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Stories by Kelly Moyer

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June 5, 2025
Discovery High School students gather in the east commons area of their project-based learning high school in Camas on Thursday afternoon, May 22. To make up for a $13 million revenue shortfall, the Camas School District is merging its two project-based learning schools, bringing Odyssey Middle School students and staff into the adjacent Discovery High School building this fall to create the district’s first 6-12 school. (Photos by Amanda Cowan/The Columbian)

Despite objections, Discovery, Odyssey to share one campus

There are still a few kinks to work out and likely a few worried students to convince, but the Camas School District’s plan to merge its project-based learning middle and high schools into one building seems to have found a path forward that quells most, if not all, of the concerns raised earlier this year when the district first announced the creation of its first 6-12 school.

May 29, 2025
Camas leaders gather on the stage of the Joyce Garver Theater in Camas on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, for a “Let’s Talk Together for Camas” forum hosted by the Camas School District and the district’s Community Equity Forum group. Pictured from left to right are Port of Camas-Washougal Executive Director Trang Lam, Camas School District Superintendent John Anzalone, Camas City Councilor Marilyn Boerke, Camas business owner Melissa Peake and Camas Mayor Steve Hogan. (Kelly Moyer/Post-Record)

Camas leaders push for more inclusion, equity

Three weeks after a federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to punish public K-12 school districts over diversity, equity and inclusion programs, a group of Camas school, city and business leaders gathered inside the school district’s Joyce Garver Theater to talk with community members about what they are doing to help all Camasonians feel included, safe and like they have a sense of belonging.

May 22, 2025
Camas Pride Committee chairs Brie Hilliard, left, and Jacquie Hill discuss the 2025 Camas Pride block party poster inside LiveWell Camas on May 8, as Emma Hilliard, 11, runs past them. (Kelly Moyer/Post-Record)

Camas Pride Block Party expands

As Pride celebrations across the country report a lack of sponsorship, funding and support in the wake of a presidential administration that has cracked down on LGBTQ rights, the annual Camas Pride Block Party stands out.

May 15, 2025
Officer Casey Handley of the Camas Police Department joins fellow participants in a “Mindful Agility” workshop as they meditate at Lacamas Lake Lodge on April 30. Members of the Camas Police Department trained with a mindfulness instructor during the two-day class to help improve mental and emotional health. (Amanda Cowan/The Columbian)

Refocusing with Mindfulness

The dashcam inside Camas police Officer Casey Handley’s patrol vehicle showed the Sept. 8 collision in real time. One minute, Handley was approaching a seemingly vacant intersection. The next minute, a vehicle coming from the opposite direction was turning into Handley’s path, giving the on-duty officer a split second to react.