Walla Walla Public Schools
Week in Review - March 4, 2011

In this Issue:

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Children’s Forum: Brain research and child development expert to offer free public workshops
Dr Medina to share strategies for teaching children and understanding brain functions
The 2011 Children’s Forum welcomes author and brain researcher Dr. John Medina to Walla Walla for a variety of events on March 8 and 9. Community members, parents and school district employees will have an opportunity to interact with Dr. Medina during his visit. “Brain Rules” website: www.brainrules.net

Sixth Children’s Forum Schedule of Events:
Parent Forum
- Tuesday, March 8 at 5:30 p.m.
- St. Patrick’s Church (Blanchett Hall)
- Free Dinner and Child Care

Public Forum
- Tuesday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m.
- Whitman College (Maxey Hall) - Free

The Sixth Children’s Forum
“Resilience- Building Blocks to Healthy Individuals”
Featuring Dr. John Medina, Keynote Speaker
March 9, 2011
Cordiner Auditorium, Whitman College Campus
Agenda
- 8:00 a.m. - Doors open
- 8:15 to 8:30 a.m. - Introduction of Children’s Forum mission and theme; then welcome to Dr. Medina
- 8:30 to 10 a.m. - Dr. Medina, part one
- 10 to 10:15 a.m. - Stand up and stretch break
- 10:15- 11 a.m. - Dr. Medina, part two
- 11 to 11:15 a.m. - Questions and Answers from the floor
- 11:15 to 12:00 p.m. - Lincoln Alternative High School Principal Jim Sporleder and two Lincoln High School students will speak on “Relationship”
- Noon: Adjourn

For more information contact: Teri Barila, Children’s Forum Coordinator: theresa.barila@wwcc.edu - 509-386-5855 and Dr. Linda Boggs, Assistant Superintendent, WWPS: lboggs@wwps.org – 509.526.6733


Educate, Listen & Plan facilities improvement planning survey results
Survey results support high school needs
Superintendent Mick Miller met on nearly 50 occasions in January and February with staff, community leaders, focus groups and service clubs in support of the Educate, Listen and Plan initiative. More than 300 people completed surveys to provide the school district input on the future facilities improvement efforts.

The survey questions were based on facilities improvement recommendations put forth by the district’s Community Facilities Task Report in June 2010. This report is available on the Walla Walla Public Schools website at: http://www.wwps.org/community/community_facilities_taskforce.htm#6. Surveys were available online via the district’s website and on paper following presentations from Superintendent Mick Miller.

Online Survey: (74 responses were provided via the district’s website during January and February 2011)
Do you agree with the Community Facilities Task Force recommendations?
71% - Yes / 23% - No / 5% - Undecided

Do you believe Walla Walla and Lincoln High Schools need facility improvements?
84% - Yes / 10% - No / 7% - Undecided

Should Lincoln High School be replaced with a new building at its current location?
40% - Yes / 38% - No / 22% - Undecided

Do you support reinvesting state matching dollars into district facility needs?
75% - Yes / 19% - No / 5% - Undecided

When should improvements at Walla Walla and Lincoln High Schools be addressed?
58% - 2011 / 15% - 2012 / 26% - 3-5 years

Staff and focus group survey (263 responses were provided from staff and community members)
Do you agree with the Community Facilities Task Force recommendations?
83% - Yes / 6% - No / 10% - Undecided

Do you believe Walla Walla and Lincoln High Schools need facility improvements?
94% - Yes / 3% - No / 3% - Undecided

Should Lincoln High School be replaced with a new building at its current location?
46% - Yes / 17% - No / 37% - Undecided

Do you support reinvesting state matching dollars into district facility needs?
84% - Yes / 7% - No / 9% - Undecided

When should improvements at Walla Walla and Lincoln High Schools be addressed?
66% - 2011 / 19% - 2012 / 15% - 3-5 years


Superintendent Miller discusses survey results on web video
Superintendent Mick Miller discusses survey results from the “Educate, Listen and Plan” effort on a video recently posted to the district’s homepage: www.wwps.org

Miller also discusses design master planning efforts the district is working on in collaboration with BLRB/USKH Architects. We encourage you to take six minutes to view this informative video. The video is located to the right-side of the page under the News Section.


