Tag Archive for: Washougal

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Clark College President Addresses CW Rotary; Club Recognizes Camas Student

Washougal, WA — Robert Knight, President of Clark College, addressed the Camas-Washougal Rotary Club Thursday morning on the benefits of community colleges, as well as plans for the school’s future. Rotarians also recognized Camas High School sophomore, Yozen Fang, for his academic achievements.

In his speech, Knight said he’s pleased with the strength of Clark College, which was established in 1933.

“The way we teach is changing,” said Knight. “And, our teachers are some of the best out there — I know our students are getting a quality education.”

He said two-year colleges like Clark address a demographic of youth that aren’t ready for the size of four-year universities.

“We get them ready, and with our small class sizes, around 20 students per class, teachers get to know the students by name,” said Knight. “And, as parents we’re saving you a lot of money. They’re getting the same quality education as they would at a large university for these first two years. They’re the same classes. Then you can go on to become a Duck, a Beaver, a Huskie, or a Cougar.”

He also discussed the growing demand for vocational education, and wants to change the attitude toward trades.

“Parents need to know there’s a growing demand for these kinds of jobs, and they need to know they’re paid high wages,” said Knight. “So we’re working on changing those perceptions. We also need to think about going to school year-round, instead of taking summers off. That’s a old way of thinking.”

Additional points:

  • Clark College owns several acres of land to build a northern campus in Ridgefield, of I-5 exit 14. The school bought the land several years ago, and is getting the funding to build there.
  • Clark College Columbia Tech Center Campus is a big success, and helps students in Camas, Washougal and East Vancouver get to Running Start classes quickly.
  • The Running Start program has 2,400 students.

Yozen Fang

Rotarians also honored Yozen Fang, a soft-spoken Camas High School sophomore, as their club’s Student of the Month, for his academic achievements.

“Students are always given praise by staff,” said Rotarian, Ron Carlson. “According to your teachers, Yozen, they say you’re an inspiration to the work ethic of CHS. Your ability to experience defeat and never give up is amazing. You are very successful, and … you are slowly … shedding some of your shyness in the school. Another teacher said ‘underneath that quiet exterior is a sharp and witty mind. He diligently works on his work and is faithful to every teammate he works on in his research projects. While he is quiet, his math work is excellent. He is very talented, very bright.’”

Fang writes in Japanese using highly skilled terms.

Fang said he loves to go on long walks, and read.

Rotary

Camas High School sophomore, Yozen Fang, was recognized as the Camas-Washougal Rotary Club’s Student of the Month at the group’s weekly meeting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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3D Printing Brilliance: Washougal Student Earns Youth Achievement Award

Washougal, WA — High school education is often multidimensional.  For Washougal High School senior, Ulysses Ramel, his interest and skill in 3-dimensional printing helped him to broaden his expertise while he developed opportunities for other students to learn how to create 3D projects.

Ramel made positive and negative 3D mold examples for use in a new unit of instruction in the WHS Baking and Pastry class.  He also wrote step-by-step instructions for students to create a positive mold using class software.  This work, and the passion he exhibited to help others learn, earned him recognition in the 2018 Clark County Youth Commission’s Youth Achievement Award for education.

In the nomination submitted by WHS Librarian Hillary Marshall, she said his expertise helped her to teach and reach more WHS students.  “Ulysses demonstrated perseverance as Chef Hitchins and I were creating a brand-new unit of study and he created multiple molds as examples. His attention to detail was exceptional as he explained why designs worked or failed and helped me to understand the software, so I could deliver clearer instruction.”

“I was happy and surprised to receive this award,” Ramel said.  “I like sharing my knowledge about 3D printing and helping other students to have the fun of creating something new.  It is a nice feeling to make something for people to see.”

“Ulysses is helpful and wants to share his knowledge of 3D printing,” said Marshall.  “He is kind and approachable so working with him is encouraging.  He helped me giggle my way through learning a software tool that was uncomfortable and foreign to me, so that I could gain confidence under his guidance and deliver a clear, concise lesson to the Baking and Pastry class.”

