2022 Golden Apple Nomination for Fred Nystrom

2022 Golden Apple Nomination for Fred Nystrom

Fred Nystrom has been a resident of Issaquah for over 40+ years and a community icon. He is a long-standing community leader that has made an impact on the Greater Issaquah and beyond. He has always had a passion for helping those in need, especially our youth. Fred and Mardi Nystrom, have three children who all have gone through the Issaquah School District.

Fred is a compassionate individual always willing to lend a hand to help, with an empathetic and listening ear. He a resourceful connector and has an impressive list of affiliations and volunteerism to help students and families in our community.

Fred has supported the Foundation in so many ways during the years when their children were in school and beyond. From calling for kids’ phone-a-thons, to set up and take down at the Issaquah Community Center during the early days of the ISF brown bag luncheons, table captaining for fundraising, mentoring, volunteering at Clark, Issaquah Middle & High Schools.

For over 30 years he has served as a Rotarian for the Rotary Club of Issaquah, volunteering his time to serve on multiple committees including being recognized twice as Rotarian of the Year. He focused on promoting educational and experiential opportunities for Issaquah district students including helping students with studying abroad opportunities through the Rotary Exchange Program for Issaquah students.

Fred has volunteered for Salmon Days for over 20+ years helping to organize and deliver the renown Run with the Fishes 5k Run, now a family tradition, which raises funds for local nonprofits including the Foundation.

Most notable is his volunteerism and support of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program. In 1983, the federal government introduced a nationwide education program called DARE which aimed to reduce drug- taking, gangs, and violence among young people. In the late 90’s the Tyler Nystrom Memorial Fund awarded selected Issaquah district student to attend Camp Orkila on Orcas Island where kids and teen have the chance to explore their individuality and become a part of their community. Although the DARE program no longer is available, Fred continues to offer grief and compassionate support to individuals and families that experience the trauma of suicide and advocates for organizations aimed at drug abuse and suicide prevention.

Fred has also volunteered to help with Life Enrichment Options, a community nonprofit that supports individuals with developmental disabilities. For over 10+ years he helped organize the annual Soap Box Derby race for youth with developmental disabilities.

The list goes on as he participates in the annual July 4th Parade for Issaquah as the parade announcer to being the Grand Marshall, parading down Front Street, welcoming families to participate.

Born in California, a University of Arizona graduate, and served our country in the U.S. Marine Corp. He is a marketer, a writer, publisher of books and magazines, a community manager and connector of people.

Fred is deserving of the Golden Apple Award for his decades of volunteerism and service to our youth, their families, and the general Issaquah community and beyond.