March 7-11, 2011 Parent/Teacher/Student Conference Calendar Schedule
• Monday, March 7 (school in session)
• Tuesday, March 8 (school in session)
• Wednesday, March 9 ( NO SCHOOL)* this represents a change to the previously adopted calendar
• Thursday, March 10 (NO SCHOOL)
• Friday, March 11 (NO SCHOOL)

NOTE: Check with your child’s school for specific conference times and dates


Hisaw named to lead Walla Walla High School football program
Walla Walla Public Schools named Eric Hisaw the new head football coach at Walla Walla High School during the Tuesday, March 1 school board meeting. Hisaw, who has taught physical education at Walla Walla High School since 1997, has previous high school football coaching experience.

He was selected by a committee of eight, led by Principal Pete Peterson and Assistant Superintendent Laure Quaresma. A four student advisory committee also interviewed the candidates and provided input to the hiring team.
Hisaw was the quarterback, linebacker, wide receiver and defensive back assistant football coach for the Blue Devils from 1997 to 2006. He also was the offensive coordinator at East Valley High School in Spokane in 1996. Hisaw will continue serving as the head track and field coach at Walla Walla High School.

“Eric Hisaw has demonstrated his knowledge and motivational skills as a part of the Walla Walla High School football program, as head track coach, and most importantly as a successful teacher,” said Pete Peterson, Walla Walla High School principal. “There is no doubt that he is ready for this challenge, and we are excited to have him in this new role.”

Hisaw was a standout high school quarterback and track and field athlete at Cheney High School. He received a full athletic scholarship to the University of Idaho where he was a two-year starting quarterback for the Vandals in 1994 and 1995. Hisaw was the 1995 Big Sky All-League quarterback. Hisaw was also on the University of Idaho track and field team as a hurdler and was the 1996 Big Sky 55 Meter Hurdle Champion.

Hisaw earned his Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with a minor in Spanish from the University of Idaho. Hisaw was on the University of Idaho’s Dean’s List and named to the Big Sky All-Academic Team in football and track. He received a Masters Degree with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction from Eastern Washington University.

“I’m excited about the opportunities and challenges of this position as it has been a dream of mine for a long time,” Hisaw said. “I want the program to continue to be strong and have a positive feel for the community so they can be proud of the kids who are playing for them on Friday nights.”

Hisaw is a collegiate men’s and women’s basketball official, the men’s and women’s swimming strength and conditioning coach at Whitman College and is the director of the Blue Devil Athletic Development summer program. Hisaw, an Eagle Boy Scout, volunteers as a youth coach for the Walla Walla Parks and Recreation soccer program and the Walla Walla YMCA grade school basketball program. He also volunteers at the Christian Aid Center and for Boy Scouts of America as an assistant den leader.



Walla Walla student serves as page for Representative Nealey
Cougar Henderson, a sophomore at Walla Walla High School, recently served as a page in the Washington House of Representatives. He was sponsored by Representative Terry Nealey, R-Dayton. Paging presents students with a unique educational opportunity to participate in the legislative process.

Their duties vary from ceremonial tasks, such as presenting the flags, to operational chores like distributing amendments during legislative sessions. Cougar is the 15-year-old son of Tony Henderson of Walla Walla and Marne Henderson of Dayton. For more information about the House page program, go to: http://www.leg.wa.gov/House/Pages/HousePageProgram.aspx


AVID Recognition Night provides opportunity for students to share success stories
Thursday night Walla Walla High School, in coordination with WSU Gear Up, presented the AVID Recognition Night dinner and awards ceremony at the school’s Commons. AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is an elementary through post-secondary college readiness system that is designed to increase school-wide learning and performance. Learn more at: http://www.avid.org.

