Ferrist drama students portray homelessness
Students in theater arts classes at Ferris High School have learned lessons in community service and civic responsibility.
Students in Mary Cooper’s classes researched homelessness in the community.
They visited St. Margaret’s Shelter and the House of Charity. They listened to speakers from Catholic Charities, the Spokane Regional Health District and HEART, an organization that helps homeless teens in the area, as well as Ferris teachers and a homeless student who attends Ferris.
When their research was done, the students wrote, directed and performed a series of scenes about homelessness for performances of “Project Hope” that were given in May.
They also held a bake sale and silent auction and set up donation boxes at the performances.
“Project Hope” brought in around $1,400 to benefit HEART and St. Margaret’s Shelter.
“These stories were written with the intention of opening our collective eyes and letting our homeless neighbors give voice to their stories,” Cooper wrote.
Classes that participated included advanced drama, stagecraft, orchestra, art, family and consumer sciences, math and languages.
The students also convinced local businesses to participate.
“One of the most shocking facts was that the average age of the homeless person is 8 years old,” wrote student Steve Eastburn.
Gonzaga Prep graduation awards
When seniors at Gonzaga Prep graduated over the Memorial Day weekend, several students received awards for scholastic, athletic and other achievement.
The winners are:
The Bishop Skylstad Award, given to a boy and girl who have excelled in theory and practice of religion: Catherine Benage of Spokane Valley and Braden Fetz of Veradale.
The Curtis Sharp Award, given for scholastic achievement, high moral standards, good leadership and participation in athletics: Theresa Hailey of Deer Park and John McKenna of north Spokane.
The Brother Buskens Award for a boy and girl outstanding in leadership and school loyalty: Elise Kuhar-Pitters of south Spokane and Cameron McMillan of north Spokane.
Jesuit Secondary Education Association Award, for graduates who best represent a well-rounded person, intellectually competent, open to growth, religious, loving and more: Megan Soehren of north Spokane and Thomas Heavey of northwest Spokane.
Valedictorian: Elizabeth Elder, south Spokane.
Salutatorian: Megan Soehren, north Spokane.
Teacher and alumni awards included:
The Dr. Jack and Marilyn McKenna Teacher of the Year Award: Bob Nedved.
Jesuit Secondary Education Association Ignatian Educator Award: Sherry Colliton.
Alumni of the Year: John and Molly (Parry) McKenna, class of 1979.
St. Aloysius Gonzaga Award: Frank “Ginge” Etter and Tim Welsh, class of 1963.