Coach Marble to get Spirit Award at Pioneer Picnic

Retired La Conner High School championship volleyball coach Suzanne Marble has netted some impressive awards including induction into the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association Hall of Fame and national coach of the year recognition.

One more honor awaits this summer.

Marble will be feted at the annual Skagit County Pioneer Association Picnic in La Conner Aug. 3 as the organization’s 2023 Pioneer Spirit Award winner.

The Pioneer Picnic, held annually on the first Thursday in August, has been a La Conner summer tradition for more than a century.

Marble is being saluted for a remarkable career that has seen her guide La Conner teams to seven state titles plus tireless efforts instilling in her students the importance of service to community, developing leadership skills and embracing a lifelong commitment to health and fitness.

Her career highlights, covering three decades, will be displayed at the picnic on a pictorial story board assembled by the Skagit County Historical Museum staff.

Marble will be taking a leave of absence from the classroom next year as her daughter, Ellie, the reigning Washington 2B Volleyball Player of the Year, joins the Central Washington University volleyball program.

Also headlining the day will be members of the Benson/Berentson family, selected as the Pioneer Association Pioneer Family of the Year.

Deeply rooted in the Edison community and Samish Flats, the family has been engaged in a wide range of pursuits since their arrival in Skagit County. Those include agriculture, education, public service, business, publications and financial consulting and investments.

The public is cordially invited to attend the Pioneer Picnic and enjoy a salmon barbecue meal served by members of the La Conner Civic Garden Club.

Proceeds from the luncheon help support the Skagit County Historical Museum, located in La Conner.