Ramel is a student at the Cascadia Tech Academy Pre-Engineering program where he refined his knowledge of 3D printing.  His skills were put to the test when he was asked to help assemble the school’s 3D printer.  “By assembling it, I now understand the concepts of how it works so I can see how to work around mistakes and improve the product,” he explained. “Once you know how something works, you know more about how to fix an error.”

Beyond his Cascadia projects, Ramel has also created 3D key chains and drink coasters for the WHS Unified Sports to help the team promote itself.

Ramel is Filipino and arrived in Washougal during his freshman year from the Philippines.  At that time, he could understand some English language but was not able to speak it well. Now he plans to join the Air Force and go on to college for a degree in mechanical engineering.

“I am pleased Ulysses is receiving this Youth Achievement Award,” Marshall said.  “I wanted to recognize his talents and encourage his efforts and help him reach his dream of a career in engineering.  Ulysses is humble about his talents, but they need to be highlighted.”

“I did not expect to get an award for this,” Ramel said with a smile. “It makes me proud.”

 

Ramel

Ulysses Ramel received the Youth Achievement Award in Education for his work in 3D printing.

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Washougal School District Announces New Superintendent – Mary Templeton

Washougal, WA — At a special meeting of the Washougal School District Board of Directors on April 27, 2018, the school board unanimously passed a motion to hire Dr. Mary Templeton as the next Superintendent of the district. Templeton and three other final candidates interviewed with the Board, district administrators, and representatives of the staff and community on April 25. She will begin her new job on July 1, 2018.

“The district started this process several months ago, gathering feedback from community, staff, and district parents, in an open and transparent process,” said Cory Chase, Washougal School Board President. “The board felt Dr. Templeton’s experience and background are best suited to the current initiatives and opportunities in our district. The board would like to thank all of the community members, staff, and others who participated in the process and provided feedback to help with this process. We are excited to welcome Mary to the Washougal community.” The board worked with Northwest Leadership Associates on the search process.

“I am so excited to be joining the Washougal School District as the new superintendent of schools,” said Templeton. “After spending time in the district this week, it was clear that there are great things happening here and that the community, staff, school board, and parents are committed to excellence for all of our students. I look forward to leading the Washougal School District with this vision for excellence into the future.”

 

Templeton is currently the Human Resources Director for Certificated Personnel for Spokane Public Schools, a role she has held for four years. She began her education career in the classroom, teaching German, English, and Drama for 15 years. She later served as a dean of students, principal assistant, and then worked as an assistant principal for four years.

Templeton recently received a doctorate in Education from Washington State University and has held a superintendent credential since 2015. She serves on a task force for the Public Educator Standards Board (PESB).

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Ernie Suggs Appointed to Replace Coursey on Washougal City Council

Washougal, WA — When Washougal City Coucilman, Dan Coursey, resigned his seat effective March 31, it set in motion an open process to fill the vacancy. That process ended Monday night with the appointment of longtime Washougal resident, Ernie Suggs, who was sworn in by Mayor Molly Coston.

A total of eight candidates applied for the open seat, and all appeared before the council Monday night to present themselves to the councilors. In a final 4-2 open vote, Suggs won.

“To be honest, it surprised me that I was sworn in at the end of the session,” Suggs said. “I applied two days ahead of the deadline, and we all presented ourselves to the council. I was fourth in line, and we all waited in a small room until it was our time. After that first round was done, the council voted on the top two candidates. Two other were tied for number two, then we talked again to the council, and answered one question from each council member. They voted agin, and it was 4-2 that they chose me.”

Suggs was encouraged to apply by several Camas and Washougal City Councilors.

“So, I thought, OK, I’ll give it a shot,” said Suggs. “To be candid, I was humbled and excited they chose me.”

Suggs is concerned about growth control and wants Washougal to build an adequate infrastructure to avoid major traffic congestion. He’s also a big proponent of inter-agency cooperation, local schools, and small business.

”I’m all about small business empowerment, and finding ways to help off-set the cost of running the city with a stronger tax base,” said Suggs. “We don’t have a lot of ways to bring in funds for the city.”

Suggs has lived in Washougal for 42 years, with his wife, Pat, who are the parents of six daughters, and grandparents of 13 grandsons. He worked for the Camas School District for 32 years as the Camas Community Education Director. He retired 10 years ago.

