School briefs for August 14, 2012

Camas girl to perform in ‘Little Mermaid Jr.’

Anna Melcher, of Camas, will dance in the upcoming Metropolitan Performing Arts Academy’s production of Disney’s “Little Mermaid Jr.”

Performances will be held Friday, Aug. 17 and Saturday, Aug. 18, at 2 and 7 p.m., at Fort Vancouver High School, 5700 E. 18th St.

To purchase tickets, visit www.metropaa.org, or call 975-1585.

Host families needed for exchange students

Academic Year in America is looking for Camas-Washougal area families to host exchange students for four to six weeks.

This year, AYA is bringing hundreds of high school students ages 15 to 18 to the United States. Families have the unique opportunity to find students who will be the perfect fit for their household. Students are diverse in interests and talents and come from more than 30 countries such as Germany, China, Brazil and Italy.

Host families are required to provided exchange students with two meals a day and a place to sleep and study, and treat the student as if he or she is a family member.

The AYA is a not-for-profit organization designated by the U.S. Department of State to offier J-1 visas to international students. It is sponsored by the American Institute for Foreign Study Foundation.

For more information, call Stella at (800) 322-4678, Ext. 5164, email aya.info@sifs.org, or visit www.academicyear.org.

Connell lands on CSU dean’s list

Mary L. Connell, of Camas, earned a spot on the Colorado State University dean’s list during her freshman year.

Students must earn at least a 3.8 GPA to be named to the list.

Connell, who begins her sophomore year at the Fort Collins school in the fall, is majoring in interior design and construction management.

Camas teen earns Eagle Scout rank

Boy Scout Jimmy Connell of Troop 462 was recently awarded the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor offered by the Boy Scouts of America.

Connell’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor was held June 9, at Holy Redeemer Catholic church in Vancouver. Connell was presented his Eagle Scout pin in the case in which his grandfather, Jim Boren, received his Eagle Scout pin in 1941.

To achieve the award, each candidate must earn 21 merit badges, serve as a leader in his troop, and successfully complete a community or church-related project.

For his project, Connell organized and executed a clothing collection for Father Peter Gillette of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Camas to bring back to his native country of Ghana.

Connell graduated from Camas High School in June, and entered the United States Air Force Academy on June 28. He completed basic training this summer and began the academic year on Aug. 9. He is the son of John and Jane Connell.

Local girl competes in American Miss pageant

Last weekend a Washougal girl took part in the American Miss Washington Pageant in Tacoma.

Ashley Isabel Lamb competed in the 10 to 12 age division. The pageant program is based on inner beauty, poise and presentation. Emphasis is put on the importance of developing self-confidence, learning good sportsmanship, and setting and achieving personal goals.

In her spare time, Lamb enjoys participating in band, chess club, book club, as well as crocheting and spending time with her family.

Her sponsors include Pat and Paulette Dolan, Bill Ritchey, Sharlene Gable, Gary and Nancy Hoak, Brian Lamb, Tri Star Auto Brokers, Hero Support, Washougal Food Center, Carla’s Barber Shop, Sportsman Barber Shop, Dogzilla, Madison Nesmith, Breanna Smith, David and Zosia Lamb, Danille Lamb and Jett Burger Cafe.

For more information, visit www.namiss.com.