The beloved 12th Man freeway flag, long a symbol of Seahawks pride, received a significant upgrade in 2024, illuminating community spirit even bright
The story of this iconic flag began with a New Orleans Saints Fleur-de-Lis logo on the roof, a few beers, and a spark of creativity from New Orleans transplant Mike Treuting, known affectionately as Dr. Mike.
A mobile veterinarian in the Snoqualmie Valley, Dr. Mike and his friend Miguel Galvan (of Four Paws Grooming) conceived the idea of a massive 12th Man flag visible from I-90 while enjoying some beers one evening.
Initially, the flag was a simple 600-square-foot blue tarp with a white painted 12, tied between two trees by Miguel, who climbed a 30-foot ladder to accomplish the task. Despite various attempts to perfect the design, it wasn’t until they glued a white tarp cutout onto the blue tarp that the flag stood resilient for six seasons.
The flag, visible to westbound drivers on I-90, captured the attention of many, including Mike Flood, Vice President of Community Outreach for the Seahawks, who contacted Dr. Mike to express the organization’s appreciation.
Fast-forward to 2024, and the flag has undergone a remarkable transformation thanks to David Anderson of Puget Sound Signs. Funded by a community GoFundMe campaign, the new 25×30-foot flag features larger holes for better airflow and new spools to prevent it from dragging on the ground. Miguel’s ingenuity in tying two ladders together to install the new spools ensured the flag could continue to fly proudly above I-90.
This year, the flag’s symbolic presence was further celebrated with a unique auction prize at Empower Youth Network’s Heart of the Valley Gala. The prize, an opportunity to raise the 12’s flag with Blitz and three friends, included a shrimp boil celebration donated by the Seattle Seahawks and Dr. Mike.
This event underscores the community’s support for Empower Youth Network (EYN), the largest non-profit provider of human services to youth in the rural Snoqualmie Valley, located in east King County, Washington. EYN serves over 10,000 youth annually in the Riverview and Snoqualmie Valley School districts.
EYN’s mission is to create a supportive environment where young people thrive. They address various challenges faced by local youth through programs focused on suicide and substance use prevention, mentorship, career preparation and exploration, youth engagement and leadership, weekend food packs, and resource navigation for families.
These programs are designed to meet the unique needs of Snoqualmie Valley’s youth and offer culturally and linguistically appropriate services for the local Spanish-speaking community.
EYN collaborates closely with local schools, businesses, and community organizations to support existing efforts and fill gaps in services. This includes school-based positive norms campaigns for substance use prevention, age-appropriate suicide prevention training, and career preparation initiatives. One notable program, “How to Help a Friend,” engages older teens as peer trainers for suicide prevention, reaching over 1600 students annually.
Community events like the flag-raising auction are crucial in supporting EYN’s mission. These events raise awareness and funds necessary to sustain and expand their programs.
The annual Key Leaders’ Summit, another significant event hosted by EYN, brings together local leaders to discuss pressing issues for youth and develop community-focused solutions. This year’s summit will address “Creating Connection in an Increasingly Digital World.”
EYN measures the success of its programs through regular assessments involving staff, board members, program partners, and beneficiaries. Feedback from participant surveys helps refine their efforts, ensuring they remain aligned with community needs.
Empower Youth Network’s long-term vision is to build better futures for local youth. Community involvement is pivotal, with opportunities for residents to volunteer as mentors or participate in various programs.
High-profile partnerships, like those with the Seattle Seahawks, enhance EYN’s reach and effectiveness, helping to spread the word about critical issues like youth suicide and substance use prevention.
The Heart of the Valley Gala, attended by over 350 people annually, is a significant fundraiser for EYN. Next year’s event, scheduled for May 17, 2025, promises more community engagement and support for the Snoqualmie Valley’s youth.
The 12th Man flag symbolizes Seahawks pride and represents the community’s collective effort to support and empower its youth. Empower Youth Network strives to create a thriving environment for young people in the Snoqualmie Valley through collaboration, innovative programs, and community events. This iconic flag stands as a beacon of hope and unity, reflecting the strength and spirit of the community.