The council will get to fill another open seat when Washougal City Councilor, Joyce Lindsay, retires from public service effective May 31. The applicant process will begin anew. The city attorney said each council member could nominate for the next vacancy on the Washougal City Council.

Suggs

Ernie Suggs takes his City Council seat.

 

 

 

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Drug Take Back Event Coming to Washougal This Weekend

Washougal, WA — The Washougal Police Department is partnering with the Drug Enforcement Administration and Unite! Washougal to bring a Drug Take Back event to Washougal. The four-hour event will be held from Saturday, April 28, from 10 am to 2 pm at Silver Star Search and Rescue, 1220 A Street, Washougal.

The drug take back held last fall helped nearly 160 Washougal residents safely dispose of 595.25 pounds of unused and unwanted medications with local law enforcement officers and Unite! volunteers.

The drug disposal event will be held at four locations throughout Clark County. All pills will be transported for incineration by the DEA.

The Washougal Drug Take Back event will be sponsored by Unite! Washougal Community Coalition, Prevent, Vancouver Clinic, Downtown Washougal Association, and the City of Washougal. Other partners included: D Studio 21, Prevent Coalition, Orchard Hills Dental, Vancouver Clinic, St. Matt’s Lutheran, and Bethel Community Church.

Unwanted medications can be disposed of year-round at several collection sites across Clark County. Controlled substances, such as pain killers and tranquilizers, can be taken to participating law enforcement agencies. Non-controlled substances, such as over-the-counter medications, can be taken to local participating pharmacies and sharps can be taken to local participating transfer stations. For more information on both types of disposal, visit www.ClarkGreenNeighbors.org/meds

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Local Women’s Club Issues Challenge: ‘Reach for the Stars with Books’

Washougal, WA – Pre-kindergarten children and their families in Washougal are being challenged by the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Camas-Washougal to “Reach for the Stars with Books.”

“The goal of our program is to enrich the lives of young children through growth and learning skills prior to entering kindergarten and pursuing their academic journey,” said GFWC incumbent Vice President, Susan Bennett. “We received a grant from the Camas-Washougal Community Chest to purchase age-appropriate books, backpacks and other educational tools for children ages birth to five years old.”

GFWC members have now begun distribution of the educational materials. The group was on hand April 11th at Hathaway Elementary School to reward students and parents who have attended six visits to “1-2-3 Grow & Learn Program,” a free, drop-in, interactive and educational program for families with pre-kindergarten children. In addition to the educational materials, students receive a light blue T-shirt after attending their sixth session.

1-2-3 Grow and Learn is offered through ESD 112 for parents and children from birth to 5 years and teaches school readiness activities and gives parents a fun way to play and learn with their child. The program is located at several Clark County schools. GFWC Camas-Washougal is assisting with the program at Hathaway Elementary, 630 24 St., Washougal. The Hathaway program, under the leadership of Julie Jacobson, EDS 112, meets each Wednesday morning from 9:00-10:30 a.m. through June 6. The 1-2-3 Grow & Learn Program will resume at the start of the 2018-2019 school year.

The Community Chest grant received by the women’s club compliments the ESD 112 program well. “Reach for the Stars with Books” focuses on parent-child time,” Bennett explained. “These gifts for learning are a reward to help reinforce to both the parent and child the importance of attendance and structure at an early age.

“By putting books into the hands of children they will grow their school readiness skills and strengthen their social skills through interaction with other parents and children,” she said. “We believe these gifts will spark the children and parents’ imagination and take them on a journey of a lifetime!”

 

Books

Left to right – GFWC President Carol Styles, Bonnie Walden, Susan Bennett, GFWC Vice President Pat Suggs, Washington State GFWC President Tina Bair and Michelle Aguilar (Child Care Aware Manager Early Care & Education, ESD 112) with active 1-2-3 Grow and Learn participants in their new t-shirts.

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Washougal Track and Field Wins John Ingram Twilight Meet

By Dan Trujillo

VANCOUVER, WA — Ryan Davy and Troy Prince-Butterfield showed off their wheels for Washougal at the John Ingram Twilight track and field meet Friday — at Columbia River High School.

