Tag Archive for: Washougal

The Camas-Washougal Community Chest and its partners, the Camas-Washougal Rotary Foundation and the Camas Lions Foundation, are pleased to announce the award of 34 grants totaling $134,000 to non-profit organizations delivering services, exclusively, to children and families in Camas and Washougal. The Rotary commitment to Service above Self also adds volunteers to the mix as they work to make a difference in our community.

The grants will fund such diverse services as emergency food assistance, aid to families in crisis or needing emergency services, safe temporary shelter for at-risk youth, a Safe Stay overnight car park program at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church and water quality monitoring in the Lacamas Creek watershed. New organizations

receiving grants for the first time will offer services such as a Community Arts Night program – a free opportunity to experience the benefits of creativity and artistic expression, bringing songwriters to the Washougal Arts fair and staffing and equipping for three litter cleanups at Cottonwood Beach.

Some of the non-profit organizations being funded in 2024 include the Inter-Faith Treasure House, Akin (formerly the Children’s Home Society) at the East County Family Resource Center, Janus Youth Programs, Pink Lemonade Project, Family Promise of Clark County, and Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership. First-time grantees include Enspire Arts, Washougal Songcraft Festival and Watershed Alliance of SW Washington. For a complete listing of the grant awards see the grant summary below.

Thanks to CWRF, CLF and major donations from the GP Foundation, GP employees, Camas School District employees, City of Camas and City of Washougal employees, Port of Camas-Washougal employees, Windermere Foundation, and Watercare Industrial Services, CWCC is well on the way to funding these grants. To reach its 2024 fundraising goal, however, the CWCC needs additional donations from individuals and businesses in Camas and Washougal. More information and donation forms can be found on the CWCC’s website at www.CamasWashougalCommunityChest.org. The CWCC, CWRF and CLF are registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit organizations for federal charitable tax deduction purposes.

Total number of grants awarded – 34

Total value of grants awarded – $134,000

Estimated number of individual services funded by grants – more than 30,000

Community

Akin (formerly Children’s Home Society) – East County Family Resource Center

Helps fund operations at Resource Center. Helps fund parent education groups, youth support groups, emergency basic assistance, behavioral health services and health care services provided by ECFRC or by a partner agency.

Boy Scouts of America – Cascade Pacific Council

Girl Scouts Troop 45703

Helps fund Campership Awards so that Camas and Washougal families in need can send their Boy Scouts to summer camp. Helps fund the Girl Scout troop’s planned visit to the birthplace and home of Girl Scout founder – Juliette Gordon Low in Savannah, Georgia.

Camas School District – Principal’s Checkbook

(aka Camas Family Community Resource Center)

Funds will assist students and their families who are living in situational instability with their essential needs, particularly those that assist directly in the furthering of a student’s education or their physical/emotional well-being. These requests most often come directly from school building counselors, which also relieves their anxiety when students are in need of additional support for their best learning.

Camas Farmers Market

Helps fund “Produce Pals”, a weekly activities program to educate children about where and how food is produced. Kids completing the weekly program receive a $2 token to spend at Camas Farmers Market for locally grown fruits and vegetables.

Camas Robotics Booster Club

Helps fund registration and transportation costs for students in financial need to participate in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) classes and activities. Will also help fund STEM education and outreach activities in the Camas and Washougal area.

Camas Washougal Historical Society

Helps fund the commissioning of artist Adam McIsaac to create a fish carving display (12 feet by 4 feet) for the Gathering Place located at Two Rivers Heritage Museum. The purpose of CWHS is to preserve and make available to the public, both present and future artifacts that tell the story of the history of the Camas and Washougal area.

Camas Washougal Parent Co-op Preschool

Helps fund operating budget, including buying classroom supplies and helps with maintaining and upkeeping the preschool in order to provide a safe place for the preschoolers to learn and play.

Dance Evolution

Helps fund a scholarship program to support individuals and families with financial constraints, allowing them to pursue their passions without financial barriers. Help fund our dance outreach program to underserved communities by providing free or subsidized dance classes to individuals who may not have access to such opportunities. Help fund our inclusive dance initiative by enhancing our studio’s accessibility, ensuring all individuals of all abilities can participate in and benefit from our dance programs.

