School notes for Feb. 9, 2017

SWCA Foundation accepting college scholarship applications

The Southwest Washington Contractors Association Foundation is accepting applications for its scholarship program through April 28.

The mission of the SWCA Foundation is “enhancing Southwest Washington through grants for education and community outreach.” Last year, it awarded more than $17,000 to 15 area students pursuing full-time post-secondary education.

The foundation scholarship fund is donation-based and grows throughout the year as members and affiliates contribute to the program.

Applicants will be selected and awarded scholarships at a minimum amount of $500 based on their academic performance, work and volunteer experience, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation and a personal essay.

For more information and to download an application, visit www.swca.org/swca-foundation. Application questions can be directed to lisa@swca.org or 694-7922.

Skyridge student wins Geo Bee

Alex Gee, an eighth-grade student at Skyridge Middle School, won its competition of the National Geographic Bee on Jan. 27 Gee will advance to the next level of competition, a written examination, to determine state competitors.

The state competition will be held on March 31.

The National Geographic Society will provide an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., for state winners to participate in the Bee national champion rounds May 15 to 17.

The first-place national champion will receive a $50,000 college scholarship, a lifetime membership in the society including a subscription to National Geographic magazine, and a trip to the Galapagos Islands, courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic.

Local students win at Jazz Fest

There were several local winners in the 55th Annual Clark College Jazz Festival Jan. 25 to Jan. 27. Outstanding middle school jazz musician certificates were presented to Cade Chatterton, Fiona Silvis and Rebekah Shellman of Liberty Middle School in Camas.

An outstanding high school musician award in the Double A division, third-place, was given to Washougal High School.

Running Start information night set

High school sophomores and juniors can learn how to take the next step in their education by attending an optional Running Start Information Night session.

It will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, in the Clark College gymnasium, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver.

Running Start allows eligible juniors and seniors to earn college credit while they fulfill their high school graduation requirements.

Running Start students attend Clark classes along with “regular” college students. They can choose from a full range of academic and professional/technical courses as long as they meet the criteria and the classes are college-level.

The program, which organizers say can significantly reduce the cost of a four-year college degree, has proven popular in Southwest Washington.

Some Running Start students have earned their associate degree from Clark at the same time that they earn their high school diploma.

Running Start students pay for books, transportation, and some fees, but they do not pay full Clark College tuition. A fee waiver is available for those demonstrating financial need.