who cared for them, and she encouraged parents in the room to recognize that the ability to raise their children at home is something previous generations were denied. “So for your parents here today, hang on to your children,” she said. “Love them as much as you can because now you have a choice.”
Tulalip Board of Directors Chair Hazen Shopbell spoke about the effects that continued after children returned home and how those experiences have carried into later generations. He said confronting that history requires conversations that may be difficult but are necessary. “We gotta have these tough conversations,” Shopbell said.
Shopbell then asked those gathered to look around the room at what remained despite that history. “All the things we went through, all the suffering, and then everybody looks at this room,” he said. “All our kids, and all our relatives, and all our family, and that’s what it’s about.”
The sounds of those children also stood out to Tulalip Board of Directors member Theresa Sheldon, whose own family history includes multiple generations who attended boarding schools. Sheldon shared that her great-great-grandmother Ruth and great-grandmother Teresa attended boarding schools, and all 10 of Ruth’s children were sent to boarding school.
“We’re here to honor those that we don’t even have a picture of, those whose names we don’t know, and those who have survived so we can stand here today,” Sheldon said.
As children continued to make their presence known throughout the Gathering Hall, Sheldon drew a connection between their freedom today and the generations being remembered. “What a blessed moment we are to stand here today to hear the children be loud, because loud children mean they’re safe,” she said. “What a gift that is in 2026 that we stand here in our Gathering Hall together.”
Sheldon also spoke about community members who did not grow up with access to cultural teachings and may be learning songs, dances, and other traditions later in life. Rather than feeling judged for what they were not taught, she said reconnecting should be welcomed. “So many of us didn’t have a cultural upbringing. So many of us are walking onto the dance floor for the first time. There should be no shame or blame. That should be a celebration.”
That invitation helped move the evening from speeches and dinner into the Coastal Jam. Sheldon encouraged everyone to participate. For elders unable to stand or walk onto the floor, she offered to bring out chairs so they could still take part while others danced around them.
Before the dancing began, Parker reminded those gathered of who they were carrying with them onto the floor. “This room is filled with our relatives near and far, and I just hope and pray that we dance and remember those before us, those who didn’t make it, those who are buried in unmarked graves,” she said.
The Coastal Jam filled the Gathering Hall with drums, songs, and dancing, bringing generations together in the same space. On an evening dedicated to children who were once separated from their families, elders, parents, and children now gathered openly to practice those traditions together.
That continuation reflected a message Campbell shared earlier in the evening. While the orange shirt represents what Native children endured, she said it can also represent what Native communities continue to restore. “We have inherited trauma, but we have also inherited resilience,” Campbell said. “When I see the orange shirt, I don’t only see what was taken away, I also see what we are reclaiming.”
Towering outside a brand-new center dedicated to imagination and design, three metal orcas now carry a Coast Salish story into the heart of a college campus.
In late September, Tulalip artist James Madison unveiled Snoqualmie Pass. It’s a large-scale metal installation permanently situated in the courtyard of Lake Washington Institute of Technology’s (LWTech) newly opened Center for Design and Event Center in Kirkland. More than 300 guests attended the grand opening celebration, which began with the dedication of the 13-foot sculpture.
“There are three panels fused together that make up this sculpture. If you look carefully, then you’ll see Thunderbird inside Blackfish’s dorsal fin,” explained James, the now 52-year-old artist. “The reason there are three panels is to represent myself and my two boys, Jayden and Jevin. In a lot of my work, you’ll see three whale fins. Each time it’s to represent my family. I raised them as a single father, coached them both from biddy ball to high school, and am extremely proud to be their father. I want them to always know that no matter what, they are a part of me and a part of my work.”
For the proud father and Tulalip culture bearer, his latest metal installation also represents something far older than the new building surrounding it. Snoqualmie Pass brings to life a Coast Salish story passed down to him by his grandfather, Frank. At its center are Blackfish and Thunderbird, two powerful beings who once argued over whose way of life was better. Blackfish championed swimming through the water. Thunderbird favored soaring through the sky.