Enspire Arts

Helps fund a bi-monthly Community Arts Night program offered as a free opportunity for the greater Camas – Washougal area to experience the benefits of creativity and artistic exploration. Enspire Arts uses music, poetry, visual arts, theater, games, writing and more as a catalyst for conversation, community building, emotional expression, relaxation and fun.

Family Promise of Clark County

Helps fund an expansion of the FPCares program that proactively assists families with services that will prevent them from losing their homes and entering the shelter system. Services may include rental assistance, payments for rent in arrears, security deposits, landlord mediation, locating housing and filling out applications.

Fort Vancouver Regional Library Foundation – Washougal Branch

Supports the Washougal Community Library’s summer reading program for kids and adults. By providing free literacy related programs and incentive prizes for the amount of time spent reading, Washougal Community Library hopes to elevate the reading comprehension, vocabulary and writing skills of Washougal area children and teens before they return to school in the fall.

Community

Friends and Foundation of the Camas Library

Helps fund the Camas Public Library’s plan to implement its proposed Nature-Smart Library to move learning and enrichment from beyond the library building and into nature with workshops, classes, self- guided activities and fun activities for every age. The library will purchase outdoor games, picnic baskets, nature kits and programs for adults, teens, and children and self-directed programs for all ages. The circulating Nature-Smart Library collection would be open to anyone with a Camas Public Library card.

Friends of the Columbia Gorge

Helps fund the Explore the Gorge classroom lessons and outdoor environmental education program for sixth graders in Jemtegaard and Canyon Creek Middle schools in Washougal School District.

General Federation of Women’s Clubs Camas – Washougal

Helps fund the purchase of age-appropriate books and other educational materials for all children in Pre-K and elementary classrooms in the Camas and Washougal School Districts. The program is aimed at all Pre-K and elementary schoolchildren to improve their reading skills.

Impact CW – St. Matthew Lutheran Church

Helps buy food and grocery gift cards for families in need in the Camas and Washougal School Districts.

Inter-Faith Treasure House

Helps buy nutritional food items for the Treasure House’s Camas School District backpack program and gas for the food delivery vans.

Janus Youth Programs

Provides funding for outreach efforts and overnight facility stays for Camas and Washougal runaway youth at risk for abuse and neglect. Re-introduces kids to safe housing. Provide case managers to help youth access community services to help them achieve stability.

JD Currie Youth Camp

Helps fund repairs to outhouse “A” that serves the lodge area of the camp. Clark County, owner of the property, has determined that outhouse “A” is non-habitable in its current condition.

Journey Theater Arts Group

Helps fund a portion of the Washburn Performing Arts Center rental fee to present the winter production of The Spongebob Squarepants Musical. Helps fund scholarships for students in financial need and who find it difficult to participate in theater classes and camps.

Kawanis Camp Wa-Ri-Ki

Helps fund their Outdoor Environmental Education Program by offering campers meaningful outdoor activities that support fun, healthy living, nurturing personal growth plus leadership and nature-based skills. Goals include better physical and mental health, increased self-esteem, respect and kindness for others, ability to lead, community participation and stewardship of natural resources.

Lacamas Watershed Council

Helps pay for volunteer training and buying water quality monitoring equipment and testing supplies. Water quality samples will be collected in the Lacamas watershed, including Lacamas, Round and Fallen Leaf lakes and Lacamas Creek.

Lifeline Connections

Helps fund youth activities, field trips and transportation costs to Camp Mariposa (they use Kiwanis Camp Wa-Ri-Ki’s facility) for children of families in need or suffering from substance abuse.

Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership

Helps fund the Students Outdoor Science program that provides classroom lessons and outdoor applied learning programs for youth, including habitat enhancement projects adjacent to Gibbons Creek in the Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Campen Creek in Mable Kerr Park and Lacamas Creek Trail and Park.

Pathways Clinic

Helps fund the purchase of medical supplies to be able to offer obstetric ultrasound tests, pregnancy tests and STI/STD tests for men and women.