Many of the nearly 100 students participating in the AVID program will be the first in their families to attend college. This structured academic and social enrichment program is an elective class based on best practices for teaching and learning. AVID offers students an opportunity to participate in college visits, listen to local and regional guest speakers, learn skills to improve note taking and study habits and get involved in school projects to enhance their leadership development.

“AVID is not a Hispanic program, but we tend to have a number of Hispanic students participating, so it’s a great way to connect with students and their families,” said Mike Gobel, Walla Walla High School Math and AVID teacher. “This program allows students to see the hope and dream of going to college is a reality and something they can accomplish.”

Students talked openly how the AVID program and teachers have enhanced their high school experience and opened doors to a brighter future. Student speakers said AVID is about hope, self determination and people who care.

AVID Recognition Night Program Agenda:
Dinner - Provided by Gear Up Program
Guitar music - Juan Villegas
Welcome - Berenice Salazar and Dakota Vails
AVID Student Speakers - Brittani Stocke, Viviana Castillo, Yvonne Segovia, Rubi Villegas
Introduction of Guest Speaker - Chelsea Moss and Janella Bermudez
Guest Speaker - Veronica Sandau
Presentation of Academic Certificates - Pete Peterson, Principal; Mira Gobel, Assistant Principal; Jason Knittel, Alicia Knotts, Jaspreet Gill, and Matt Ozuna (AVID Elective Tutors)
Closing Comments - Jose Beleche and Juan Villegas


Architects organize planning group to study design options for Walla Walla High School
Architects from BLRB/USKH, under the direction and leadership of Superintendent Mick Miller and Walla Walla High School Principal Pete Peterson, have organized a master planning committee to continue design efforts for a future Walla Walla High School facilities improvement project. This group has met twice and will continue to meet this month to further refine options. Superintendent Miller plans to take a recommendation to the school board later this month to determine whether the district moves ahead with a bond proposal this spring to improve Wa-Hi or waits until a later date.

Master Planning Committee
Tom Bates - BLRB, Lee Fenton - BLRB, Greg McCracken - USKH, Alex Demambro - USKH
Craig Sievertsen, Community member
Dan Johnson, Facilities Support Director
Dennis Debroeck, Teacher
Ed Nakonieczny, Electrician
Gary Peasley, Teacher
John Butenhoff, Teacher
Ruth Ladderud, Community member
Melito Ramirez, Intervention Specialist
Mick Miller, Superintendent
Mark Higgins, Communications Director
Mindy Meyer, Assistant Principal
Pat Johnston, Chief Financial Officer
Peggy Payne, Teacher
Pete Peterson, Principal
Ron Higgins, Technology Director
Jerry Zahl, Community member
Kayla Leinweber, Student
Hannah Melling, Student


Great Explorations workshops feature science, technology and math
On Saturday, March 26, the Walla Walla branch of the American Association of University Women will present Great Explorations, a science, technology, engineering and math adventure for 5th through 8th grade girls, at Whitman College, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
 
The girls will have the opportunity to attend three amazing workshops offering informal, hands-on experience with careers that utilize science, technology, engineering and math. These workshops will give the girls an opportunity to meet and form personal contacts with women in these exciting careers. There will be over twenty workshops to chose from, with intriguing titles such as Eco-Divas; What’s Shakin’?; Mission Possible; Neigh, Moooo, Ruff, Meow; Around the World in 50 Minutes; Baby, Oh Baby; DigitalMagic/Digital Mischief; Live Cell Cinemas; Jumbled Genetics; and Clink,Crash, Boink! Topics include environmental science, veterinary medicine, photography, nursing, geology, engineering, neurobiology, genetics, architecture and many more.