Their disagreement became a struggle. As the story was passed down, Blackfish and Thunderbird wrestled high above the Earth before falling from the mountains toward the water below. Their journey across the landscape formed the passage now known as Snoqualmie Pass.
James translated that story into three imposing metal orcas, transforming oral history into something students, faculty and visitors can physically encounter each time they enter the Center for Design.
The placement is especially fitting. The Cascade Mountains sit less than an hour from LWTech’s Kirkland campus, and Snoqualmie is among the communities within the college’s service area. LWTech directly serves communities throughout King and Snohomish counties, stretching from Bellevue and Kirkland east toward North Bend, Snoqualmie and the foothills of the Cascades.
In that setting, Snoqualmie Pass serves as a stark reminder that the mountains, waterways and familiar place names surrounding the modern Eastside existed within Coast Salish stories and knowledge systems long before highways, cities and college campuses were constructed.
The artwork also carries Tulalip culture into a space built specifically for the next generation of creators. LWTech’s new Center for Design brings the college’s Art, Design, Illustration, Architecture and Gaming programs together under one roof. College officials describe the facility as a hub for creativity, collaboration and innovation.
Founded in 1949, LWTech is Washington State’s only public institute of technology. Today it offers 12 bachelor’s degrees, 42 associate degrees and 70 professional certificates across 41 areas of study, including programs in design, engineering, manufacturing, health sciences, information technology and transportation technology.
James’s work was selected by community members through a public-art process managed by the Washington State Arts Commission in partnership with LWTech. Its permanent presence also complements a campus where artwork is intentionally placed beyond traditional gallery walls. LWTech maintains sculptures, murals, photography and other works throughout its buildings and grounds, many of them part of Washington’s public art collection.
James is hopeful that future Tulalip college students attending LWTech will eventually stand beneath those metal Blackfish and know that they belong. Following the grand opening ceremony, he spoke about wanting more young people from Tulalip to consider LWTech when thinking about college, especially those interested in careers built around creativity, technology, design and making things with their hands.
“After learning about all the programs and certifications the Institute offers, I think it would be an amazing option for our Tulalip graduates to consider,” shared the renowned master carver. “Especially for those who are interested in learning a trade or in search of creative outlets that can turn into careers. From diesel mechanics and welders to metal fabricators and video game designers, there’s so much opportunity for our current and future generations of young people.”
For a Tulalip student arriving on an unfamiliar campus, seeing Coast Salish imagery standing prominently outside one of the college’s newest buildings could offer an immediate point of connection. A familiar form. A familiar story. A reminder that Native identity does not have to be left at home when pursuing higher education.
Photo courtesy of LWTech
That message carries added significance at an institution whose current strategic plan begins by recognizing the Coast Salish peoples who have inhabited the land where LWTech now stands and acknowledges their relationship with that land since time immemorial. Snoqualmie Pass gives that acknowledgment physical form.
With the 2026-2027 school year in full swing, students are shuffling in LWTech’s classroom on a daily basis. There, designers sketch, architects draft,
artists experiment, and gamers build digital worlds. And outside the Center for Design, there is a Coast Salish story told in metal.
Swinomish artist Daniel R. Smith to transform a UW parking garage into Indigenous celebratory “occupation,” costume party, and environmental protest
What: Spot Reservation is a public art project featuring photo portraits with costumes and wearable taxidermy in a tiny post-apocalyptic forest, fry bread tacos, live birds of prey, and an open mic; free and open to all, Native and non-Native alike
When: October 30th, 2026
Where: University of Washington Seattle, Padelford Parking Garage Lot N21
SEATTLE —October 5, 2026— Why build a tiny forest of native plants in a brutalist concrete parking garage? And give away free Indian tacos next to a demonstration of live birds of prey being hand-fed mice? “Spot Reservation,” the brainchild of Swinomish artist Daniel R. Smith, is a free public event which he describes as an “Indigenous, celebratory occupation of the University of Washington.”
