Almost everyone has tried a diet or exercise plan of some kind with the best of intentions, only to quit a few weeks later when they don't see results or get tired of drastically cutting calories.
Four years ago, the need for an outdoor school replacement activity resulted in an unusual partnership. The Washougal School District approached the Friends of the Columbia Gorge, a non-profit preservation group, about working with local sixth-graders who had outdoor school cut as a part of budget constraints. "Both sides felt this was a missing piece," said Maegan Jossy, outdoor program coordinator. After a private donation enabled the program to move forward, the goal has been to have students experience the Columbia Gorge in a new way, while aligned with state learning standards.
With 180 graduates, approximately $700,000 in scholarships and a few technical glitches, the Washougal High School class of 2011 proudly ended its high school career Saturday night at Fishback Stadium. The sun shone brightly as valedictorian Darcy Akers encouraged her classmates to look toward the future. "I don't know what the future holds, but I hope you are all looking forward to the possibilities," she said. "Most of all, thanks to the friends. Best friends are hard to find, harder to leave and even harder to forget. Thanks for being there, whether we're flying or falling."
Smiles could be seen throughout Doc Harris Stadium Friday night, as the first Camas High School class to attend a graduation ceremony in the rebuilt structure were there to enjoy themselves. During the processional, bubbles started to fill the air as the CHS band performed "Pomp and Circumstance." Principal Steve Marshall set the tone for the event early on, saying it could be a "dignified ceremony and a celebration." He then requested they save the air horns for later.
If there was one theme that was weaved throughout the Hayes Freedom High School and Excelsior High School graduations this past week, it was that with the right guidance, determination to succeed, and a few strategically timed pushes along the way, goals that once didn't seem possible can be achieved. Hayes and Excelsior, the alternative high schools in the Camas and Washougal school districts, respectively, held commencement ceremonies that included tears, laughter and memories proud and challenging moments.
In some ways, the story of the Grass Valley Elementary School Vocal Jazz choir is the classic underdog tale. At the beginning of the year, nothing seemed to come together. The notes were flat. The students couldn't figure out what teacher Natalie Wilson wanted them to do. They lacked experience and stage presence. Fast forward eight months: The elementary school choir won the Northwest Vocal Jazz Festival middle school level competition, with high praise from the judges.
Women of all ages had a good time for a good cause Thursday night. Mothers, daughters, sisters, friends and granddaughters attended the second annual "Girls Night Out," in downtown Camas. With the theme, "Now is the New Later," the event was billed as an evening of celebration in support of women and local cancer charities. For a donation of $15 per person, participants were treated to complimentary cupcakes and pink drinks, beauty treatments and neck massages, as well as health tips and resources, art activities and shopping and dining promotions.
In an ideal world, we would all come home to cleaned and organized spaces, without huge mail piles stacked up and threatening to take over the dining room table. But sadly, in the real world, most people are busy with work, activities and life in general, and so the mail stacks up, the rooms remain cluttered, and those "to-do" projects never get done. This is where Krista Colvin comes in to help.
When complete, the expansion at Camas High School will allow for a more streamlined campus and room for future growth. But getting there has been a bit tricky, as much of the work has been occurring during school hours. "I'm very excited about having a larger campus and the construction being finished," Principal Steve Marshall said. Heidi Rosenberg, district capital programs manager, said the contractor, Corp. Inc. has tried to work around issues such as state testing and traffic flow in and out of the school.
Summer. It's a time for kids to kick back, relax and enjoy themselves. There are several camps in Clark County and across the state that help to meet this important need to have fun. Camp features range from learning how to improve sports skills to taking on the adventures of overnight camping. Best of all, there are camps and activities for all ages, stages and price ranges. The list in the print edition of the Post-Record has information on several camps and activities in the local area and beyond for the future basketball player, soccer star, scientist or adventure camper. Best of all, some of these are low-cost or even free.
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