Pink Lemonade Project

Helps fund Treatment Access Program/Pink Practicalities/Holiday Glow, three financial aid and assistance programs. Covers costs that health insurance doesn’t, such as groceries, transportation services, lymphedema sleeves, lost wages, rent/mortgage payments, etc.

REACH Community Development

Helps buy groceries, baby essentials, cleaning supplies, hygiene products and similar basic household needs. Buys school supplies and holiday food baskets. Serves Gateway Gardens and Towne Square communities in Washougal.

ReFuel Washougal

Helps buy supplies such as sturdy clamshells, lidded bowls and heavy duty plastic forks and spoons to provide to-go meals during Friday meal nights. Helps buy winter waterproof sleeping bags. Helps buy bus passes for clients traveling to services only offered in Vancouver. Helps buy professional services to maintain and update the website to be able to reach out digitally to donors and service providers.

Silver Star Search and Rescue (SSSAR)

Helps fund a replacement heavy-duty Terra Tamer titanium frame/fork/wheel for a Stokes litter carrier which will allow rescue teams to work more effectively over long distances and tough terrain.

St. Anne’s (Episcopal Church) Safe Stay Program

Helps fund a portion of St. Anne’s Safe Stay program including cleaning of the port-a-potty, use of outdoor electrical outlets, use of the Internet WiFi and use of showers, laundry, and church kitchen.

Unite! Washougal Community Coalition

Helps fund Sources of Strength Suicide Prevention Program at Washougal High School; Positive Community Norms Campaign “Love Your Life” in the Washougal Community; the Support Our Guiding Good Choices Parenting classes and the Support our Ambassador Youth Program.

Washougal School District – Principal’s Checkbook

Helps Washougal school principals provide for basic student needs to give low income or homeless students equal opportunities at school. Funds a portion of an Adult Transition Program which trains students with disabilities for transition into appropriate work placement. Funds supplies such as shoes, clothes, hygiene products and food for Panther Den. Funds a mobile laptop cart for families without access to technology and internet services. Funds Martin Luther King Jr. commemorative activities on all Washougal School District campuses.

Washougal Songcraft Festival 2024

Helps fund local songwriter’s fees to perform during a summer festival that is offered free to the public of all ages.

Watershed Alliance of Southwest Washington

(aka Vancouver Watershed Council)

Helps fund three litter cleanups at Cottonwood Beach and Trail in June, July and August 2024.

West Columbia Gorge Humane Society

Helps fund the following programs and services designed to keep pets and people together during hardship, crisis or emergency: pet food pantry, temporary pet boarding, impound/owner surrender fee relief and veterinary assistance. Also funds a portion of the cost to supply ReFuel Washougal with pet food to distribute to the pets of homeless and low-income people using ReFuel’s other services.

Community

The Black & Red Rendezvous event, organized by the Camas Athletics Boosters Club, is coming on Saturday, March 9 at the Black Pearl on the Columbia in Washougal. Doors open at 5:30 pm with dinner and the live auction beginning at 7:30 pm.

Deb Perry, a Camas Athletics Boosters Club volunteer, answered several questions:

What is the Black & Red Rendezvous event all about?

The Rendezvous is all about the kids – the student-athletes. For many young people, being part of an athletics team really rounds out their high school experience. Athletics are part of the Camas culture and our community, and many kids are excited and motivated by sports. We want to foster and support those efforts. Lots of life lessons are learned on the field or court too.

How does the money help Camas athletes?

Each year, the Camas Athletics Boosters give back approximately $100,000 touching every sport. Last year, the Rendezvous raised $62,000 and it was almost immediately donated back to programs, equipment and scholarships. A 16-foot LED scorer’s table used for boys’ and girls’ basketball, wrestling, and girls’ volleyball is an excellent example of a recent purchase that affected numerous student-athletes across several sports. New dumbbells and benches in the weight room, team bags for girls bowling, and a sideline pop up tent for both boys and girls soccer are other examples. The list goes on and on.

The entire Camas community – parents, teams, coaches, school officials and administrators, businesses and business owners – have been super supportive of the Boosters and the Black & Red Rendezvous. We are very appreciative of their continued generosity in the time that they give us and donations they make.