The event draws inspiration from numerous influences, including Smith’s upbringing on the Tulalip Indian Reservation, the climate crisis, and pop culture like Twin Peaks. Smith’s past projects include “Slapstick Indians,” an augmented reality installation in downtown Seattle; “The Salish Sea Anti Space Symposium,” a day long event protesting the 50th anniversary of the moon landing; “The Seattle-Havana-Tehran Poster Show (aka The SHT Show),” a three-city international poster show launched at Bumbershoot in 2015.
Happening the day before Halloween, Friday, October 30th, 11:00am – 3:00pm, Spot Reservation features free, costumed photo portraits in a tiny forest (aka “nanoforest”) installed in the depths of the Padelford Parking Garage, Level N21, on the east side of campus. Smith’s collaborator, Iranian born photographer Saina Heshmati, co-founder of Antipode Gallery in Pioneer Square, will capture and distribute professional portraits of participants in a tiny forest, or “nanoforest,” of native plants growing out of industrial oil barrels. Costume elements, including “wearable taxidermy” will be provided by Smith, but the public is also encouraged to come dressed in costumes of their own making.
Joe Seymour (Squaxin/Pueblo Acoma) will emcee the event and host an open mic for singing, drumming, and reading, including an appearance by poet Mateo Quispe (Red River Métis/Little Shell Chippewa). Seattle’s Off the Rez food truck will provide free fry bread tacos to the first 120 people. The Falconer, who works with raptors, will demonstrate live hawks, falcons, and a vulture named “Mr. Peebles,” and offer opportunities to hold birds for photos. “Aunty Cedar Log Lady,” a Lynchian character devised by Tessa Rose Campbell (Tulalip/Tlingit), will be a wandering channeler of the forest.
Spot Reservation is free and open to the public, and designed to highlight Indigenous concerns about environmental degradation, climate change, colonization, land ownership using humor and entertainment. Conceived of as an “off kilter pow wow” and “a protest disguised as a party,” Smith invites any and all who are curious about art making and community building through shared experience
The gym at Greg Williams Court was filled with resources, activities, and conversations about recovery on Wednesday, September 23, as the Tulalip Wellness Court held its second annual Alumni Recovery Resource Fair.
Community members moved among resource tables set up throughout the gym, connecting with programs and services while food and games gave families a chance to spend time together. A bounce house and dunk tank were added to the afternoon as organizations shared information about services available to people in recovery and their families.
Wellness Court provides an alternative path for participants dealing with substance use and involvement in the justice system, emphasizing recovery, accountability, and addressing the issues that contributed to their circumstances. Participants work through a court-supervised program while connecting with treatment and other services intended to support long-term recovery.
The alum fair brought those resources together while also giving graduates and others in recovery a chance to reconnect with the programs and people who have been part of their journeys.
After the resource fair concluded, attendees gathered for dinner at 4 p.m. The evening portion gave those in recovery an opportunity to share their experiences, including Summer Lee Blankenship, an author of two books and one of the first graduates of Tulalip Wellness Court. With a clean date of June 18, 2022, Blankenship reflected on a time when she was unsure whether she would survive. “I experienced a life of heartache, pain, and agony,” she said. “I reached a point where I did not think I was going to make it out.”
Blankenship said she first used drugs at 13 years old. Over the years, she witnessed overdoses and experienced several herself. “I’ve witnessed people overdose. I’ve held people’s hands as they’ve taken their last breath,” she said. “I’ve had a heart attack. I’ve overdosed so many times, and nothing ever stopped me. I just continued deeper and deeper and deeper.”
She also spoke about the hold addiction continued to have over her after becoming a mother. “I love my son more than anything, and even if it wasn’t enough to make me quit,” Blankenship said. “It really, truly is a disease.”
Blankenship began going to treatment in 2011 and said she went through treatment 18 times, spent time in and out of jail, and participated in two drug court programs, including Tulalip Wellness Court. After joining Wellness Court, she said she eventually went on the run for several years during what became one of the darkest periods of her life. Looking back on that time, she said, “I don’t know how I am alive today. I’m so thankful that I am.”
