Inside our schools: U-Hi presents ‘Graceland’ next week
A theater production of “Graceland” will hit the University High School stage at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and next Saturday. Critically hailed, this funny and touching play deals with the rivalry of two Elvis Presley fans to be the first to enter their fallen idol’s lavish estate.
Senior and U-Hi drama veteran Kayli Pilgrim stars as Bev, the intimidating middle-aged admirer. Sophomore Caitlin Stone makes her theatrical debut as Rootie, a naïve, yet determined devotee to the King. Briane Green is the director.
The production team has worked to capture the magic of Elvis Presley and the singer’s contribution to society. The play is complemented by a slide presentation complete with Elvis photos and accompanied by his music.
Tickets are $4 at the door, with the theater opening at 6:30 p.m.
U-Hi debate team hosts dinner show fundraiser
Fans of debate can catch a dinner and show at University High School on Wednesday, as a fundraiser for the debate team.
The U-Hi debate program needs to raise funds so that the team can compete in tournaments across the nation. The program also needs to offset the financial loss incurred after winter storms forced the cancellation of the Honorary Thomas S. Foley Forensics Tournament, which U-Hi hosts.
A chicken dinner is scheduled to be served in the school commons beginning at 6 p.m. Other menu items include cheesy potatoes, garlic carrots, raspberry salad, rolls and beverages. The cost is $10 per person.
Kids Helping Kids Community Carnival next Saturday
Young children can enjoy a carnival of fun next Saturday. Hosted by Central Valley High School’s Class of 2008, the Kids Helping Kids Community Carnival is scheduled 4 to 7 p.m. in the school’s commons at 821 S. Sullivan Road.
Tickets for children ages 3-11 are $8 at the door. Family members accompanying their children are admitted free. Twenty-five percent of the proceeds from this fundraiser will go to Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital and Shriners Hospital for Children in Spokane.
The carnival will feature games, crafts, food, jugglers and magicians. With each paid admission, children receive a punch card allowing them to participate in each of the activities and crafts one time. Additional punch cards are available at half price. Guests also can move on the dance floor to the music of the award-winning Central Valley Jazz Band and local recording artist Ryan Larsen. Raffles and other prizes will be awarded.
Several Central Valley High School students will be on hand to staff the New Orleans-themed event. For more information, contact Krista Larsen at 228-5153.
Breakfast and Books under way at Progress
About 40 first-graders from Progress Elementary School students and their parents are joining up for books and breakfasts on Saturday mornings.
The first of four Breakfast and Books events started last Saturday, with the school’s three first-grade teachers leading a book discussion, followed by all participants enjoying a free breakfast at a nearby Jack in the Box restaurant.
As part of the activities, students and their parents will spend 30 minutes discussing a book they were scheduled to read together. The discussions will focus on reading strategies being taught during the regular school week, while helping parents understand these strategies so they can make the connections with their children at home.
First-grade teachers Alisha Ackerman, Veronica Porche and Monica Somes worked together to secure a $1,500 grant from the Washington Education Association for the program. The teachers are using the grant money to purchase book bags, books and supplies for program participants. Jack in the Box at 711 N. Sullivan Road is contributing the free breakfasts.
Principal Matt Chisholm said two-thirds of the school’s first-grade families signed up to participate and that the teachers are volunteering their time on Saturdays.