What should guests expect at the event?

Guests will have a great time at the beautiful Black Pearl on the Columbia River! If you haven’t been there, you really should see it. It is a fabulous facility! In addition to dinner and drinks, there will be casino gambling – with play money, of course!  Booster Secretary and Board Member Amy Stoller has pulled together a top-notch silent and live auction. There are some smokin’ packages many will want to get their hands on.  We’ve got an expanded wine wall, 3D photo booth, and Elida Fields, a local camas artist and mom of several former Papermaker athletes, will be painting live for us that night. Her finished product will also be auctioned off. Runyan’s Jewelers has generously donated “Glitz in a Glass.” Owner Erin Moller has 99 cubic zirconia’s and one .57 carat round diamond. There’s definitely a little something for everyone!

To register and purchase tickets for this amazing event, click here: https://my.onecause.com/event/organizations/f90b942b-1ead-4ff7-aa49-e8d415f069b1/events/vevt:667cdba1-063e-4cd3-8398-2036de282b0d/home/story

Camas, WA — The March Downtown Camas First Friday — coming March 1 — features a chance to win an epic prize! Complete the Jurassic Camas Quest passport for your chance to win a 2 night stay at the Jurassic Retreat! You can step back in time at this vacation rental! It will take you on a captivating journey back 65 million years. Nestled near the Columbia River Gorge in Washougal, Washington, your every need will be met at this uniquely themed Jurassic Retreat home. 

The prehistoric adventure begins as you step inside, greeted by life-sized T-rex, velociraptor, and triceratops companions. Immerse yourself in the one-of-a-kind world of these ancient giants, where every moment becomes an exploration of history. Terms and restrictions apply.

If you’re interested in booking your own historic vacation, Click Here to see the listing on Air BnB. Host your next birthday party, family reunion, or special event with surprises for guests from young and old! Jurassic Retreat has it all! 

Washougal, WA – The Two Rivers Heritage Museum will reopen their doors on Saturday, March 2, 2024, after their annual winter maintenance closure.  Open each Saturday through October from 11 am to 3 pm, volunteer guides accompany visitors through the museum to offer interesting extra information and stories as well as answer questions. 

The museum, located at 1 Durgan Street in downtown Washougal, is operated by Camas-Washougal Historical Society volunteers and features a wealth of photos, artifacts and information about the people, places, and businesses prominent in the early years of Camas and Washougal.  

“Our goals this year are for more members and volunteers, and to spread the word about why people should visit our museum,” said CWHS president, Dick Lindstrom.  “We are the ‘best kept secret’ in the area and actually get more visitors from out of town than from our own community. We hope more locals will come in and see all the artifacts we have on display that are sure to stir up some memories!”

During the maintenance shut down volunteers carefully cleaned and cared for the museum’s extensive Native American basket collection.  

“Our objective is to use best practices when working with these precious artifacts,” said Richard Johnson, a volunteer. “This means proper cleaning, updating our display using non-damaging plexiglass stands, and careful storage to give some baskets a resting period. All these steps will help preserve the collection.”

Recently museum leadership prepared for reopening with a volunteer training session and a clean-up day to make sure the space shines.  Popular displays include artifacts and information on Native American baskets and stone tools, early physicians, fishing, lumber and farming industries, a 30s style kitchen, woodworking tools, early mining, military uniforms and artifacts, teddy bears, Camas and Washougal High Schools, beautiful depression era glass bowls and vases, musical instruments and more.

The museum gift shop offers a new selection of postcards featuring historic photos of Camas and Washougal and images of artifacts in the museum, beautiful rugs woven onsite with Pendleton wool fabric trimmings, a variety of surplus antiques as well as many books about local history by local authors.

The Two Rivers Heritage Museum admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for students and free for children under 5 and all CWHS members.  Group tours are available any day of the week (by appointment only).  Leave a message at 360-835-8742 for scheduling.

CWHS is always looking for volunteers and new members to join and help support the preservation of local history. More information about the CWHS and the Two Rivers Heritage Museum can be found on their website at www.2rhm.com.