After winning the 1,600 and the 800 races, Prince-Butterfield ran a 51.7 final lap to help the Panthers clinch first place in the 1,600 relay. Donovan Bailey, Koy Chaston and Cade Lowman contributed to Washougal’s winning time of 3:37.61. Prince-Butterfield also ran a 4:35.04 1,600 and a 2:02.2 800.

Davy swept the 100 and 200 dashes, and the 400 relay run, with times of 11.61, 23.44 and 44.73. Kade Coons, Kenny Kanthak and Arcey Harton contributed to the 400 relay victory for the Panthers.

The Washougal boys won the Ingram Twilight by a 44.5 point margin over Kelso.

Tanner Lees soared to first place on the pole vault with a leap of 11 feet, 6 inches. Kanthak took second place in the 300 hurdles and third in the 110 hurdles.

Chaston clinched second place in the 800 and Gabriel Dinnel grabbed second place in the 1,600. Preston Bentley placed second in the javelin throw. Jackson Keyser and Jonathan Wells claimed second and third place in the 3,200. Judson Mansfield earned third place in the high jump.

The Washougal girls took third place at the Ingram Twilight.

Amelia Pullen won the 3,200 and improved her school record time to 11:19.85. She also took second place in the 1,600 with a season-best time of 5:31.88.

On her final triple jump, Gracie Dolan skipped to first place with a personal best distance of 34-0.75. Kiara Kallie claimed first place on the 110 hurdles in 16.95. Ashley Gibbons grabbed first place in the javelin with a personal best toss of 94-10.

Kiara Cross took second place in the 100 dash. Bekah Shilling, Clara Best, Shae Alder and Alexis Maniscalco claimed second place in the 1,600 relay. Kiersten DeLaRocha notched second place in the discus.

Papermakers excel at River Twilight

Although their premier athletes are competing at the Oregon Relays, Camas sent a fired up squad to the John Ingram Twilight Friday.

And those Papermakers rose to the occasion against the full Southwest Washington squads in attendance.

Katherine McCann, Madeline Sheppard, Josephine Rein and Jenna Lukowiak clinched first place in the girls 1,600 relay with a time of 4:28.82. Lukowiak also took second place in the 800 and Sheppard followed in fourth.

Luc Utheza clinched first place in the boys 3,200 with a time of 10:17.88. Will Schultz notched first place in the 400 with a time of 54.03. Micah Harimoto leaped to second place in the triple jump and third place in the long jump.

Jacqueline Allen earned second place in the girls shot put, Megan Amundson took third place in the high jump and Elizabeth Nilles earned fourth place in the 3,200.

The Camas girls finished fourth in the team standings and the Camas boys secured fifth.

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Middle Schooler Wins Red Ribbon Week Regional Photo Contest

Washougal, WA – Congratulations to Jemtegaard Middle School sixth grader, Carson Kanzler, and his family, who won a regional first place in the 2017 Red Ribbon Week Photo Contest. Kanzler, who also won an iPad, was awarded a check for $1,000 for JMS at a school pep assembly April 12.

Cam Strahm, Assistant Special Agent in Charge from the Drug Enforcement Administration for Oregon and Southern Washington, made the presentation.

“There were hundreds of photos entered into this contest and winning is a really big deal,” said Strahm. “Carson did a wonderful job!”

Kanzler’s photo featured him next to a poster he created supporting the message that staying drug free is the key to a successful future.

“The poster design is a door with a key hanging up on the wall and it inspired me because your future is key, so the door was labeled your future, and you had to do multiple things to get the key so that your future is drug free,” said Kanzler. “It’s so you can have a happy future.”

Kanzler

Carson Kanzler poses in front of the poster he designed for Red Ribbon Week.

 

Kanzler wasn’t expecting the public presentation, so it was a total surprise to him.

“I am so very excited that our student has won this award,” said Wendy Butler, ESD Prevention and Intervention Specialist. “Drug prevention is important. Our students are our future and they deserve to know the facts about how drugs can harm their brains and forever impact their lives. It is important for them to understand there are positive choices in their lives that will lead them towards success and happiness.”

The 2017 National Red Ribbon Week Photo Contest received hundreds of submissions and votes in support of entries last October. The contest was an opportunity to involve families and schools in spreading the Red Ribbon Week message widely in neighborhoods, communities and on social media.

