School notes for June 25, 2013

Camas students earn degrees from Gonzaga

Several local students have earned degrees from Gonzaga University.

They include James Partee (bachelor of business administration), Taylor Rutledge (bachelor of science in economics-science) Emily Thomas (bachelor of science in human physiology, cum laude) and Chase Thorson (bachelor of science in biology).

Exchange students need host families

AFS Intercultural Programs is seeking host families for high school exchange students coming from more than 90 countries in August and September. Since 1947, families and students worldwide have experienced the rewards of becoming a global family.

Host families share their home with the students. Participants are carefully matched, and volunteers are on hand to make sure that families and students have the support and tools needed for a positive experience.

For more information, call 503-419-9509 or browse www.afsusa.org/hostfamily.

Wells Fargo hosts free sweepstakes for students

High school students have until Saturday to enter a free sweepstakes Wells Fargo is holding in which 520 students from all over the United States will each win a $1,000 cash prize they can use to help pay for college or other expenses.

Students are automatically entered in the sweepstakes when they enroll in Wells Fargo’s CollegeSTEPS program, which provides college planning and money management tips for parents and students, including how to find scholarships, apply for financial aid, make campus visits, save and budget and manage student loans.

If high school students are already enrolled in the CollegeSTEPS program and want to enter the sweepstakes, they should go to www.wellsfargo.com/expandedcollegesteps.com and re-enroll by June 30.

No purchase is necessary to enter or win. For complete sweepstakes rules, visit the website.

Kim wins National Merit Scholarship

Rachel Kim of Camas has won a National Merit Citizen Eco-Drive Scholarship.

The scholarship is offered to distinguished high school seniors for college undergraduate study. Winners are selected based on academic skills and achievements, extracurricular accomplishments, and potential for success in college.

WSU Vancouver offers financial aid workshops

Those interested in attending college can learn how to pay for it at Washington State University Vancouver’s A to Z of Financial Aid and Scholarships Workshop offered June through August in the Student Services building, Room 101.

It is free and open to the public.

The workshop is a jumping-off point for all college-bound students no matter their age, current financial situation or school they plan to attend.

Workshops will be offered on the following dates and times: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., July 2; 6 to 7 p.m., July 18; 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., July 31 and 6 to 7 p.m., Aug. 13.

The workshops are led by trained financial aid experts and are designed to increase financial aid awareness and make clear the options for paying for college.

April Tovar, financial aid and scholarships manager at WSU Vancouver, views the workshop as an opportunity to increase the community’s knowledge of financial aid processes.

“Many students and families are confused by financial aid and may even opt out of choosing a college path because they do not realize there are many different routes to paying for a college education,” she said.

“Our workshop explores the different choices students have and how financial aid works at all institutions. The more families understand the process, the better educated decisions they can make when trying to determine what fits best for them or their student.”

For more information, visit finaid@vancouver.wsu.edu. WSU Vancouver is located at 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave.

Skills Center offers summer classes

Students entering ninth- through 12the grade in the 2013-14 school year have the opportunity to take free summer classes at the Clark County Skills Center.

Classes run from June 25 to July 17. The only fees are potential lab costs of $10 to $25 in some classes.

Students can earn a .5 high school elective credit. Visit www.ccskillscenter.com or call 604-1050 for more information.

Capuano receives bachelor’s degree

Rachael Capuano of Camas received a bachelor of arts degree from Western New England University last month.

She graduated with honors.

CHS fares well at 5th Avenue Awards

High school students from across Washington state packed the The 5th Avenue Theatre for the 11th annual 5th Avenue Awards, which honor high school musical theater. The event is a high school version of the Tony Awards.

Camas High School took home the award for Outstanding Direction (Into the Woods). CHS was nominated in several different catergories.

The house was packed with 2,200 teenagers, dressed in costume representing their schools’ musical theater productions, who cheered for their peers as they performed musical excerpts and accepted awards honoring top student achievements in musical theater, and is presented by Wells Fargo Bank.

The event, directed this year by Kat Rambsurg, included awards in 21 categories ranging from Outstanding Overall Musical Production to Outstanding Lobby Display.

“The high school awards is always an exciting night to be at The 5th Avenue,” says Wells Fargo Vice President of Community Affairs, Mark Dederer. “It is events like this that celebrate arts, education, and students, that bring a special energy to the theater and to the participating schools.

“The student performances are always electrifying and Wells Fargo is honored to support this event, and wish congratulations to all the nominees and recipients.”

Many 5th Avenue Award participants have had notable careers as actors, directors, designers and theater administrators both in Seattle and around the country, according to a press release from The 5th Avenue Theatre.

Past participant Stefano Langone was a recent Top 10 contestant on American Idol; Ryah Nixon appeared in the national tour of 9 to 5: The Musical; and Brandon Ivie has a Broadway career.

Additional past participants have included Seattle stars and 5th Avenue favorites Jared Michael Brown, Gabe Corey, Sarah Davis, Kirsten DeLohr Helland, Diana Huey, and Cayman Ilika, among many others.

Since its inception, The 5th Avenue Awards has grown in size and scope from 24 productions and 3,100 students. to 105 productions at 88 schools, with more than 10,000 students participating this year.

Aviation summer camp set

Aviation Summer Camp at Grove Field is open to students ages 9 to 12 who want to learn about flying and aerodynamics. Camp will be held Tuesday through Friday, July 9 to12.

Applications are available on the Camas-Washougal Aviation Association website: http://www.cwaagrovefield.org/cwaa_events.

Grove Field is located at 632 N.E. 267th Ave., in Fern Prairie, five miles north of Camas.