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Wa-Hi seniors honored during Academic Recognition assembly
Wednesday Walla Walla High School students participated in an Academic Recognition all school assembly honoring seniors from the Class of 2009. Principal Darcy Weisner said it was important for the underclassmen to share in this celebration and see what is possible if they apply themselves. More than $1.5 million in higher education scholarships were awarded to the Class of 2009. Wa-Hi’s Commencement Ceremony is Friday, June 5 at 7:30 p..m. near the commons area.
2009 Valedictorians:
Thomas Callister
Jeff Ladderud
Ryan Campeau
Eva Reich
Paul Froese
Anne Schulz
Casey Hutchinson
Pride In Excellence Award:
Math - Paul Froese
Science - Yifan Yang
English - Holly Erwin
Foreign Language - Jeff Ladderud
Fine Arts - Peter Anderson
CTE - Loren Eng
PE - Greg Prins
Social Studies - Allen Yu
2009 National Merit Awards:
National Merit Commended Students
This award from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation recognizes the top 34,000 of 1.5 million students who enterd the National Merit Program by taking the PSAT test as juniors in high school.
- Ellen Brigham
- Stacey Chong
- Tyler Hurlburt
- Krista Mayberry
- Sierra Tinhof
National Merit Finalist
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation recognizes the top 16,000 of 1.5 million students with the honor of being named finalists through their distinguished performance and high potential for future academic accomplishments.
- Thomas Callister
- Ryan Campeau
- Jeffrey Ladderud
- Eva Reich
National Merit Scholar
Of the 1.5 million students who took the PSAT as juniors in high school, the top 8,200 receive the National Merit Scholarship. This automatically qualifies them for numerous scholarships that can range from $2,500 to complete ‘full rides’ to colleges and universities.
- Jeffrey Ladderud
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School board meetings Tuesday, June 2
Meeting date: June 2, 2009
6:15 p.m. - Graduates of Distinction program and reception
7:30 p.m. - Regularly scheduled school board meeting
* Executive session to follow school board meeting
Location: District board room (364 S. Park St.)
Open to public
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Police arrest man for luring and attempted kidnaping - Police have not connected subject to prior incidents
RELEASED BY CITY OF WALLA WALLA POLICE - Last night, May 28, 2009, at about 10 p.m., Walla Walla Police arrested JON PAUL SAUNDERS, 24yoa, for Luring and attempted kidnaping in the second degree.
The Probable Cause arrest was the result of WWPD Patrol Officers responding to the report from a 14-year-old female who told police a man grabbed her by the hand and attempted to pull her into a house.
The victim told officers she was riding her bicycle on the sidewalk in the 1300 block of University Street when a man, later identified as Saunders, blocked her movement and then began talking with her. She described that the man asked her if she wanted to “have some fun” then grabbed her hand and began pulling her towards a nearby residence. The girl said she was able to escape his grasp and run away when he dropped his cell phone and bent down to pick it up.
The victim pointed out the house she was being dragged to. Police contacted Saunders at 1344 University Street. Saunders was arrested shortly after being contacted.
Although WWPD has been investigating numerous other luring incidents this month at this time, Saunders has not been connected to any of the prior incidents. Saunders has very unique and visible tattoos which have not been described by any of the witnesses in the earlier reports.
Written by WWPD Sgt. Matt Wood: 509-524-4356
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Lincoln Health Center on track to open this fall
Wednesday afternoon Lincoln Health Center project coordinator Holly Howard led an advisory board meeting to provide an update on the proposed project. She reported the facility is scheduled to open this fall.
Lincoln Health Center update:
- Facility is privately funded and is scheduled to open for the start of the 2009-2010 school year
- Walla Walla Public Schools will provide no funding for this program
- The 1200 square foot center will be located at the Paine Court Apartments on S. 3rd. (Building owned by Blue Mountain Action Council)
- The center will serve only Lincoln Alternative High School students at this time
- Hours of operation: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Monday-Friday)
Services offered
- Primary care (illness, immunizations and general medical care)
- Mental Health Counseling
- Substance Abuse Counseling
- Dental assessments
- Group counseling (relationships, anger management, life skills)
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Outstanding Wa-Hi Band students honored
Graduating senior Tom Callister will receive the John Philip Sousa Outstanding Senior Musician/Leader and the Louis Armstrong Jazz awards for 2009. In addition, Paul Jones will receive the Bill Swensen Memorial Award for Outstanding Junior Attitude.
Russ Larsen Memorial Scholarship Awards:
The Russ Larsen Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to two outstanding music students for 2009. Russ Larsen was band director and music supervisor at Walla Walla High School for 23 years. He was a terrific teacher and an incredibly talented musician, as well as a caring, selfless individual. In making the selection each year, the music staff strives to choose young people who exemplify some of Russ Larsen’s characteristics.
