School notes for Nov. 12, 2013

‘Catching Fire’ party set

There will be a party at the Camas Public Library for teens in seventh- through 12th grade to celebrate the release of the movie, “Catching Fire.”

It will be held at 4 p.m. Monday and includes food, mini bow and arrow building, prize raffles and games. All must register in advance by calling 834-4692. The library is located at 625 N.E. Fourth Ave.

College savings plan starts open enrollment

Guaranteed Education Tuition, Washington state’s college savings program, is now open for enrollment. It is a tax-free program, including withdrawal, when used for tuition, housing and other qualified college expenses.

If a student ends up getting a scholarship to cover college expenses or decides not to go right after high school, the account owner can wait up to 10 years, transfer the funds to another family member or request a refund.

One hundred GET units are equal to one year of resident undergraduate tuition and state-mandated fees at the University of Washington or Washington State University, the state’s two most expensive public universities. Less expensive colleges require fewer units. More expensive private or out-of-state colleges require more units so families pay the difference.

The payout value of each unit is the same no matter where it is used. Families can buy from 1 to 500 units for each student. The current unit price is $172.

For more information, go to www.get.wa.gov. Enrollment is open through May 31.

Hot Dogs for MDA raises nearly $1,500

Camas High School DECA held the Hot Dogs for MDA event recently. The goal of the project was to raise awareness and funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Chapter members from Camas DECA created four competing hot dog stands that each formed their own brand and tried to generate more revenue than the other teams. All profits from the project went directly to the MDA.

A total of $1,467 was raised. The Hot Dogs for MDA event is a part of a DECA community service chapter project, headed by Amanda Shi and Courtney White.

Another event for the project was Menchie’s Night, where 20 percent of all profits at the Vancouver frozen yogurt shop went to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Kern to participate in unique play

Amanda Kern of Camas is participating in the Linfield College theater production, “Ajax in Iraq,” It ran Nov. 7 to 10 and will continue Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the Marshall Theatre in Ford Hall at Linfield.

Kern, a freshman, will play the role of Athena. She is a 2013 graduate of Camas High School and the daughter of Dave and Kristen Kern of Camas.

“Ajax in Iraq,” is inspired by interviews with Iraq war veterans and their families. Past and present collide in Ellen McLaughlin’s mash-up of Sophocles’ classic tragedy “Ajax,” with the modern day war in Iraq.

The play follows the parallel narratives of Ajax, an ancient Greek military hero, and A.J., a modern female soldier, both undone by the betrayal of a commanding officer. Athena, goddess of war coolly presides over the whole play, which explores the struggles soldiers face in trying to make sense of war.

The play contains mature subject matter, graphic violence and adult language. Tickets are $9 for full price; $7 for seniors and Linfield faculty and staff; and $5 for students (any age, any school). Seating is reserved. Tickets are available at www.linfield.edu/arts or by phone at 503-883-2292.