Registration is required for Great Explorations and girls may request to be in the same workshops as their friend. Workshops are assigned in the order the registrations are received, so it is an advantage to register early. The fee to attend is $5 and scholarships are available. For more information on registration, scholarships or questions on any of the events, please contact Carol Morgan, pcmorgan@charter.net, 525-3531, or visit the AAUW website at www.aauw-wallawalla.org.


Mariachi Huenachi group to come to the Walla Walla School District
The Wenatchee High School‘s Mariachi Huenachi group will perform at the Walla Walla High School Auditorium Friday, March 4 at 7 p.m., The event is sponsored by the Walla Walla High School Latino Club and the Walla Walla School District. A $3 donation is suggested.

Mariachi Huenachi is the advanced mariachi music class at Wenatchee High School and has earned a reputation as the best high school mariachi group in the State of Washington. Last year the group performed at over 40 events and festivals including the Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Mariners, Seattle Sounders and Chivas de Guadalajara games.

During the day the group will also be providing concerts at several Walla Walla schools and the Y.M.C.A during the day to promote and introduce Walla Walla students to mariachi music. For more information contact Diana Erickson, District Bilingual Coordinator, derickson@wwps.net or 526-6771


Personnel Report (from 3/1/11 school board meeting)
Employment
(Classified) Patrick Byrnes, Lead Mechanic, Transportation/Facilities Operations
Jessica Floyd, Family Service and Mental Health Coordinator, Blue Ridge
(Coaching) Eric Hisaw, Head Football Coach, Walla Walla High School

Resignation/Retirement
(Certificated) Pamela Lee, ESL Teacher, Sharpstein/Pioneer, 23 years
(Pamela will continue working until the end of the 2010-2011 school year.)

Julianne Anderson, Title I, Berney Elementary, 6 years
(Julianne has been on leave and will resign at the end of the school year.)

Teresa Mobley, Social Studies, Garrison Middle School, 25 years
(Teresa will resign at the end of the 2010-2011 school year.)

James Smith, Physical Eduation teacher, Walla Walla High School, 27 years
(James will resign at the end of the 2010-2011 school year.)

(Classified) Heidi Lee Braman, Intervention Specialist, Berney, 3 months


Walla Walla High School sophomore places first in Future Problem Solving competition
Washington State Future Problem Solving announced the winners for the 2011 Scenario Writing on Feb. 13. One sophomore and two juniors received the highest awards and will continue to compete, next at the International Conference in La Crosse, Wisconsin, June 9-12. Sophomore Julia Cosma’s “Touch the Sky” scenario placed first, and she will be honored at the Washington State Future Problem Solving State Bowl by reading her scenario to participants in April.

“The story’s just a grand metaphor about how horrifying the future can be, something we’re all familiar with,” Cosma said. “I’m very happy I won. Writing means a lot to me.”

Last year, Cosma’s scenario placed first in state and third at the International competition, where she competed against students from other countries, as well as first place winners from each state. A second place tie was awarded to juniors Taylor Anady and Mac Clifton. Anady’s scenario titled “Tagged” and Clifton’s scenario, “Gate 14,” will also continue to compete in June at Internationals. For the competition, students composed futuristic short stories (1,500 words or less) related to one of the current year’s future problem solving topics. This year’s topics included Healthy Living, Air Transport, Genetic Testing, Water Quality and Emergency Planning.

“Scenarios allow students to problem solve using their creative thinking in a futuristic scene. Students must be able to create both interesting characters and a riveting story line,” coach John Buissink said. “High level writing skills are essential when it comes to these scenarios. In fewer than 1,500 words, the writer must be able to grab the readers’ attention emotionally and involve them in the story immediately.”


Classified Employee Week March 14-18
School Board President Dr. Jim Lehmann and Superintendent Mick Miller praised classified employees during the Tuesday, March 1 school board meeting. They said these dedicated employees are critical to the success of the district. Look for special treats during Classified Employees Week.