“It is a wonderful way to celebrate families, schools and communities working together to promote healthy, drug-free kids,” Butler said.

Kanzler

From left: Cam Strahm, Carson Kanzler, and Wendy Butler at Thursday’s pep rally at Jemptegaard Middle School, in Washougal.

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Events: Washougal Studio Artists Tour Coming Up Mother’s Day Weekend

Washougal, WA — Washougal area artists, representing a vast array of creative works and mediums, are opening their studio doors to offer a new family outing for Mother’s Day weekend, May 12-13, 2018, from 10 am – 5 pm. The first Washougal Studio Artists Tour includes 10 stops featuring 18 artists.

Angela Ridgway, mixed media metal artist, is the event coordinator and was thrilled and even a bit surprised to find so many high-quality artists in and around Washougal wanting to participate. “I knew we had a hidden wealth of artists living and working in Washougal, and I’m excited that so many want to open their studio doors to the public,” she said. “Studio tours are a wonderful way to see where the magic of creating art happens …”

Much of the tour route is along the scenic Washougal River and through the Washougal foothills. “It’s no wonder this area attracts such talent with so much natural beauty all around us,” she said. “It will also be a great way for tour visitors to discover some of that beauty in Washougal.”

According to Ridgway, other regional studio tours seem to be more centrally located in the Vancouver area, so it is more difficult for Washougal talent to be showcased. “But with a concentration of artists in Washougal, and a shorter tour route, it will be easier for these amazing artists to be accessible to tour visitors.”

Artists

Working hard.

The tour features the following: Angela Ridgway, mixed media metal; Anna Wiancko-Chasman, clay and wood; Anni Becker, acrylic and watercolor; Char McHugh, ceramics; Chris Brodigan, ceramics; Charlene Hale, fused glass and ceramics; Cyndee Starr, mixed media doodles; Deborah Roberts, colored pencil and acrylic; Jean Hauge, watercolor and pastel; John Furniss, wood; Kathy Beckman, acrylic; Lori Horner, oil and acrylic; Ryan Boomhower, tattoo and oil painting; Sharon Ballard, acrylic; Shirley Bishop, fused glass; Suzanne Grover, pastels and mixed media; Tamara Dinius, mixed media; and Toni McCarthy, jewelry.

You may preview their work and see the tour map on the Washougal Studio Artists website at www.WashougalStudioArtists.org

You may also follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Participating artists will also have copies of the map available, as well as many local businesses.

WSAT is sponsored in part by the City of Washougal hotel/motel tourism tax fund.

Photo Gallery

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Washougal City Councilor Dan Coursey Announces Resignation

Washougal, WA — Dan Coursey announced his resignation from his Washougal City Council seat late Wednesday, which will be effective March 31.

The first-term council member, who was elected in 2016, faced the Washougal Mayor Molly Coston last fall, and lost.

The network engineering consultant said he wants to devote more time to his business.

”I’ve enjoyed meeting all the people I’ve met,” said Coursey. “During the mayoral campaign I knocked many doors. It’s a great way to find out what people think. Your learn a lot by doing that.”

During his two-year tenure on the city council, Coursey said he’s pleased that he was able to put a spotlight on street maintenance.

“I’m also glad I participated in trying to keep our budget in line,” Coursey said.

Coursey’s Official Resignation Letter

His letter is as follows:

Dear Mayor Molly Coston and Administrator David Scott,

Please accept my resignation effective March 31st, as Washougal City Council Member, Position Seven.

It has been an honor to serve the great people of Washougal for the past two years.

Currently, I have considerable professional business opportunities which are taking up more of my time now and more so in the future. So, I am resigning my City Council seat to better take advantage of that and allow another to serve our wonderful city. Both I and my wife love our little city and look forward to assisting in the future as time allows.

Thank you sincerely,

Dan Coursey
Washougal City Council

What’s Next?

Mayor Coston accepted his resignation and will follow Washington state law to replace him. Following Coursey’s departure, the city will accept public applications for the city council seat, and then the council will vote from those applicants. This recently happened in Camas, and is a rare event. But, it will happen twice this year, as incumbent Washougal City Council member, Joyce Lindsey, is resigning her seat effective end of May.

To learn more, visit www.cityofwashougal.us

 

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