Eva Reich will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Eva plans to attend Whitman College in the fall and major in music. She has been a choir member during her four years at Wa-Hi and is an exemplary student.
Sarah Hemenway will receive a $500 scholarship. Sarah plans to attend Walla Walla Community College in the fall to study music and general education with her sights on Berklee College of Music in the future.
Congratulations to all and thank you for your dedication to the music programs!
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Hobson road construction project underway near Edison
The Hobson Street improvement project began this week. Crews are grinding the entire existing roadway. The project includes replacing the sanitary sewer main and manholes starting east of the recently constructed cul de sac and working eastward toward Wilbur Avenue. The contractor will reconnect the existing services as they build the sewer main and then come back later to replace the sewer services to the property line.
Work hours will be from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The road will be closed to all access during these times, but neighborhood residents should be able to access their homes nightly.
Project Contact Information
Dean Abrams, Project Manager 527.4537
dabrams@ci.walla-walla.wa.us
John Hopkins, Project Inspector 527.4537
jhopkins@ci.walla-walla.wa.us
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Wa-Hi JROTC cadet receives $60,000 scholarship
Thursday morning Walla Walla High School JROTC Cadet Battalion Commander Naomi Dunham received a $60,000 scholarship to attend Washington State University and participate in the school’s ROTC program. Dunham received her award during the school’s 90th Anniversary Annual Review. Dunham said the JROTC program has made her a better person and student. She said the program helps students make good choices and learn skills to help them throughout their lives.
Cadets receiving awards:
- CPL Kevin Brown
- CPT Kortni Razzalini
- 1SG Michelle Pinza
- CPL Jacey Morhland
- SSG D’Sean Marks
- CSM Cole Smith
- CPL Aric Stahl
The Annual Review included:
- Company drills
- Sponsors Exhibition
- Individual Exhibition
- Unarmed Drill Down
- Pass and Review
Special thanks to JROTC Commander William Bialozor and Instructor Gerald Taylor for all their hardwork this school year.
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End of Year ceremonies scheduled
Lincoln Alternative High School Graduation
Thursday, June 4 - 6 p.m - School Gym
Walla Walla High School Commencement
Friday June 5 - 7:30 p.m.
Walla Walla High School grounds (near Commons)
Edison Farewell Party - Tuesday, June 9
3 to 5 p.m. (Tours of original Edison)
7 to 8 p.m. (Farewell Program)
Garrison Middle School 8th Grade Recognition
Wednesday, June 10 - 7 p.m.
Cordiner Hall (Whitman College)
Pioneer Middle School 8th Grade Recognition
Thursday, June 11 - 7 p.m.
Wa-Hi Large Gym
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2009-2010 calendar revised to eliminate Learning Improvement Day
School board members recently revised the 2009-10 district calendar. The revision was necessary after state legislation this session eliminated a Learning Improvement Day (LID).
School will be in session Thursday, September 17. This day was previously slated to be a Learning Improvement Day. There will be no school Friday, May 7. This move allows the district to meet required student day count and builds in a possible snow make-up date for the 2009-2010 school year. The revised 2009-2010 calendar is posted on the district website: www.wwps.org.
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Rotary honors students for overcoming challenges
Thursday Rotary Club of Walla Walla honored Walla Walla High School seniors for overcoming challenges in their lives. Each student received a $500 scholarship.
- Stephani Barnett
- Cameron Coronado
- Lizbette Morin
- Claudia Vargus
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State athletic competitions scheduled
The WaHi girls Varsity Softball team won its first Regional title last week in Yakima. They won the league title the week prior to Regionals. Good luck at state!
State Softball
May 29-30
Site: SERA Field, Tacoma
First Game 11:00 AM
Cascade (Everett) vs. Walla Walla
Team accomplishments:
- The CBL Big 9 Cascade League
- District
- Regional Softball Champions
Softball team members:
Ambler, Alyson - 9
Baker, Alicia - 11
Barker, Shauna (Manager) - 11
Benzel, Kirsten - 12
Bezdicek, Ashley - 10
Bobadilla, Alexis - 12
DeBroeck, Kelsie - 12
Flores, Elize - 12
Fortune, Tarynn - 11
Garcia, Tara - 11
Klicker, Hope - 10
Maiden, Bridon - 9
McDaniels, Jill - 11
Ocanaz, Megan - 11
Reardon, Abbey - 12
Reardon, Victoria - 11
Schultz, Heidi - 12
Zaro, Courtney - 11
Coaches: Jerry Humphreys, Arch McHie and Nichole Riggs
State Track
May 29-30
Site: Mt. Tahoma High School, Tacoma
Wa-Hi participants:
- Jordan Ness
- Garrett Gerling
- Andrew Bloom
- Justin Piek
- Kenna Ross
State Golf
Wa-Hi finished third in state. The tournament was held May 27-28 at Canyon Lakes in Kennewick.
