Bickleton, Wash.

In the tiny town of Bickleton, Wash., the one school seems to do everything right. Nearly all students go on to some kind of post-secondary education.

Section:Gallery

Sat., Nov. 20, 2010

On the outskirts of Bickleton, Wash., windmills have been sprouting up on farms. The green energy source has been a boon to the small town, which is using some of the increased property tax revenue to fund a new $10.4 million K-12 school.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
Bickleton High School junior Nic Venema removes books from his locker before heading home from a long day at school. Students at Bickleton do not lock or even shut their lockers. "Nobody here is going to take anything," Venema said.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
Bickleton High School senior Katelynn Clinton, 18, receives math help from her mom, Kim, who is the school's math, drama, home economics and ASB instructor. Katelynn is a fifth-generation Bickleton student.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
Bickleton Elementary School students head to their buses after school Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2010. Next year, the small K-12 school will move into a new building that is being funded by a bond sold to voters. The increased tax revenue from 800 windmills on farmland has increased property values by $600 million in Klickitat County.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
The small rural town of Bickleton, in southeast Washington, is reaping the benefits of increased tax revenues from windmills that have been installed on surrounding farmland.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
Bickleton High School band teacher Paul Nelson leads students during practice Nov. 9, 2010. Almost all the students from fifth through 12th grade participate in band.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review
Bickleton Elementary school students roll snowballs during recess. The Bickleton school district is only one of three in the state that have a four-day school week.

Colin Mulvany The Spokesman-Review