Years later, Blankenship said she is thankful for the work that came with Wellness Court and for a life that once seemed beyond her reach. She pointed to her family, including her son, sister, and grandmother, who she said has never missed one of her events. “Today my life is just full of so many things that at one point seemed so impossible,” she said. “I’m super thankful for that.”
Speaking directly to current Wellness Court participants, Blankenship acknowledged how difficult the program can be, having experienced it herself. “If you are in Wellness Court, my hands go up to you,” she said. “I know the work. I know how hard it is. It’s just not easy. Never give up.”
She encouraged those listening to continue showing up, face the difficult parts of their lives, and believe that change remains possible. “You are the creator of your life, and nothing is out of reach,” Blankenship said. “You just have to believe in yourself and just keep showing up and doing the hard thing.”
For Blankenship, that work also means returning to ceremony, taking care of oneself, and learning to live with integrity. “Always go back to ceremonies and take care of yourself in a good, gentle way,” she said. “Keeping our promises, showing up when we say we’re going to show up, being a person of integrity and dignity and respect. It’s never too late for anybody.”
Now in its second year, the Wellness Court Alumni Recovery Resource Fair brought community members, service providers, and Wellness Court alums together in one space. From connecting people with resources during the afternoon to sharing a meal and stories of recovery later in the day, the gathering provided a place to recognize progress while showing those still working toward recovery the support available around them.
James R. Hillaire Jr. (Yan-Wak-Shut) was born to Lutie and Smitty James R. Hillaire Sr. on January 6th 1955.
He was very proud of his service as a Mechanic in the US Army from 1975-1979 and was stationed in Fort Silll, Oklahoma and Germany. He was often praised for the work he did on the various vehicles he worked on and even received a commendation. He often told us kids to thank his A-hole Colonel because he would have served longer and we would never have been born. He was married to Susan Hatch-Hillaire for 24 years and had 5 children. He dedicated 42 years of his life serving the Tulalip Tribes and for a majority of it he was a Substance Use Disorder Professional at Tulalip Family Services helping our youth and adults on their road to recovery. He ran the sweatlodge and the Men’s Wellness Warriors Group at TFS helping our people reconnect with our culture to support their recovery. He often spoke about the best thing anyone can do for him is to do your best to Live A Good Life.
Jim was also very passionate about big drum powwows and was a very strong traditional dancer. He would often dance with more energy and move around the dance floor more than some of the younger dancers. Even as a Golden Age dancer you would find him out there dancing with the Men’s Traditional Category. He also sang family songs on the big drum with his wife and children at the Stillaguamish Festival of the River and Tulalip Veterans Powwow. Jim enjoyed playing guitar and started a band in his youth and started his band back up in his later years with his Bro Harlan James Sr. You could find them on stage playing at the Stommish Festival. Jim was a gifted hunter and spent his free time going hunting in Inchelium with his Baby Auntie Michelle Ensminger and uncles Dustin Ensminger and Doug Nanpuya and his wife Sheila.