ACT test offers timely feedback and data
Wa-Hi first in state to offer widespread ACT testing
Walla Walla High School Assistant Principal Mira Gobel reported to school board members Tuesday night on the ACT college and career readiness testing the school conducted earlier this school year. In November, all 9, 10 and 11 grade students participated in testing over a two day period. Gobel says they hope to improve the testing process next year by a single day in October 2011 for the testing.

The ACT assessment measures high school students’ general educational development and their capability to complete college-level work with the multiple choice tests covering four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. It also includes a career inventory component to provide staff and students data on possible career matches. Test results are returned to the school in two weeks in an easy to read format. Gobel says the data is timely and helpful for goal setting and educational planning.


Retired educators announce mini-grant recipients

The Walla Walla/Columbia School Retirees Association is happy to announce the winners for Spring 2011 for Mini-Grant program. Recipients receive a $100 grant. This program is open to active members in school districts throughout Walla Walla and Columbia County. Members submit applications for these grants and 10 are selected in a drawing. There are five mini grants offered in the fall and five in the spring.

Grant ideas have included selected books for classes, fieldtrips, supplies for special projects, awards for students, and digital picture frames to showcase students and teachers. Linnea Keatts serves as the chair of the mini-grant program.

The winners for the Spring 2011 Mini-Grants are:
- Jodi Gradwohl, Kindergarten: Prescott School District
- Laura Berg, Preschool: Dixie School District
- Renee Wilhelm, Kindergarten: Columbia Burbank /Elementary
- Margaret Yount, Music Teacher: Lincoln Alternative High School/WW
- Terri Gilbert, Dual Language 4th Grade: Sharpstein Elementary/WW



Walla Walla Kids Read 2011 Program features beloved children’s author
Walla Walla Kids Read 2011 will play host to Jon Scieszka, one of America’s most beloved children’s authors. Scieszka will entertain and educate thousands of local students at Cordiner Hall on the Whitman College campus. Dates for the event, designed for schools and open to the public, are March 21 and 22.

Walla Walla Kids Read is designed to inspire every K-5 child in the Walla Walla valley by bringing students to a world class facility to hear a well known author. All costs, including busing of students to and from the event, are paid for by Walla Walla Kids Read (this applies to the six Walla Walla based elementary schools. Schools outside of Walla Walla are invited to attend at no cost, but will be required to cover the cost of transportation).

Details about times, events, books, authors, and classroom activities are available at www.wallawallakidsread.com

About this year’s author
JON SCIESZKA – All Grades
In 2008, Mr. Scieszka was appointed by the Library of Congress to be the first National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. Scieszka is the author of The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs, the Truck Town series, Stinky Cheese Man, Math Curse, Science Verse, Robot Zot, Knucklehead, and the Time Warp Trio series among many others. He has won numerous national awards including the Texas Blue Bonnett, the ALA notable book, and Publishers Weekly best book of the year.
Mr. Scieszka is a popular humorist and speaker who loves to make kids laugh and learn. He will speak to groups of K-2 and 3-5 for this year’s event.

Walla Walla Kids Read will include large scale events at Cordiner Hall on the Whitman College campus, along with a community event on the evening of March 22. Please see www.wallawallakidsread.com for details. Walla Walla Kids Read is dedicated to nurturing and encouraging young readers and supporting our local educators in creating life long readers. Their primary goal is to provide a nationally known author presentation to every K-5th grade student in the Walla Walla valley every year. Author selections are designed to inspire, educate, and encourage students to pursue reading and writing. Events are developed for local elementary schools and open to the public. Every elementary school child in Walla Walla, regardless of income, benefits from Walla Walla Kids Read. All costs are funded by WWKR including school busing, author fees, and facility use.

