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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

EV essays honored in VFW contest

These students from East Valley High School submitted essays to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice of Democracy Contest Essay contest. From left, Devin Hobbs received honorable mention, Mike Traner, first place, Brandon Morscheck, honorable mention, Cally King, honorable mention, and Megan Denzin, second place.
Lisa Leinberger, Lisal@Spokesman.Com, (509) 459-5449

Several students in Lissa Humphreys’ 11th-grade AP language and composition class at East Valley High School submitted essays to the Veterans of Foreign Wars essay contest. The students turned in an audio copy of their essays; no written copies were accepted.

“Not only is the essay part of the equation,” Humphreys said, “it’s their voice and enthusiasm behind their words.”

The theme for high school students submitting an essay this year was, “Is there pride in serving in our military?”

Mike Traner won first place at the school, Megan Denzin took second place and Devin Hobbs, Brandon Morscheck and Cally King earned honorable mention.

U-Hi drama takes awards

The University High School drama department won two 5th Avenue Theatre Awards at its recent Tony Awards-style show June 6 in Seattle.

The department was nominated for six awards for its production of Stephen Sondheim’s “The Assassins.” It won Best Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble Cast and the Special Honors: Educational Impact Award.

The nominations included Outstanding Overall Musical Productions, Outstanding Direction, Outstanding Costume Design, Outstanding Stage Crew, Holly Kirkman as Emma Goldman for Outstanding Performance by an Actor or Actress in a Nonsinging Role, and Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble Cast. Honorable mentions included Outstanding Music Direction, Hair and Make-up Design, and Ben Bartels as Leon Czolgosz for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role.

The department’s production of “Oklahoma” received two honorable mentions for Performance by a Chorus and Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Featured Ensemble Role, Kendra Telin as Dream Laurey.

Briane Green is the director of the drama department.