Bands gather, play to help people in Darfur
A concert put on by high school musicians could grow into a one-day festival to aid people in Darfur, if band members can organize one.
Already, East Valley High School senior Sean Burgett helped coordinate a concert earlier this month that raised $1,066. The “Make Some Noise for Darfur” concert at EVHS drew five bands from Cheney, Deer Park, East Valley, University and Ferris.
The benefit grew from a desire among East Valley students to help University High students’ efforts this year to raise awareness about genocide in the war-torn region of Darfur in Sudan and to raise funds for victims.
More than 200 people paid $3 to $5 concert admission, with some donating more.
“We raised a lot more than we thought we would,” Burgett said. “We are also thinking about keeping the momentum going maybe with a festival, an all-day event, maybe some more big-name bands. That’s still in talks.”
Burgett, who plays the guitar and sings, belongs to a four-member band of EVHS seniors called Making the Day. Most of the bands play rock ‘n’ roll.
Organizers were happy the benefit concert went over so well.
“I expected raising $500 to $600 and we ended raising over $1,000 after paying expenses, so it was a really big success,” Burgett added.
Peggy Estey, EVHS teacher, and her current world affair students helped coordinate the event. She said the group also has been selling “Stop Genocide in Darfur” T-shirts. All proceeds will be donated to CARE and the International Rescue Committee.
Family Fun night Friday
St. Mary’s Catholic School will host a Family Fun Night Friday, called “A Night Under the Stars … A Red Carpet Affair.”
The Hollywood-themed carnival will run from 2:45 to 7:30 p.m. at the school on the corner of Fourth Avenue and Adams Road in Spokane Valley. It is open to all families in the community, with proceeds supporting the school.
The evening will be filled with activities for all ages, including a silent auction. Tickets for the food and activities can be purchased at the door. Children’s activities include a jumping castle, cakewalk, games, carnival booths, face painting, kid movies and photo opportunities. Raffles and drawings will be held. Food will be available for purchase from pizza to hot dogs.
For questions, contact St Mary’s Catholic School at 924-4300, ext. 25.
Rotary donates funds for books
Spokane East Rotary Club members recently donated money toward books for all fourth-grade students at Ness, Orchard Center and Pratt elementary schools.
The group gave $100 per fourth-grade classroom to allow each student to take advantage of 2-for-1 Scholastic book sales at book fairs, said Jim Van Schoorl, who spearheads the club’s project.
“A lot of kids don’t get to buy their own books,” Van Schoorl said. “We believe in promoting reading.”
Ness librarian Althea Erbeznik said that with the donation, fourth-graders were each given a budgeted amount to pick out any two books they wanted. The donation at Ness provided for more than 120 books.
“Some of these kids never get to buy anything at the book fair, so the kids were really excited,” Erbeznik said.
Students receive scholarships
The 2007 Central Valley PTSA Council Memorial Scholarship recipients were recently announced.
Anna Daines, of Central Valley High School, and Katherine Norris, of University High School, were both awarded a $1,000 scholarship. Students’ selection was based on their personal achievements, financial need, community service and pursuit of excellence.
Painted Hills groups award scholarships
The Painted Hills Golf Course management and its men’s and ladies’ clubs have announced 2007 student scholarship winners. Each scholarship is $1,500.
Selection was based on school and community activities as well as an essay. This year’s scholarships memorialize former men’s club member Ralph Burt.
The winners are:
“Ashley Grater, EVHS, who is ASB vice president, captain of the girls varsity golf team, varsity girls basketball team member and student leadership class participant. Other community activities include the Washington Association of Student Council, Vacation Bible School and MS Walk volunteer. Grater has a 3.9 grade-point average and plans to attend Washington State University.
“Bridget Reilly, CVHS, with ASB student body leadership team as well as the Washington Association of Student Councils (2006-07 President). Her other activities include varsity golf, National Honor Society, choir, student athletic trainer and Chase Youth Award for Courage, and volunteering at church and St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute. Reilly carries a 3.7 g.p.a. and plans to attend the University of Idaho.
“Ken Wood, University High, who is involved in football, basketball, soccer, track, National Honor Society, Crimson Crew mentoring and Mr. University. He also received numerous awards including All-Greater Spokane League as a punter and receiver, player of the week and Male Athlete of the Week. Ken has worked as a Vacation Bible School teacher and Northwest Quad Jump safety instructor. He has a 3.6 g.p.a. and will enroll this fall at the University of Montana.
“Kimberly Gomez, U-Hi, who is involved through National Honor Society, church youth group, Washington Drug Free Youth, varsity cheerleading and girls tennis, DECA and as the public relations officer for the Viable Vision Video Production club. She has volunteered for a clean-up crew in downtown Spokane, Big Brothers/Big Sisters fundraising and as a church helper. She has also assisted at the Spokane Humane Society. She carries a 3.7 g.p.a. and plans to attend Washington State University.
“Wes Millard, U-Hi, a Washington Junior Golf Association state qualifier three times as well as being a past Painted Hills golf course junior champion. He is involved in basketball and soccer, National Honor Society, Leadership Team, Crimson Crew coordinator and Mr. University. He has volunteered as an assistant coach for a girls U-13 soccer team, as vacation bible school teacher and as a math tutor. Millard is a 3.7 g.p.a. student and will enroll this fall at Washington State University.
“Julia Schurkamp, Riverside High School, an ASB officer, National Honor Society member, DECA and band participant. She has been a volunteer in the Coats-4-Kids program, phone-a-thon for the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery, Pennies for Patients Penny Drive and various food drives. She is a 3.9-g.p.a. student at Riverside and is enrolling at Spokane Falls Community College in business management.