‘Friendship Bench’ centerpiece of tribute to teacher

The students, staff and community of Madison Elementary recently raised $400 for a “Friendship Bench,” to be dedicated to the memory of one of Madison’s second-grade teachers, Denae Johns. Johns died during the holiday break.

The special bench will placed in memory of Johns in the main entryway of the school. The entryway will also feature side tables, doilies, homemade pillows, books, photos and favorite quotes of Johns’, all created by Madison’s staff members, to honor Johns’ generosity.

Choir garners awards

The Northwest Christian Concert Choir showed its musical talent when it competed in the “Music in the Parks” Choir Festival at Silverwood Theme Park in May.

For the second year in a row, Northwest was awarded the Best Overall Choir for A- and AA-size schools. The school also received first-place awards for the High School Women’s Choir for A-size schools and Mixed High School Choir for A schools.

Seniors Amanda Rood and Andrea Hearron were both awarded “Top Vocalist” medals.

The Northwest Christian Choir is directed by Stefani Peterson.

Pair chosen for board

The Spokane Public Schools board of directors recently chose students to serve as advisers to the school board for the 2009-2010 academic year.

Anne Howard, a sophomore at Lewis and Clark High School, and John Rawley, a junior at Shadle Park High School, will be nonvoting members of the board. They will begin their terms in August and will share their student perspectives.

Howard is secretary of the LC class of 2011 and is a member of the cross-country team. She is also a volunteer at Deaconess Medical Center and has been a referee for the Spokane Youth Sports Association.

Rawley plays varsity football and track. He is a member of the National Honor Society.