U-Hi drama students prep winter offering

Drama students at University High School are busy polishing their lines for their winter play “The Nerd,” which opens Thursday.

The play follows the main character, Willum, who is trying to complete a big architectural project at the same time Rick, a former soldier who once saved his life, turns up unexpectedly.

“It’s a pretty popular play,” said play director Briane Green. “(Rick) is the most annoying thing in all the world. The antics get crazy and funny.”

The play is set in the ‘70s and the characters wear genuine polyester suits and wildly patterned clothes.

The cast includes Patrick Wolfe as Rick Steadman, Jon Bademian as Willum Cubbert, Jessii Arp as Tansey McGinnis, Danny Bush as Axel Hammond, Willy Dowling as Warnock Waldgrave, Kacie Campbell as Clelia Waldgrave and Danny Bahr as Thor Waldgrave.

Performances will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday through next Saturday and Jan. 29-31. Admission is $6. The school is at 12420 E. 32nd Ave.

Education funding presentation

The Central Valley PTA/PTSA Council will host a discussion on education funding at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Liberty Lake Elementary, 23606 E. Boone.

The discussion will be led by Kelly Munn, field manager for the League of Education Voters. The evening will include information on basic education funding from the state and how to change it.

Debate winners

Several Valley residents were members of a Gonzaga Prep debate team that participated in the Conway Invitational at Gonzaga University.

The competition included 40 high schools from the Northwest and California. David Smentek, of Veradale, won first place in the Lincoln-Douglas Debate, and Thomas Mealey, of Spokane Valley, won first place in Novice Extemp.

Other winners include Caleb Hood, of Greenacres, Taylor O’Keeffe, of Spokane Valley, and Anthony Goodwin, of Veradale.