Washougal, WA — Elementary students at Washougal School District benefit from a flurry of early literacy programs this winter. Recent book donations and literacy grants at Washougal schools help to provide young learners with early reading materials. Early literacy lays the foundation for future learning by strengthening critical thinking skills, creativity, and comprehension. 

“I like to read because if I’m having a stressful day, it calms me down,” said Nora Persons, 5th grade student at Gause Elementary.

Literacy is also an early indicator of academic success. Washougal School District students outperformed the state overall in English Language Arts on the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) standardized test last year. “When kids discover an early passion for reading, it immerses them in their areas of interest and introduces them to new avenues for discovery,” said Hillary Chapman, Librarian TOSA at Washougal School District.

Read Northwest Hosts Free Book Giveaways

Read Northwest hosted book giveaway events for first through third grade students at Hathaway Elementary, Columbia River Gorge Elementary, and Gause Elementary School this winter. This program is made possible thanks to donations of books from the Molina Foundation via the Children’s Literacy Project. Every student was able to choose one free book to take home from the hundreds of options set up in a book fair-style display at the event.

“Our goal is to not only foster a love for reading among children but also to ensure that every child has access to the resources they need to build their literacy skills. We want every student to have the chance to own a book they’re excited about,” said Anna Paul, Washougal Schools Volunteer Coordinator with Read Northwest.

Gause Booster Volunteers Fundraise to Replace Library Books

Volunteers with the Gause Boosters organized a fundraiser to replace lost, stolen or damaged books from the Gause Elementary library this year. The initiative reflects the community’s investment in childhood literacy and commitment to ensuring that students have access to a wide range of reading materials. 

“Reading is important because it makes you smarter,” said Avery Williams, kindergarten student at Gause Elementary.

Booster groups support Washougal schools to help meet a wide range of needs. Learn more about volunteering at Washougal School District: Volunteer – WSD (washougal.k12.wa.us)

Camas-Washougal Rotary Donates New Books to Third Grade Classrooms

In December, the Camas-Washougal Rotary donated books to third grade classrooms across Camas and Washougal elementary schools. Over 30 classrooms received a basket of 25 reading level books and a dictionary. This initiative, funded primarily through the annual Ducky Derby and supplemented by ongoing rotary donations, fosters a culture of reading among early learners. This donation helps to provide Washougal kids with a greater variety of reading materials, encouraging students to find new passions and interests through reading.

Washougal

Washougal, WA — New and returning Washougal School District School Board members were sworn in to service at the December 12, 2023 board meeting after winning in the general election on November 7. Superintendent Dr. Mary Templeton administered the oath of office.

Ida Royer was elected as the newest member to the WSD Board to represent District 4. Royer is a parent of a current Washougal student.  

“I’m honored to serve my fellow Washougal families, and am very grateful to the current board members who have welcomed me, volunteered to get me up to speed, and answer any questions I might have,” said Royer.

Board members Jim Cooper (District 1) and Angela Hancock (District 2) were also reelected to their seats in the November general election. Both will serve 4-year term that expires in 2027.  

During the same meeting, board members voted to elect their officers for the year.  Angela Hancock was elected as the board president. Jim Cooper was elected as the board vice-president.  Chuck Carpenter will continue to serve as the legislative representative, which is a two-year position.

Dr. Mary Templeton welcomed Royer: “We’re excited to welcome Ida to the board.  Her perspective as a parent will be important as the board establishes priorities for student learning and continuing the excellent academic progress made over the last year.”

Royer added that, “I ran for school director because as a parent I’d want someone balanced and practical to be at the table making decisions that could impact my child, and I feel I can be that for other families. At the end of the day I want all our kids to be prepared for life after school, in whatever form that takes.”

The Camas-Washougal Rotary Club is donating books to third grade classrooms across both Camas and Washougal elementary schools. The Rotary Club believes that readers are leaders, in their classrooms, in their communities, and eventually in the world. Each classroom will receive a set of 25 books chosen to support a wide range of reading levels.  