On May 19, 2018 Jim had a beautiful powwow wedding ceremony, married his mate Sheila McCoy-Hillaire and gained 3 more children. Jim was a very firm believer in the smokehouse and joined December 25th 1978 and was a well respected teacher in that walk of life. At the end of his life, Jim was reassigned as a healer and spent his last days in the hospital still serving the people until he was called home by the ancestors on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
Survived by his Wife, Sheila Hillaire. Mother-in-law Jeannie McCoy, Siblings: Ed Hillaire, and Elaine (Loren) Roberts, Angela McCoy, Cara (Darell) Tohannie, Children: Jamesina (Richard) Hillaire, Kaylela (Jack) Grayson, Anitra (Nick) Hillaire-Lavarnway, James (Kesha) R. Hillaire III. Samantha (Chris) Wilder, Raphael Madera, and Angel (Katie) Madera. Niece’s: Antonia Jefferson, And Jessica Roberts, Brianna Althoff, Lola hatch, Nephew’s: Raymond Hillaire Sr., and Russell Roberts, John Waters, Stephen Waters, Hayden McCoy, Bradley Althoff, Matt Althoff. Grand children: Thomas Williams III, Kiersten Williams, Andrew Comenote, Anela Hillaire, Alamea Comenote, Kayleena Comenote, and Jason David Lee James O’Day, Richard Hillaire, Gizelle Bill, Angus Grayson, Tavish Grayson, Palani Hillaire, Makaio Hillaire, Addie Hillaire, Elleana Lavarnway, and James R. Hillaire IV. Angelino Hillaire, AngelinaHillaire, Gabriel Wilder, Bayley Wilder, Ashley Wilder, Sawyer Madera, and Dakota Madera. Proceeded in death by, Parents: James (Smitty) Hillaire Sr. and Lutie Hillaire. Siblings: Timothy Hillaire and Patrick Hillaire. Grand Parents: Addie and George C. George, Zeta and Richard Hillaire Sr. And Uncle Tony George. Son James Owen Jefferys and Daughter Angelina Hillaire.
Evening Services will be held at the Tulalip Gathering Hall 7512 Totem Beach Road Tulalip, WA 98271 Thursday, October 1st 4:00 PM Dinner Services at 5:00 PM. Funeral will be held Friday, October 2nd at 10:00 AM at The Tulalip Gathering Hall with burial to follow at Mission Beach Cemetery.
Under the bright lights of the Tulalip Sports Complex, with Tulalip Bay just beyond the field, the Heritage Hawks delivered their most emphatic victory of the young season. In a matchup featuring two Top 10 ranked teams, Tulalip Heritage dominated the Darrington Loggers in all three phases of the game and rolled to a 38-0 shutout victory. The win improved the Hawks to a perfect 3-0.
“Last year, we went up to Darrington, battled hard, but ultimately came up short. We remember that loss. We’ve discussed it a lot in the leadup to this rematch with them,” said head coach Shawn Custis pregame. “Our recent practices emphasized our technique, alignment, and assignments. We knew that as long as we stay home on coverage and don’t bite on misdirection, then we would win this game.”
From the opening possession, Heritage set the tone. Darrington received the kickoff but was stopped on fourth down. The Hawks immediately capitalized on their second play from scrimmage when senior running back #9 Jaedynn Zackuse broke loose for a 55-yard touchdown run. Fellow senior, #15 Ziggy Myles-Gilford, powered in the two-point conversion for an early 8-0 lead.
Special teams quickly created another opportunity when Darrington was caught off guard by the ensuing onside kick. Heritage special teamer #3 J.J. Gray quickly pounced on the loose ball and recovered it for home team. A long Hawks touchdown was called back because of a holding penalty, and a Heritage fumble briefly gave possession back to the Loggers. The Hawks defense responded by forcing another fourth-down stop.
Ziggy, at running back again, provided another explosive play, breaking through multiple tackles on his way to a 30-yard touchdown run. Quarterback Josh Davis connected with junior tight end #1 Peyton Hatch for the two-point conversion, making it 16-0 with 1:52 remaining in the opening quarter.
Peyton, playing middle linebacker on defense, closed the first quarter with a tackle for loss and fired up the Hawks Nest faithful. The opening 12 minutes was just a foreshadowing of things to come as the second quarter belonged entirely to Heritage.
After Darrington converted a clutch fourth-and-two, the Loggers botched a snap and the Hawks recovered the loose ball. On the very next play, sophomore quarterback Josh Davis showed off his arm strength with a beautiful 60-yard touchdown pass to a wide open J.J. with nothing but daylight in front of him. Another successful two-point conversion, this time a QB scramble off left guard, pushed the lead to 24-0.
“Our O-line has been doing their job and giving me a clean pocket to throw out of, and our receivers are executing their routes and catching the ball,” shared QB1 Josh. “Plus, our ground game has been effective, which opens up the passing game. Everything is just meshing really well for us.”
