Norma
Paulus is Oregon’s woman of achievement! In 1962 she graduated from Willamette
University with a degree in law, and then launched her career in public
service. In 1970 she was first elected to the state legislature where she had a
direct impact on laws affecting women, environmental legislation, civil rights
and ethical changes by delving into lobby disclosure and audit functions. In
1976 the people of Oregon elected Norma Paulus to the office of Secretary of
State where she instituted Vote-By-Mail. The first in the nation! In 1986 Norma
ran for governor on the Republican ticket losing by a small margin. In 1987 she
served on the Northwest Power Council and in 1990 she was elected
Superintendent of Public Instruction where she led a comprehensive restructuring
of the Oregon public school system. A New York Times profile describes her work
in Oregon as the most cutting-edge school reform in the nation.
Norma
Paulus is a trustee of both Willamette University and the Oregon Graduate
Institute of Science and Technology in Beaverton; as well as an adjunct
professor of law at Willamette. Her honoree degrees go on and on. In retirement
Norma continues to support causes for which she feels concern.
Helen Raptis
Helen
Raptis is thrilled to be hosting AM Northwest. It’s her dream job, interviewing
news-makers and celebrities and having lots of laughs along the way. She joined
KATU in May of 1998 as AM Northwest's 'Roving Red-Head,' where she reported on
the "fun and quirky" side of Portland. Before joining AM Northwest,
Raptis reported for KGW's "Good Evening” and KING TV's "Evening”
magazine shows. Previous to those shows, she anchored the evening news and
reported for KVAL TV.
Her feature reporting and breast cancer revelation have garnered her Regional
Emmy nominations. In addition, her news and investigative reporting earned her
Associated Press and Society of Professional Journalists Awards. Her most
cherished nods are the Broadcaster of the Year awards she won two years in a
row while learning the ropes in Montana.
On a personal note, Helen enjoys traveling, playing scrabble with her very
funny husband David Schmitke and spending time with their pets.
Since being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000, Helen and her husband
actively encourage women to get regular mammograms and they support the American
Cancer Society, Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation, the Pink Phoenix
Dragon Boat team and other cancer support and research organizations.
Poison Waters
Poison
Waters is not just a personality. Poison is an experience!! Whether dressed as
Poison Waters or her alter ego Kevin Cook, they are both captivating.
For
over two decades Poison has been having tons of FUN! entertaining from
countless Northwest stages. She has been coordinating, participating in and
hosting an endless docket of benefits, revues and shows for various local,
regional and national charities. She has been recognized and rewarded for
providing entertainment to such charities as Cascade AIDS Project, Make a Wish
Foundation, Human Dignity Coalition, Oregon Humane Society and the American
Heart Association. Poison has received the Ray C. Snively Award, the Oregon
Bears President’s Award and the Red Ribbon Award from the Coalition for AIDS
Awareness just to name a few. The invitations never stop! Hundreds of thousands
have enjoyed her wit, charm and beauty! When she is not donating her time for a
fundraiser or traveling the globe, she entertains at the legendary Darcelle XV
Showplace where she has been wildly popular for 20 years.
Whatever
the title, event, cause or venue, one thing remains the same: the important
bond between Poison Waters and her audience. She will always remain, “the smile
on the face of Portland.”
Judges