Contact the Walla Walla Kids Read Team
Chair: Patrick Carman
School Liaison, Educational Resources: Michelle Shaul - Green Park Elementary Librarian - mshaul@wwps.org
Events Coordinators / Community Liaisons:
Elizabeth George - Walla Walla Public Library - egeorge@ci.walla-walla.wa.us
Melissa Gardner - melissagardner@charter.net
School Principal Liaison: Mike Lambert - Principal, Green Park Elementary - mlambert@wwps.org
Author Liaison: Squire Broel - Artist - broelsa@my180.net


Art Regier Volunteer of the Year nominations
Nominations are being accepted through Friday, March 25 for the Art Regier Outstanding Volunteers of the Year Award. Recipients will be recognized at the April 19 school board meeting. Nomination forms are available at all Walla Walla Public Schools and the district office.

Criteria for selection may include the following:
1. Exceptional service or contributions to the children of Walla Walla Public Schools
2. Unusual dedication
3. Demonstration of care, compassion and empathy

Recipients of the Art Regier Outstanding Volunteer Award will be honored with a plaque to display at their home or place of business, and their name will be permanently affixed to a memorial plaque in the school district’s board room at 364 South Park Street. For more information, please call Communications Director Mark Higgins (509) 526-6716.


Sheriff John Turner plans “Sheriff’s Roundtable” community meetings
New Walla Walla County Sheriff John Turner is making good on a campaign promise this spring by beginning a community outreach program: The Sheriff’s Roundtable. Turner will conduct quarterly meetings at the Walla Walla High School Commons from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. These meetings are open to the public. His target audiences include: Walla Walla Public Schools staff, students, parents, school board and administrators.This will be a great opportunity to learn more about community issues related to law enforcement and an opportunity to ask questions of Sheriff John Turner.
 
Sheriff’s Roundtable 2011 Schedule:
- Thursday, March 31
- Thursday, June 30
- Thursday, Sept. 29
- Thursday, Dec. 15

* Meetings at the Walla Walla High School Commons
* Meetings times: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
* Meetings are open to the public
* Contact Coordinator Debbie Zalaznic at (509) 526-5689


Graduates of Distinction nominations now accepted
Nominations are open for the 2011 Graduates of Distinction Program. All nominations and recommendation forms must be received in the district Curriculum Department by April 15, 2011.

The purpose of the Walla Walla Public Schools’ Graduates of Distinction program is to provide an avenue for recognizing high school graduates of Walla Walla Public Schools who have distinguished themselves in their communities, professions, or careers; and to honor the Walla Walla Public Schools’ staff members who were the most inspirational in the lives of those individuals.

In order to be eligible for nomination, an individual must have graduated from high school in the Walla Walla Public Schools at least 10 years prior to nomination.

The recognition is intended to honor Walla Walla high school graduates for outstanding achievement. The honor will be given to mature adults who are exemplary citizens and have distinguished themselves in their communities, their professions, or their careers. Nominations will be held for five years, and will automatically be included in the selection process during that time.

Nomination forms are available at the district office, 364 South Park Street, or on the district website: http://www.wwps.org/news/grad_distinction.htm. Please call Kay Schisler, 526-6735, for more information.


Classroom Close-Up features Homelink writing teacher
This week Homelink Writing Teacher Cindy Palmer 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 public service announcement radio spot featuring Palmer is now playing on regional stations.

Kindergarten and Open Enrollment Registration dates March 21 to April 1
Walla Walla Public Schools Kindergarten and Fall Registration period is Monday, March 21 to Friday, April 1, 2011. Kindergarten registration will be conducted at the student’s attendance area elementary school. Parents wishing to pick up the kindergarten registration information may do so at their child’s school beginning March 14. However, the completed registration forms will not be accepted until March 21.

New Student Registration Hours:
Monday, March 21 - 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
March 22 - April 1 - 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Parents/guardians who wish to open enroll their child to a school outside of their attendance area may pick up Open Enrollment application forms at their attendance area school during normal school hours beginning Monday, March 14; however, forms will not be accepted in the receiving school until Monday, March 21.

