WVSD hosting annual Community Appreciation Block Party

West Valley School District is hosting its annual Community Appreciation Block Party on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. at West Valley High School, 8301 E. Buckeye Ave.

Founded by former school board member Debbie Hjortedal, the 13th annual event is a way to show appreciation for the support the community shows the district’s students each year.

This year the party will include a free dinner, student entertainment, robots, door prizes, crafts, a jump castle and Centennial Middle School Principal Karen Bromps in the dunk tank.

For more information, call public relations director Sue Shields at (509) 924-2150.

Spokane Valley bands take firsts in Wenatchee parade

Bands from the Spokane Valley area performed in the annual Apple Blossom Parade on May 3 in Wenatchee.

University High School in the Central Valley School District took home first place in the AAA division.

West Valley High School took home first place in the AA division, first place overall in the military inspection, fourth place overall and fifth place overall for drum major Kelly Clinton.

The color guard/drill team won first place in the AA division.

Freeman FBLA awarded Gold Seal merit at state

The Freeman High School chapter of Future Business Leaders of America attended the 2014 State Leadership Conference in Seattle last month.

The chapter was awarded the Gold Seal Chapter Award of Merit and the Largest Chapter in the Northwest Region. Freeman’s FBLA has 82 members.

Individual honors: Moriah Longhurst, Bethany Williams and Brooke Williams, second place in business presentation; Jami Pratt, second place, job interview; Mackenzie Claeys, third place, client service; Bethany Williams, fourth place, future business leader; Austin Carpenter, fifth place, business law; Ali Tesch, fifth place, public speaking 1.

The following students made finals: Lukas Carasco and Silas Uhder, entrepreneurship; Austin Carpenter, help desk; Colin Ayers and Kian Genteman and Hunter Beaulaurier, Taylor Walker and Erynn Waite, hospitality management; Hunter Beaulaurier, job interview; Lukas Carasco, Austin Carpenter and Silas Uhder, management decision making.

Claeys, Longhurst, Pratt and Bethany and Brooke Williams all qualified to attend the National FBLA Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

• Bethany Williams has been elected vice president of the Washington’s Northeast Region FBLA. The state is divided into nine regions and each is represented by a vice president who reports to the state president and executive director. She will represent about 20 schools from the region and is currently the secretary of the Freeman chapter.

The group’s adviser is Scott Moore.

U-Hi student Joseph Hall earns $1,000 scholarship

Joseph Hall from University High School, has been named one of eight recipients of $1,000 scholarships presented by the WIAA, the Dairy Farmers of Washington and Les Schwab Tires, part of their Smart Choices College Scholarship program.

The scholarship recognizes seniors for excellence in athletics, activities, academics, leadership and community service throughout their high school career.

Otis Orchards School plans parade, more May 17

Otis Orchards School in the East Valley School District will host its annual Community Day May 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There will be a parade at noon, games, food and a bouncy castle.

Otis Orchards is at 22000 E. Wellesley Ave. For more information, call the school at (509) 924-9823.