Building Foundations: Max Koistinen Named James A. Nelson Woodland Friends Of LCC Scholar (Photo) - 01/29/26

Woodland, WA - For Max Koistinen, engineering isn’t just about calculations and blueprints—it’s about legacy, community, and the practical application of a lifelong passion for mathematics. A second-year student at Lower Columbia College (LCC), Max was recently named the 2025-26 recipient of the James A. Nelson Woodland Friends of LCC Endowed Scholarship, an honor that recognizes his academic excellence and commitment to his hometown of Woodland.

A Foundation Built on Family

Max’s journey to the world of Mechanical Engineering began long before he stepped onto the LCC campus. Growing up as the youngest of 11 children, he found his greatest inspiration within his own home. With parents married for over 45 years, providing a bedrock of values, Max watched his older siblings blaze trails in higher education.

“My siblings have been a huge inspiration for me,” Max shares. “Two of my brothers have Bachelor’s degrees, one in Mechanical Engineering and the other in Computer Science. Talking with them gave me the confidence to try engineering.”

This familial support, combined with a natural aptitude for math that saw him taking advanced courses as early as middle school, set the stage for his current success. By the time he began the Running Start program in high school, he had already cleared the prerequisites for complex engineering coursework.

Bridging the Gap Between Classroom and Community

Currently maintaining a 3.7 GPA in the MRP Civil/Mechanical Engineering program, Max is a student who believes in "learning by doing." While many students wait until after graduation to enter the workforce, Max is already gaining hands-on industry experience at Alpine Engineers LLC.

At Alpine, Max contributes to HVAC projects that directly impact the local infrastructure. This role allows him to see the immediate, tangible results of his studies. Whether he is volunteering at his local church or optimizing building systems, Max’s goal remains the same: to use his technical training to serve the community that raised him.

The Road Ahead: A Five-Year Vision

The James A. Nelson Woodland Friends of LCC Scholarship provides more than just financial relief; it offers the stability necessary for Max to focus on his rigorous path toward professional licensure. His roadmap for the future is clear:

1. Graduate in June 2026 with his degree from LCC.

2. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

3. Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam to become an Engineer-in-Training.

4. Achieve Professional Engineer status in Washington after completing four years of supervised experience.

"I have always understood that work would be a huge part of my life," says Max. "I wanted my job to be something thought-provoking rather than something I do for money. I find mathematics and how it can be applied fascinating."

The Impact of Local Support

Max is one of the many success stories made possible by the Lower Columbia College Foundation. The James A. Nelson Woodland Friends of LCC Scholarship was established in 2015 with the collaborative efforts of Woodland High School, a group of Woodland community members, including Tim Welch and Lee Hutton-Welch, Tom Golik, Benno and Klazina Dobbe, Ron Nelson, and Woodland Rotary. In 2019, a very generous endowment gift from James “Jimmy” Nelson ensured scholarship opportunities for Woodland community members would be provided into perpetuity. The scholarship will be awarded to LCC students who live in Woodland or Kalama, attend LCC full-time, and have a minimum 2.5 GPA. Priority given to Woodland High School graduating seniors. This year alone, the Foundation provided 310 scholarships totaling over $665,000. For students like Max, these awards are the catalyst that turns academic dreams into professional realities.

As Max continues his studies and his work at Alpine Engineers, he carries with him the support of the Woodland community and the legacy of the James A. Nelson Scholarship. He isn't just studying to build machines; he's studying to build a better future for the Pacific Northwest.

Setting The Tone: Woodland Middle School Honored With Statewide Culture Kickoff Award (Photo) - 01/05/26

WOODLAND, WA — While the school year is still in its first half, Woodland Middle School is already making waves across the state. The school was recently announced as a recipient of the 2025 AWSL/AWSP Culture Kickoff Award, a prestigious honor recognizing schools that excel in creating an inclusive, high-energy, and welcoming environment from the very first bell.

Presented by the Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL) and the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP), the award isn't just about a single event; it’s about the intentionality behind how a school makes its students and staff feel.

Why Culture Matters

The Culture Kickoff Award highlights schools that don't leave their environment to chance. This year, Woodland Middle School stood out for its:

• Student-Adult Collaboration: Working side-by-side to plan events that resonate with everyone.

• Engaging Assemblies: Moving beyond standard announcements to create moments of genuine connection and excitement.

• Vibrant Fall Kickoffs: Establishing a "theme" for the year that promotes a sense of shared purpose.

A Community Where Everyone Belongs

"This award highlights schools like Woodland Middle School for creating welcoming environments and setting a positive tone for the entire year," the AWSP stated in the award announcement.

For the students and staff at Woodland, the recognition validates the hard work put into "Day One" strategies. By focusing on belonging, the school ensures that every student—regardless of their background—feels valued and inspired to thrive academically and socially.

Sustaining the Momentum

While the "Kickoff" award focuses on the start of the year, the real victory lies in the strategy to keep that spirit alive. The leadership at Woodland Middle School has demonstrated a clear roadmap for sustaining this positive momentum, proving that a great school culture is a year-long commitment.

Reflecting on the achievement, Principal Davies called the award a team effort, stating,  “The culture of our school is something that all staff and students are a part of. We received this award because of all of the hard work our teachers and staff have put into the school year and because of the positive way our students have responded to what we are doing here. WMS is a great place to be!” 

Congratulations to the students, teachers, and administrators of Woodland Middle School for leading the way in Washington State!