A Washed-Up Actress. The Plastic Politician. Boy-Band Reject. With names like these, the upcoming play at Washougal High School is sure to bring some laughs. And that's why it was chosen, drama director Kelly Gregersen. "This is a spoof on the classic murder mystery," he said. "We've never done this before and it's always nice to end the year on a lighter note. It's pretty goofy and silly."
Fifty years from now, most members of the Washougal High School class of 2011 will be retired and many will have grandchildren, some close to graduating. As mind-blowing as growing older is for many teenagers, the fact of the matter is that it happens quicker than any of us expect.
Citing continued state budget uncertainty, the Washougal School Board passed a Reduction in Force resolution at its last meeting. If enacted, up to 20 certified staff members could lose their jobs. However, the Board and Superintendent Teresa Baldwin emphasized that the district plans to avoid this if at all possible. "We have no intention of implementing this but have to include the 'worst case scenario' if we need it," Baldwin said. "Right now, this is just procedure. It's not a reality."
"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." The above is by far my favorite quote, spoken by University of Oregon running icon Steve Prefontaine, who died in a tragic car crash in 1975. But I never truly understood that statement until after completing the Boston Marathon on April 18.
The old phrase, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression," rings especially true when it comes to job interviews. However, for those who are in college or just graduating, money can often be scarce. This is where the Clark College Clothing Closet comes in. For two days during the spring, all students are allowed the opportunity to pick out one free, career-wear outfit for potential job interviews or just to bridge the gap when funds for clothing get tight, so to speak.
Two teams. Fun rivalry. A great cause. This is how organizers describe the second annual Iron Chef event, hosted by the Camas Educational Foundation. Last year, the competition raised more than $4,000 for local students. Organizers are hoping to exceed that amount this time around. "[We want to] support our district's creative and dedicated teachers, and proceeds from Iron Chef will be added to the CEF grant budget," organizer Deborah Mrazek said.
Anyone who wants to see a live rock show and lives in the Camas-Washougal area knows the routine: Drive all the way into Portland, attempt to find free parking somewhere, and walk several blocks into sometimes sketchy venues. However, employees at Coffee Revolution, a non-profit business that donates a majority of its proceeds to the community, have come up with another solution.
Despite the decidedly un-spring-like weather last week, kids still found a way to enjoy their break by attending one of the local camps and activities held in the Camas-Washougal area. Choices ranged from free movies and crafts at the Camas Library to babysitter's boot camp, adventure camps for preschoolers, and creative camps for elementary school kids. East County Community Education offered a rarity for working parents: Full- or half-day camps. The full-day option ran from 7:30 to 5 p.m. and the half-day was for up to five hours, as well as a drop-in option.
When Washougal High School students finish Rachel Fouts-Carrico's child development class, one thing is clear. Becoming a parent is not a responsibility to be taken lightly. The class, which Fouts-Carrico has taught for four years, gives students an overview of topics including childhood developmental stages, working in early childhood education, childbirth, costs of raising a child, teen parenting, and even offers the opportunity to take home a mechanical baby for the weekend.
When now 17-year-old Kiersta Moore found out she was pregnant, the first emotion she felt was fear. "I had no idea how I was going to be able to take care of a baby," she said. In the way of most teens, Kiersta told her mom via a text message. "I was driving and she sent me one from the back seat," her mom, Dawn Holen said. "I pulled over and told her she had three options: Abort, adopt or keep, and I'd support her either way. She said she wanted to keep the baby and I said, 'Here we go.'"
danielle.frost@camaspostrecord.com
