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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Education Notebook: Rogers students present ‘Curious Savage’

Rogers High School drama students will show audiences that money doesn’t bring happiness, even when you’re left $10 million by your deceased husband – but, friends in the nut house will – in their performance of “The Curious Savage,” continuing tonight through Saturday at 7 p.m.

The story begins when Ethel Savage, played by Bobbi Gilmartin, is left a large inheritance by her husband and her greedy stepchildren want nothing from her, except for her money.

Titus, played by Bailey Phillips, Lily Belle, played by Sierra Haller, and Samuel, played by Dakota Goodwin, have Mrs. Savage committed to a sanatorium after she announces she wants to give all of her money to charity – rather than give it to them.

Their reasoning is that anyone who would just give all of that money away can’t be sane. Mrs. Savage insists she’s forgotten where she put the money, and for her rotten, greedy children, that’s the last straw.

Mrs. Savage makes friends with social misfits: Florence, played by Emilie Keehner; Fairy May, played by Rhiannon Odekirk; Jeffrey, played by Miles Fowler; Hannibal, played by David Moody; and Mrs. Paddy, played by Mikyla Herman and Laura Braunstein, in her new home at the asylum. She decides she belongs there, although her doctor says there is no reason for her to stay. As her story plays out, her new friends conspire with her to get rid of her step-children and hide the money.

Tickets are $5 when purchased in advance or $7 at the door. To purchase tickets early visit the Rogers ASB store.

For more information call Kris Freeland at (509) 354-6551.

Wilson Elementary students plant trees

Fourth- and fifth-graders from Wilson Elementary School recently spent a chilly afternoon in Comstock Park, planting trees as part of the Neighborwoods Program, headed by the Urban Forestry Department of Spokane Parks and Recreation and the Lands Council.

Planting the trees was the first step in their stewardship lesson. Over the winter, the students will work on additional planning and other possible projects, such as planting more trees, landscaping and maintenance, irrigation and recycling.

The fourth-graders are taking on a recycling and garden enrichment project called “Can-O-Worms Composter,” which they will follow through for their stewardship and community service, recycling and garden enrichment lesson. The fifth-grade class plans to replant a small plot of ground on school property, adding a new tree and some native plants.

“The students are absolutely thrilled; they’re very, very pleased,” fourth-grade teacher Barbara Bothman said. Bothman also said they’re especially interested in growing worms, which will be released into the soil in May.

“We want our worms to do really well,” she said.

The trees were donated by Nancy MacKerrow, a Spokane resident who lost her daughter, Susie, in an accident a number of years ago. The trees were donated in Susie’s memory.

After the trees were planted, students tied Tree Grams, made of recycled, brown paper bags with drawings and messages, such as “Always make the best out of life,” “Live, Love, Laugh,” or “PEACE.” The idea is that when the paper disintegrated, the words and images become part of the tree. For more information visit www.susieforest.com.

G-Prep kick off 125th annual food drive

Gonzaga Prep continues the yearlong celebration of the school’s 125th anniversary with this week’s kickoff of the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, a 70-plus year tradition. 

Each of the 901 students will collect 50 to 100 pounds of food. Each home room is responsible for three to eight families in addition to helping an emergency food bank/pantry.   Many students exceed their goals, so the total food collected is about 100,000 pounds.

“This year we have received more requests to help feed families than ever before.  We are very grateful for the tremendous support of the Spokane-Coeur d’Alene community as Gonzaga Prep tries to do its part to help meet this need,” said the Rev. Kevin Connell, S.J., Gonzaga Prep’s principal.

Gonzaga Prep will conclude the annual drive with a Mass of Thanksgiving on Wednesday at 10 a.m. in Scarpelli Gymnasium. 

Gonzaga Prep students will leave Mass, and go directly to distribute food and turkeys to 200 families. They also will deliver to food banks.

Fundraiser features Ferris jazz group

The Ferris High School Jazz Orchestra will perform at the annual Swing Dance and Auction fundraiser on Dec. 10 in the Ferris gymnasium. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

The festivities begin with the silent auction at 7 p.m., the live auction starts at 8 and attendees can put on their dancing shoes at 9. Dancers can also enjoy a delectable dessert. Auction items include a gourmet dinner for eight, a wine tasting event, and a Sandpoint ski weekend getaway.

To donate an auction item and for more information call Karen at (509) 230-4927.

Rainey Coffin can be reached at (509) 927-2166 or via email at raineyc@ spokesman.com.