Members gathered in early December to assemble the book baskets for the more than 30 classrooms which will receive the donations.  Each basket includes about $240 worth of reading materials along with a dictionary. Much of the funding for this project was raised through the annual Ducky Derby, but Rotarians are still welcoming additional donations to support the project through tax-deductible donations to the Camas-Washougal Rotary Foundation.

Book baskets will be presented to teachers and students over the next month, with Rotary members speaking to students about literacy and the importance of reading.  

Project organizer Kathy Bussman shared excitement about the project, saying that “Rotary supports literacy as one way to help the world.” 

Rotary supports projects to provide access to quality education as a way of investing in local communities. 

“Tomorrow’s leaders are today’s readers,” said Bussman.

Washougal School District Superintendent Dr. Mary Templeton welcomed the donation, noting that, “The generous donation by the Rotary will help cultivate a love of reading in our students. Having additional reading materials with a variety of subjects and reading levels will help make sure that every student finds something to read they’re excited about, which we know is important as they’re developing their literacy skills.”

Gause teacher Heather Hopkins said, “Our students are always thrilled for extra books in the classroom library, and as teachers we love when kids are excited about reading! Thank you so much to the Rotary for their generous donation  to ensure our students continue to be excited about reading!”

Books
Students receive new books from the CW Rotary Club.

“Jurassic Park” movie fans are coming from all over the country to experience the Jurassic Retreat in Washougal, WA. Since its opening two years ago, guests are turning back time to 65 million years ago when dinosaurs ruled the world. This charming getaway, nestled in the Cascade mountains, isn’t far from the Columbia River, and is only a 25-minute drive from Portland International Airport, with access to many local amenities and sites. 

Guests that visit this prehistoric haven are greeted by a life-size T-rex, and his friends — a brachiosaurus, velociraptor, and triceratops companions — who stand watch over this 4-bedroom, 2,100 square foot vacation residence that’s filled with artifacts and decorations that take you back to the “Jurassic Park” movies while boasting modern conveniences, like WiFi, a giant smart TV, a hot tub, and a state-of-the-art kitchen in a comfortable ambiance. 

Featured on The Drew Barrymore Show, the Jurassic Retreat stands as one of America’s most unique getaway destinations. The Jurassic Retreat hosts a curated collection of authentic movie industry props, that immerse you in the heart of the prehistoric world. 

It’s a great place to host a party, a holiday event, a family reunion, a graduation, wedding, or to simply get away. It can accommodate up to 12 guests. 

Some of the retreat’s features include:

  • Bedroom 1: Queen Bed
  • Bedroom 2: Queen Bed
  • Bedroom 3: Twin/Full Bunk Bed with Twin Trundle Bed
  • Bedroom 4: Twin/Twin Bunk Bed with Twin Trundle Bed
  • Private hot tub, a retreat within a retreat.
  • Immerse yourself in cinematic splendor with a 75″ Smart TV and the entire collection of Jurassic Park movies.
  • Seamless flow of the open-concept interior, inviting shared moments and cherished memories.
  • Fully equipped kitchen w/ cooking basics, Keurig coffee maker, microwave, full service setup for 12.
  • Propane bbq with an outdoor picnic table to enjoy your culinary fare.
  • Bring your fur babies along – pets are allowed, free of charge.

Guest reviews:

“If you’ve read the description, and any of the other reviews, you probably don’t need to look at this review. Jurassic Retreat is definitely a very unique property and promised a unique experience and definitely delivered. Beautiful home In the woods with life-size dinosaurs, what more can you ask for. The youngsters had an experience they will never forget.If you’ve read the description, and any of the other reviews, you probably don’t need to look at this review. Jurassic Retreat is definitely a very unique property and promised a unique experience and definitely delivered. Beautiful home In the woods with life-size dinosaurs, what more can you ask for. The youngsters had an experience they will never forget,” said David, from Hot Springs, Arkansas. 

“We had such a wonderful stay. Our 3 kids absolutely loved their time here. It was clean , relaxing and had everything we needed plus some. Cottonwood Beach is about a 20 minute drive, it is a nice place we stumbled upon for the kids to play in the water and sand. Hot tub, games, movies , toys , fresh air, & DINOS . Definitely memorable for the entire family,” said Jessika, Great Falls, Montana.

