CV Color Guard, Band March The Extra Mile With Competitive Zeal

Angie Thayer spent the better part of last week running across the lawn of Central Valley High School with her feet in contorted positions.

Thayer, 15, is a member of the school’s color guard and practiced from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day last week.

The color guard performs with the marching band, dancing and waving colorful flags in synchronized motion along with the music.

One dance technique that instructor Mandi Edwards has drilled the team on repeatedly is “jazz runs,” executed by running with heels close together, and feet pointed out left and right.

“If we don’t do them right, we have to do pushups,” Thayer said. “The way Mandi works us is probably really good.”

The color guard and band both put in marathon sessions during last week’s “band camp,” designed to get the musicians and performers ready for football games, concerts and competitions.

“We start early, we push them very hard, and they keep coming back,” said marching instructor Mark Staley.

“You’re got to want to be here to do this.”

Apparently, the training is working.

“The last three years, it’s gotten more and more intense,” said Eric Parker, a senior and drum major in the band.

“We’ve gotten amazingly better in the past three years.”

This year, the group has its most daunting challenge to date. In late October, they will perform at a national competition in California, which includes a chance to play at Disneyland.

Trentwood Elementary to hold fundraising fair

Trentwood Elementary will hold a fundraising fair next week.

Among the fun events to be included are: a bicycle rodeo, put on by the Spokane County Sheriff’s Department, a jumping castle sponsored by Tidyman’s and fire truck displays by Valley Fire District.

The fair will take place on Sept. 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. and is free and open to the public. There will, however, be a charge for some events and concessions.

Two CVHS teachers earn honors

Two Central Valley High School teachers were chosen for awards or special recognition during the summer.

Biology teacher Howard Waterman was selected by the National Science Teachers Association to be part of Access Excellence, a three-year, $10 million online program designed to improve science education.

Waterman and 100 other biology teachers attended a conference in June and were given laptop computers and training in the Access Excellence program.

The program will help biology teachers to access current science news stories and speak with other teachers and scientists about current events.

George LeBret, a chemistry teacher at CVHS, and David Cleary, an assistant chemistry professor at Gonzaga University, recently received a “Partners in Science Award” for $14,000.

The award was co-sponsored by the M.J. Mudock Charitable Trust, through money contributed to Research Corporation, a foundation for the advancement of science.

The award provides opportunities for high school science teachers to participate in college research under the guidance of faculty.

LeBret and Cleary’s research will focus on crystals. LeBret said he will incorporate what he learns into his own classrooms, having his students grow crystals and study their chemistry.

, DataTimes MEMO: Education Notebook is a regular feature of the Valley Voice. If you have news about an interesting program or activity at a Valley school or about the achievements of Valley students, teachers or school staff, please let us know. Write: Education Notebook, Valley Voice, E13208 Sprague, Spokane, WA 99216. Call: 927-2166. Fax: 927-2175.