Finch Plans Dance Performance
The students are ready to stomp on Finch.
Well, not literally.
At the direction of Finch Elementary School teacher and local dance instructor, Joan Hamilton, students are preparing for “Finch on Broadway Stomps,” scheduled for May 13.
The dance performance will be held in the Shadle Park High School auditorium at 7 p.m.
“It’s a series of (dance) vignettes to be performed by kindergartners through sixth grade,” said Finch parent Ken Hughey, who is also serving as event publicist.
“Each grade has its own presentation. It’s a very family friendly environment,” he said.
Working with the youngsters since September, Hamilton is pleased with her students’ effort.
“Dance is one way children can find out about themselves,” Hamilton said. “They can find out how brave they are. It takes guts to come out and perform for people.”
Mead debaters need money
Mead High School debaters Emily Setcho, Ethan John, Suzanne Kim, Sudha Nandagopal, Zane Torretta and Kelly Moyse recently qualified for the national debate team tournament in Phoenix, to be held June 13-18.
The only problem now is financing the trip.
To help them on their way, the team is holding a bingo night fund-raiser May 14 at 6 p.m. in the Mead High School cafeteria.
Prizes will be provided by local businesses. All are welcome.
Shaw student receives math award
The United States Achievement Academy has named Jeremy Rathbone, a Shaw Middle School eighth-grader, a national award winner in the category of math.
Rathbone will appear in the U.S. Achievement Academy Official Yearbook, which is published nationally. The academy selects USAA winners based on the recommendation of teachers, coaches and counselors.
Albert Gyllenhammer was Rathbone’s nominating teacher.
Rathbone was cited for his academic performance, interest and aptitude, leadership qualities, responsibility, enthusiasm, motivation to learn and improve, citizenship, attitude, cooperative spirit and dependability.
Salk’s Haugen honored
The state’s superintendent of public instruction office recognized Salk Middle School principal Mary Haugen, along with a host of other educators around the state. She was recognized in this year’s Washington Award for Excellence in Education.
Haugen was the only nominee from Spokane School District 81.
The award program, enacted by the 1986 Legislature, recognizes public school teachers, principals, administrators, school boards and classified personnel for their leadership, contributions and committment to education.
Award winners will be honored at the end of the school year.
Five teachers and three classified staff from each of the nine Congressional districts, five principals statewide, one school district superintendent statewide and one school district board of director are acknowledged.
Musicians make splash at state
Some North Side high school musicians strutted their stuff a couple of weeks ago during the Washington State Solo and Ensemble Contest.
The April 23 and 24 contest was sponsored by the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association and the Dairy Farmers of Washington.
It was held at Central Washington University in Ellensburg.
The North Central High School percussion ensemble took third. Ensemble members include: Bobbi Briscoe, Jesse Clott, Matt Greer, Terran Gregory, Eric Haley, Laura Hodgson, Pat Kasper, Carl Larson, Kyle Payne, Justin Shaw and Ken Wylde.
In individual competition, Gonzaga Prep’s Dan Fennessy placed third in trombone solo and Mariah McKay of Mead High School finished second in snare drum and mallets solo.
Salk choir takes top award
Salk Middle School’s seventh grade symphonic choir won the middle school division for treble voices in a concert choral festival at Columbia Basin College in Pasco on April 23.
It’s the second-straight year that Salk’s choir has won the award.
Margo Dreis is the choir director.
Staff writer Kristen Kromer contributed to this report.