The retreat is owned by Investor Residences, a premier vacation rental company with a portfolio of more than 80 properties.

To book your stay, visit https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/848357161561531844?source_impression_id=p3_1702066380_%2F69N5hnKipEOOM1r or call Jenn Meyers at 808.987.7219.

Jurassic

In recognition of her exceptional contributions in guiding and inspiring students, Margaret Rice of Washougal School District is one of two educators nationwide to earn the YouScience Innovative Educator Award this year. Rice serves as the Career & Technical Education (CTE) director at Washougal School District.

Rice inspires students to build job readiness skills in elementary, middle, and high school. She develops innovative programs that equip students with tools to be successful in the world of work, and champions new ideas to adjust to the evolving workforce.

“Margaret connects students with business and industry leaders, and she supports all of our students in developing the job readiness skills they need to succeed in the skilled trades, business, military, or college,” said Mary Templeton, Washougal School District Superintendent. “She is a phenomenal asset to our district, and we are so proud of her and the amazing work she leads.”

The YouScience Innovative Educator Award celebrates educators who have implemented innovative approaches to empower the next generation of professionals through academic and career exploration. Rice is recognized alongside Kathy Peres of Blue Valley Schools in Kansas. This honor celebrates their outstanding contributions in leading students towards successful career exploration and readiness for the ever-evolving professional landscape.  

Rice

About YouScience

YouScience® is the leading technology provider dedicated to solving the skills and exposure gap crisis for students and employers. Its end-to-end platform, YouScience® Brightpath, connects education with career applications designed to help students unlock their potential for future pathways. YouScience leverages proven research, artificial intelligence, and industry input to help individuals identify their aptitudes, validate their skills and knowledge, and get matched with real-world educational and career pathways in high-demand occupations. YouScience is the preferred choice of individuals, parents, educators, and counselors to guide and support educational and career pathways, currently serving more than 7,000 educational institutions and millions of users nationwide. To learn more about YouScience, please visit youscience.com

About Washougal School District

Washougal School District is a public school district serving over 2,800 students in Washougal, Washington. Dedicated staff teams, supportive community and innovative job-readiness programs create an educational experience that prepares Washougal youth for success.

Athol, Idaho — Anava and Joela Grundy, 5th grade students at Columbia River Gorge Elementary, competed at the USATF Junior Olympics Regional XC Meet in Athol, Idaho, on November 18.  The twins feed their passion for running by taking part in the Boosters’ Mileage Club, a running program organized by school volunteers. They also participate in Whisper Running, a local youth running organization, since September 2022.

“I love to run because it allows me to be active in the outdoors. I love the different trails and enjoy running in nature,” said Anava.  

Anava and Joela were the only Whisper Running members from Washougal to qualify for USATF Junior Olympics Regionals this year. 

“I’m really proud of them for trying a new thing and sticking with it even when it gets difficult,” said Dave Caldwell, running coach at Whisper Running.

“Running for me is such a great sport because I can set personal goals and focus on them to get stronger,” said Joela. 

The Boosters’ Mileage Club at Columbia River Gorge Elementary helps Anava and Joela consistently train their cross country skills and inspires them to do their best. This weekly running program is spearheaded by volunteers Annie Thomas and Sadie McKenzie. McKenzie is also a member of the Washougal School District school board. 

“It’s amazing to see what these kids accomplish. I volunteer with the Boosters Mileage Club because you get to make a real difference in students’ lives,” said McKenzie.

Programs like the Columbia River Gorge Boosters Mileage Club help Washougal students to discover a passion for exercise. Booster club volunteers make this and many other student-centered programs across Washougal School District possible. Learn more about volunteer opportunities at Washougal School District on the district volunteer webpage.

For Anava and Joela, this is just the beginning. Beginning this year, cross country programs in Washougal expanded to include 6th grade students in Washougal. This comes just in time for the duo to represent Jemtegaard Middle School when they enter sixth grade next year.

Washougal
Joela Grundy accepts a token after finishing another lap around the track.
Washougal