Wa-Hi participants:
- Drew Reinland
- Greg Prins
- Ryan Goude
Special thanks to Coach Jim Smith for all his hardwork this season.
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Parenting seminar Saturday tailored to Walla Walla’s needs
A ParenTeen Seminar will be held on Saturday, May 30 in the Wa-Hi Auditorium. Sponsored by local youth pastors, this secular program features Chap Clark and is geared toward equipping parents to both understand and nurture their children in a constantly changing cultural environment. The evening seminar will be tailored to the specific issues and needs of students in the Walla Walla Valley.
The seminar begins at 7 p.m. and the cost is $5 per person. Scholarships are available. For more information, please visit the ParentTeam website: www.parenteen.com or contact nate@wwpcusa.org or craig@trinitywallawalla.org
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Retirement Celebrations - 2008-2009 (remaining celebrations)
District Office
Laura Droke
Wednesday, June 10
3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Board Room (364 S. Park St.)
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Sharpstein Elementary plans Art Auction - Discover, Imagine, Create
Come view and purchase Sharpstein students’ art creations!
- “Evening of the Arts”
- Wednesday June 10
- 7 p.m.
- Sharpstein School (410 Howard St.)
Call Sharpstein Secretary Barbara Brown for more information: 509.527.3098
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Blue Devil Athletic Development (BDAD) registrations accepted
Program Goal: Improve Overall Athletic Ability for All Sports
• For Boys and Girls Grades 6-12
• June 30 to August 7 (Monday - Thursday)
Daily Schedule
Session 1: 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
• Incoming 9th-12th grade students
Session 2: 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
• Incoming 6th-8th grade students
Session 3: 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
• Incoming 9th-12th grade students
Instructors: Eric Hisaw, Amy Hisaw, Ryan Carter
Location: Wa-Hi Weight Room
Cost: $30 pre-registered and $35 at the door
Note: Students will need a medical release and a parent permission form. Both forms are available at the Wa-Hi Athletic Office, or at the gym during the program. (PHYSICALS ARE NOT REQUIRED)
Payment:
Make checks payable to Wa-Hi Athletics
Mail to: Wa-Hi Athletics, c/o Eric Hisaw - 800 Abbott Rd, Walla Walla, WA 99362
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Public invited to Edison Elementary Farewell Celebration
Edison Elementary staff and students invite the community to join them in celebrating the end of an era during a farewell ceremony at the 73-year-old school, Tuesday, June 9. Celebrate Edison’s vast traditions and historical significance by honoring past and present students and staff. The new Edison Elementary is under construction and scheduled to open Fall 2009.
Date: Tuesday, June 9
School Tours of original building - 3 to 5 p.m.
- Former administrators and staff, alumni and current students will escort guests through original building
- Memorabilia will be on display in the gym
- Alumni presentations and a photo slideshow will be on the big screen
Farewell Ceremony - 7 p.m.
- Welcome from Principal Nancy Withycombe
- Introduction of previous principals and staff in attendance
- Introduction of alumni by decade in attendance
- School Board member Anne Golden speech
- Edison Choir performance
- Alumni stories
- Refreshments, tours and displays
Location: Edison Elementary (1315 E. Alder)
Information
Nancy Withycombe, Principal
509.527.3072
Email: nwithycombe@wwps.org
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Youth Health Fair Sunday features $10 sports physicals
Walla Walla General Hospital teams with Walla Walla Public Schools to sponsor event
Walla Walla General Hospital and Walla Walla Public Schools have teamed to host a Youth Health Fair Sunday, May 31 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Walla Walla General Hospital.
The event features low cost sports physicals for students in grades 6-12. Sports physicals are $10 each. All proceeds will be donated from Walla Walla General Hospital to the Walla Walla Public Schools Athletic Department to pay for sports fees and equipment for students in need.
The Health Fair also features health screenings, information and educational activities for the entire family.
Event Fact Sheet:
• Walla Walla General Hospital and Walla Walla Public Schools partner to provide a Youth Health Fair featuring low cost sports physicals - $10 each.
• Sunday, May 31 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Walla Walla General Hospital
For more information contact:
Sharryl Toews, Walla Walla General Hospital
E-mail: ToewsSL@ah.org
Dan Calzaretta, Walla Walla Public Schools event coordinator
E-mail: dcalzaretta@wwps.org
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Classroom Close-Up features Wa-Hi art teacher
This week Walla Walla High School teacher Julie Laufenburg is featured as part of the district’s Classroom Close-Up series. A fun, information filled newsletter will be posted on the district website next week - (www.wwps.org). A radio spot featuring Laufenburg is now playing on regional stations.
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