CWA Celebration of Life: Phyllis Kriese

It’s because of Ms Mriese’s unconditional support to both my children and more specifically to my Kordan that both J’Nai and Jordan have bd one very successful in their respective careers as an internationally renowned Opera Singer and extraordinary Business Professional in Corporate America. We lived in Honolulu before moving to Lakewood, WA so we also shared our mutual spirit of ALOHA!🌺

In honor of Phyllis & Sally

In memory of Phyllis’s friendship with Jackie’s mom, Sally Devish.

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Every morning Mrs. Kriese would give me a big hug as I signed in maybe just a few minutes late, and then sent me off to class with a treat and feeling so loved! She treated each and every student like we were her kids!

In honor of All the loving giants of CWA that leave their spirit as a path to follow.

Dear Mrs. Kriese, You always approached me with respect and dignity even when you were coaching me on what not to do, or helping me see how to grow from my mistakes. You made the chaos of teenage years seem a little more manageable and a little less permanent. Later, I would come to know this pedagogical technique as "warm demander". And you demanded that we all be a little more kind, and a little more joyful through your presence as well as the ways you activated your moral and ethical commitments. Your presence, thankfully, lingers in the way I approach my students. Thank you Mrs. Kriese. We love you. May the new roads of your spirit rise to meet that timeless essence that rings through song and scripture and poems of all faiths: righteous love that knows no bounds nor ideology. Just love. -- With Love

Mrs. Kriese is a legend, the best of the best. On hard days in high school she kept all that is right in the world in order. 25 years later I still appreciate that. What a remarkable legacy.

Mrs. Kriese was the heart of the school during my high school years. She always knew what happening and how to help. She will be missed!

Phyllis was the beautiful, kind face of CWA.

Mrs. Kriese looked out for me as a young faculty member. She always made sure I was well fed, saving leftovers from lunch meetings just for me. She showed she cared through tiny and meaningful gestures like this all the time. She embodied the values of the Charles Wright community and made all of us feel special.

Ms Kresie was one of my favorites at CWA. Whenever I needed a laugh or just needed to calm down, I’d go to her office and just sit there and chat with her. We’d often share snacks together and laugh through my free period and she would just shake her head and laugh every time I’d trip into her office. There was a time I left a community service event due to what was happening and I remember once I got into actual trouble and I sat outside her desk eating snacks as my mom and Mr. White went at it and she told me “it’s going to be okay” . Which was very true, I was okay, cause I led from the heart and she knew it. She always showed up for all of us and knew everything about all of us. She was the definition of love and laughter and CWA was better for it and she made a lasting impact. I think only as an adult I’ve realized how lucky we are to have unconditional love and care and that’s everything she embodied. How lucky it was to be loved and cared for by someone so wonderful.

Phyllis was the kindest person ; she was so wonderful to my children . I will never forget her. A warm and loving person .

Mrs. Kriese was the first warmth of joy I experienced at Charles Wright. She always greeted you with a smile, a hello, and had the kindest soul. Being a transfer student into the high school, Mrs. Kriese was the one who made me feel most welcomed each and every day. It was impossible not to love her spirit and kindness. I’m incredibly grateful to have known such a bright and special light in this world.

One of Phyllis's super power was hospitality. Her skill went into overdrive organizing the meal for the annual Christmas Dinner community service event. She solicited the dinner donations, cooked up a storm, and radiantly welcomed every family that came.

Phyllis Kriese was the heart of the school, I worked across the hall from the main office in the Admissions Office. Her spirit of Aloha was shared with all who entered the doors of CWA.

I had the pleasure of working with Phyllis for over 20 years. Always greeted with a smile and questions about how my family was doing. Phyllis was dedicated and firm but sweet with the students.