If there is space available to accommodate open enrollment requests, then the priorities outlined in School Board Policy No. 3130 will be used to determine movement of a student. School Board Policy manuals are available for public viewing at all Walla Walla Public Schools and the Administration Office. School Board policies are also online at http://www.wwps.org/leadership/board.htm#11

Please contact your attendance area school for more information. District boundary maps are available at all schools, the Administration Office at 364 South Park Street, and online at www.wwps.org . Click on the District A to Z link and then click on Boundary Map.


Pioneer Middle School student produced video accepted to world’s largest film festival
The National Film Festival for Talented Youth recently announced the “Black Door Art Gallery” video produced by Pioneer Middle School students Brian Mott, Malcolm Gabbard and Nate Brewer has been accepted in the documentary category.

The “Black Door Art Gallery” is about the local art gallery located in Walla Walla above Tallman’s Drug Store and its proprietor Gerald Matthews. The movie is about seven minutes long.

The National Film Festival for Talented Youth is the largest youth film festival in the world: www.nffty.org. This year nearly 700 films were submitted in all genres; only seven were accepted in the documentary category.

“I am amazed that in the very first year we have entered films into the NFFTY competition, these students had their film selected,” said Dan Calzaretta, Pioneer Middle School Explorers and Humanities teacher. “This is a long term project that takes commitment to the subject matter, to your co-film makers, and to your vision for the film.”

According to Calzaretta, the students made documentaries last year for C-SPAN, but he and the students were not interested in this year’s topic so they searched for other opportunities and found the National Film Festival for Talented Youth.

“The students put in between 10 to 15 hours of work for every one minute of finished film,” Calzaretta said. “They did all the work from start to finish. This says a lot about their dedication to the project and to each other. It also shows that when we provide students with opportunities for relevant, rigorous, and real world projects they will amaze us with what they can do.”

The National Film Festival for Talented Youth is April 28 to May 1 in Seattle. The students’ film will be shown Sunday, May 1.

Brian Mott: Parents Mimi and Kevin Mott
Malcolm Gabbard: Parents Jean Tobin and Brian Gabbard
Nate Brewer: Parents Tanya and Bert Brewer


Walla Walla High School Rifle Team takes 6 Cadets to a national rifle competition
The Walla Walla High School JROTC “Blue Devils” Cadet Battalion Rifle Team placed sixth place in the national rifle competition in Cleveland, Ohio February 17 to 21. Wa-Hi selected its six best marksmen to compete.There were 34 total participants from around the nation. Individually, Cadet Sarah Jameson (Freshman) won 7th place and Cadet Kyle Jameson (Junior) won 9th place. There were 6 national teams that competed also.

The team, accompanied by Lt. Col. Bialozor, Master Sgt. Taylor, Sgt. 1st Class Mebes, and Assistant Principal Kirk Jameson, traveled by plane to Cleveland, Ohio. The team competed in a marksmanship match made up of the nation’s best marksmen shooters.

Sgt. 1st Class Mebes attended his first national competition during this time and was impressed with what he saw. “This was my first year accompanying the Rifle Team to the national match. I think I filled up two notebooks with tips from Master Sgt. Taylor and the other coaches there. Walla Walla had two precision shooters in the top ten, so I think we will be looking very strong next year,” said Mebes.

Cadet Cpt. Katie Chavre, Rifle Team Captain, was very impressed as well. She was quoted as saying “Our team did a great job especially considering the competition we faced. Kyle and Sarah did an outstanding job; they represented the program and school very well. Even though the team placement is not what we hoped it would be, the team did a great job and it was truly a team bonding time. We became a very tight knit group and had an amazing time, though there were some let downs when individuals did not do was well as they hoped. It is truly an honor to make it to Ohio regardless of the overall placement.”

The Battalion is honored to have a nationally competitive Rifle Team and is proud to have them as part of the Walla Walla JROTC Team. They did an outstanding job both in the range and out of the range. Everyone who attended dedicated countless hours of time to practice and preparation for this competition. This is a very dedicated and hard working team.