Ziggy continued his standout night on defense when he intercepted a Darrington pass from his middle linebacker position. Heritage followed with another touchdown pass, a 30-yard strike to sophomore receiver #10 Julian Lopez, to stretch their advantage to 30-0 with 8:15 remaining in the half.
The Hawks secondary struck again when safety Jaedyn Zackuse intercepted a Darrington pass on fourth-and-long and returned it 25-yards to give Heritage excellent field position. With the first half winding down, J.J. moved from receiver to quarterback and showcased the quickness and athleticism he has become known for. Taking the shotgun snap, the senior standout kept the ball on a quarterback draw and zigzagged through multiple defenders for one of the night’s most memorable touchdowns.
J.J.’s 35-yard touchdown run and another successful two-point conversion made it 38-0 with 13 seconds remaining before halftime. By then, Heritage had scored through nearly every avenue possible. Long rushing plays, deep passes, forced turnovers and special teams execution all contributed to the commanding advantage.
“Coach really does his best to put us in the right spots, and we’ve been working a lot at our ability to make open field tackles. That’s been key to our early success and especially here in this game,” described linebacker Peyton of the Hawks stellar defense.
In a last gasp of desperation, Darrington opened the second half with a surprise onside kick attempt. The well-coached Heritage square was more than ready and recovered the ball. With the outcome firmly in hand, the Hawks focused on protecting the shutout. The Heritage defense held strong throughout the second half, keeping the Loggers off the scoreboard through the third quarter and all the way to the final whistle.
The victory showcased the versatility of a Heritage roster filled with versatile skill players who can play multiple positions and contribute on both sides of the football. Jaedyn made plays at running back and defensive back. Ziggy scored on the ground and recorded an interception. J.J. caught a touchdown pass before later scoring from behind center. Peyton contributed as both a tight end and linebacker.
All the while, sophomore sensation Josh Davis directed the Hawks offense with confidence as their primary quarterback. He repeatedly made Darrington pay through the air.
“Our team expects this kind of result every week,” said Coach Custis. “Their dedication and I.Q. have grown so much from last season to this season, and we’re seeing just how good we can be collectively when everyone is on the same page and playing for each other.”
When the final horn sounded, the scoreboard still read 38-0. Three games. Three wins. And plenty of momentum building at Tulalip Bay.
Mildred Lucille Jones was born on January 15, 1945, in Auburn, Washington, to George Cross, Sr. and Alvina KingGeorge. She passed away on September 20, 2026, in Auburn, Washington.
Mildred was retired, having worked as a Resident Aide at the Tulalip Retirement Home and at Muckleshoot HeadStart. She enjoyed playing bingo, traveling with the Muckleshoot and Tulalip Elders, and taking trips with her sister Virginia. She especially enjoyed the time she spent with family and friends and the many memories made along the way.
Mildred was preceded in death by her husband Alpheus Jones, Sr., her parents, George and Alvina Cross, Sr.; her sisters, Rosemary C. Jones; Marlene Cross; Linda Cross, Laverne Daniels; Loretta and Lorraine Cross; Dorothy Daniels; Virginia Carpenter; Caroline Thorneberry; Laverne Jones; and Gloria St. George; her brothers Kenny Cross; Harold Price; Uncle Crow; Lynn Jones; and Stan Jones; her daughter in law, Susan Jones and her grandchildren Dontae Jones and Judy Wayne.
She is survived by her sons, Charles (Roxanne) Sailto, Jeffrey D. Jones, Sr., and Alpheus (Jessica) Jones, Jr.; her daughters, Luella Ann (Leon) Enick and Allison Jones; her brothers, Dale Jones, Richard Jones, and Delmar Jones; and her sisters, Virginia Cross, Dawn Simpson, and Joy Lacy. She also leaves behind 22 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren.
Mildred was an important part of the Muckleshoot Tribe and a familiar presence among her family, elders, relatives, and community. She leaves behind many generations who will carry her name and memory forward. She now rests with those who went before her and will be remembered and honored by all who knew and loved her.
