Community Briefs for Aug. 29

Washougal High freshmen sign graduation pledge

Incoming Washougal High School freshmen in the class of 2023 attended a “We will graduate” rally on Monday, Aug. 26. After learning the high school cheer and meeting with class advisers, school leaders and counselors, each student was invited to sign a banner, pledging their commitment to graduate high school.

“We want the class of 2023 to be the first class to have a 100 percent, on-time graduation and leave a legacy for other classes to follow,” Washougal High Principal Sheree Clark told students and parents at the rally. “Everything you do at school (over) the next four years will matter for you to reach the goal of graduating on time. The good news is you are not alone. You have your friends, parents and a whole team of people at (Washougal High) to help you get through.”

The graduation rally and commitment-signing ideas stemmed from a “Panthers Rising” event held in the spring. That event featured graduating seniors from the class of 2019 who had made commitments for their post-high school education, including four and two-year colleges, apprentices, military and trade schools.

“We are challenging all of our (Washougal High) students to rise,” Clark said.

After students signed the banner, Washougal High staff in attendance also signed their commitment to help students reach their graduation goals.

WSU Vancouver to host ‘How to Pay for College’ workshops

Washington State University Vancouver (WSU-V) will host “The A to Z of Paying for College” workshops throughout Clark County this fall. The free workshops are a public service for all prospective and current college students, regardless of the college they choose to attend, and are open to the public.

Prospective students and parents will learn how to make college affordable with grants, loans, savings, scholarships and jobs. The workshops will cover “free” college money and that which needs to be paid back, as well as important forms and deadlines. Presenters will provide strategies and answer commonly asked questions about applying for financial aid and scholarships, including the kinds of scholarships available.

Workshops will be held at the following locations:

• 6 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 10: WSU-V, Dengerink Administration Building, Room 110, 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave., Vancouver
• 6 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 17: Heritage High School, 7825 N.E. 130th Ave., Vancouver
• 1 to 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 28: Fort Vancouver Library, Columbia Room, 901 C St., Vancouver
• 6 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 1: Camas High School Library, 26900 S.E. 15th St., Camas
• 6 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 10: Ridgefield High School, 2630 S. Hillhurst Road, Ridgefield
• 6 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 15: Columbia River High School, 800 N.W. 99th St., Vancouver
• 6 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 17: WSU-V, Dengerink Administration Building, Room 110, 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave., Vancouver
• 6 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 6: WSU-V, Dengerink Administration Building, Room 110, 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave., Vancouver
• 6 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 10: WSU-V, Dengerink Administration Building, Room 110, 14204 N.E. Salmon Creek Ave., Vancouver

Free event parking will be available in the Orange 2 lot for all workshops held on the WSU-V campus.

Historical museum to discuss Corps of Discovery’s medical supplies

The Clark County Historical Museum will continue its 2019 First Thursday Speaker Series at 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 5, with historian Barb Kubik’s presentation of “Fifteen Pounds of Peruvian Bark and Two Ounces of Camphor: Two Doctor-Captains and the Corps of Discovery in Clark County.”

The presentation will examine Captain Meriwether Lewis’ list of medical supplies for the Corps of Discovery, and how some of those supplies, including botanicals and pharmaceuticals, were used in 1805 and today.

A native of Vancouver, Kubik has lived and worked along the Pacific Northwest portion of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail for more than 40 years. She is a historian, author, educator and member of the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation’s Board of Directors.

In her work as a historian, Kubik has explored the lives of members of the Corps, including the Corps’ scientific observations and medical care.

This presentation will be held in conjunction with a public reception celebrating the museum’s newest exhibit, “Currents of Progress: Clark County Rivers, Roads, and Ports,” beginning at 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5.

Exhibit topics include Native American Nations and their relationships with the waterways; Hudson’s Bay Company; early transportation; the establishment of the ports of Vancouver, Camas-Washougal, and Ridgefield; the impact of World War I and World War II; and the state of local ports today.

Clark County Historic Preservation Commission sponsors the CCHM First Thursday Speaker Series. General admission costs $5 for adults; $4 for seniors and college students; and $3 for children ages 18 and younger. The event is free for CCHM members. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as it is first-come, first-served seating. For more information, call 360-993-5679 or email events@cch museum.org.