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To fully serve the community, the Mid-county Memo offers this section to showcase upcoming special events, celebrations of milestones in our readers’ lives, those seemingly small accomplishments that often do not receive the recognition they deserve, and everyday events that should be shared with friends and neighbors.
Memo Pad submissions for the January issue are due by Friday, Dec. 15. For best results, e-mail Darlene Vinson at editor@midcountymemo.com. Or mail editorial submissions to 3510 N.E. 134th Ave, Portland, OR 97230. To leave a phone message, call 503-287-8904. The fax number is 503-249-7672.
Essay contest to explore volunteerism
Parkrose High School and Parkrose Middle School students are asked to put on their thinking caps over the Christmas holiday and ponder the question, “Why is volunteering in my community important?”
That is the theme for a new essay contest for students at the two schools sponsored by SnowCap Community Charities, the Parkrose School District and the Mid-county Memo.
The inaugural Guthrie Family Essay Contest is open to all Parkrose high school and middle school students and carries cash prizes ranging from $25 to $250. The funds are provided by Parkrose resident Jerry Guthrie, owner of Guthrie Machinery Co., and honor the memory of his late wife, Betty.
Judy Alley, executive director of SnowCap, announced the contest. She said the project’s purpose is to make young citizens aware of the need for, and satisfaction that comes from, assisting in their neighborhoods.
High school entrants are required to submit an essay of at least 1,000 words. Middle school students are asked to submit a minimum of 500 words. Entries may be hand-written.
High school level awards include one $250 first prize, one $150 second prize and two $50 third prizes. Middle school awards include one $150 first prize, two $75 prizes and two $50 awards.
Completed essays must be delivered to respective schools by April 15, 2007.
“That seems a long time away,” Alley said, “but the holiday season is a good time of the year to start thinking about why it is important to help others in your community.”
A panel of judges will be named after the first of the year, she said.
Portland Christian athletics rule 2A
The fall sports season has been an exciting one for the Royals of Portland Christian High School. The volleyball team clinched its first ever Class 2A state title with a win over Weston-McEwen of Athena, Ore. Junior Kim Hill supplied three kills in the fourth and final game to put away the Tiger Scots and claim the state crown. Hill was named a Qwest Player of the Game and was joined on the U.S. Bank/Les Schwab Tires All Tournament First Team by senior Lindsay Reinhardt.
Not to be outdone, the Portland Christian Middle School volleyball team is league champion. It appears there is talent waiting in the wings. Could this be a volleyball dynasty in the making?
The high school boys soccer team saw state tournament action as well. The purple and gold defeated Umpqua Valley Christian of Roseburg 7-1 in first round play, but lost to Santiam Christian of Corvallis in the second round.
The 2A football championships are also underway. The Royals, who went undefeated in Northwest League play squeaked by Scio 28-26 in the first round, thumped Lost River of Merrill, Ore., 54-20 in the second round, and was set to face Cascade Christian of Jacksonville, Ore., as this issue went to press. A victory will put the team in the championship game in Autzen Stadium in Eugene on Saturday, Dec. 2.
Community Connections at PHS needs adults
Parkrose High School students will participate in a number of community activities this holiday season thanks in part to the recent volunteer fair held at the school. Coordinated by Joanne Oleksiak, Community Connections program developer at the school, students applied to become a Big Brother or Big Sister, to plant trees, and to help string lights and welcome visitors at The Grotto’s Christmas Festival of Lights. They also learned about a dozen more Portland area nonprofit organizations and civic clubs.
“There was a buzz of activity during our lunch-time volunteer fair as students signed up for community service to benefit others. Now,” Oleksiak said, “the Community Connections program is looking for adult volunteers who are interested in working in our school.” Another lunch-time volunteer fair is set for Tuesday, Dec. 12.
No time could be more crucial than the final years of high school according to Oleksiak. “Students need our guidance and good advice as they plan what they will do after they graduate,” she explained.
If you have considered offering your skills to the school, contact the Community Connections office. This new program is creating additional academic and extracurricular support for PHS students.
Call or e-mail project staff to schedule an interview. Then you may apply to become a classroom tutor, a student club leader, or to serve on a PHS committee.
Contact Joanne Oleksiak at the high school, 12003 N.E. Shaver St., at 503-408-2645 or at joanne_oleksiak@parkrose.k12.or.us.
Sponsors needed for Ride for Education event
The Parkrose Middle School Parent Teacher Organization is seeking corporate and community sponsorship for its Ride for Education event this spring. Ride for Education is a bicycling event open to students and the public. The goal will be to update the middle school computer system that is now nearly a decade old.
Tax-deductible donations at a variety of levels are available. An Event Sponsor, which donates $500 or more, will receive recognition on signs, flyers, t-shirts and the Web site. This donation will also sponsor five students in the ride. At the Proud 200 level, a $200 donation results in recognition on signs, flyers and the Web site, plus sponsorship of five students. Supporting 100 donors will sponsor five students in the ride for $100.
To learn more, contact Steve Voorhees, PTO president, at 503-890-7152 or send your check payable to Parkrose Middle School PTO to 11800 N.E. Shaver St., Portland, OR 97220-1408.
Elks recognize outstanding student
The Gateway Elks Lodge has chosen Jue Song of David Douglas High School as Teenager of the Month for December.
Song attended elementary school in China. She is now an honor student, a talented musician and a national mathematics scholar. Her story is one of a successful transition that continues to develop.
Earning a grade point average of 4.00, Song will graduate in June. She has successfully completed advanced classes at David Douglas and is currently enrolled in college level classes through Mount Hood Community College.
A member of the National Honor Society, Song is fluent in Mandarin. Her goal is to earn a master’s degree in business administration for a planned career in international business.
Song makes her home with guardians Sally and Tom Downing.
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