On Thursday, May 19th, the students of Garfield Elementary entertained a full gymnasium filled with families and friends who came to watch the Annual Talent Show. 

Zillah High School’s track & field team was well-represented at State this year. From left to Right: Oliver Ames, Logan Olney, Isaac Estrada, Angel Rodriguez, and Scott Thomas.

One of my earliest childhood memories is playing in the hops on our family farm.  I remember my dad throwing me on top of a big pile of them in the drying area of the hop kiln, and I would lay there with my cousins as hops rolled down on us from the conveyor belt above our heads.  I’m sure we squashed a hop or two in the process, but those were some fun times!

Nayeli Arellano  2nd grader and her mom, Consuelo Arellano (21st Century dancer) Valley View Elementary continued  their traditional festivities Thursday Cinco de mayo.  Activities included: face painting, a variety of games, Bailadores del sol (professional dance group) 21st Century (Valley View students) danced traditional Mexican dances, Valley View Mariachi performed along with parent volunteers and a free barbecue for the community about 800 came and participated in this community event.

Dear Editor,
In this day and age of gang violence it is time to brag on the good youth are doing. We would like to give huge “Thank You’ to Emmanuel Rodriguez of the Toppenish High School. On April 15th Emmanuel for his senior project with project mentors: Tricia Piper, High School Psychologist; Melissa Peterson, Kirkwood Elementary Teacher; and Marlene Panell, High School Teacher, organized and hosted Midnight Masquerade” a formal social event. This was a prom for the youth of the self-contained classroom at the high school. We cannot forget Mrs. Dorr’s advisory class that joined in and helped. They had everything; corsages and boutonnieres, D.J.’s dancing entertainment, food, pictures, etc.
For the adults in attendance it was a true joy to see our youth so happy and interacting with the other students of the school. This gave our daughter and many others the opportunity that they would never have. Because of their profound disabilities it would be difficult to attend a high school prom.
Again we commend Emmanuel and all that helped for organizing and presenting this activity. It was truly a fun time for the over fifty in attendance.
Jon and Betty Newquist

Two years ago, as part of the crime prevention efforts of the Toppenish Police Department, we decided to offer a class that would provide valuable training to females in and around our community.

To the Editor:

Friday’s event was a major success.  We had 100+ people attend the event and they enjoyed some cheese zombies, dessert, salad, a drink, and tomato soup.  The talent show was off the hook!  There were about 15 students that participated in this event, many who did Jerk Dancing, break dancing, singing, and one student showed his art.  Our students really enjoyed themselves and are excited for the finale in May.  
 Our judges  Paula (Melanie), Randy (Marcelino), and Simon (Amber) were amazing.  They provided the talent show with enthusiasm, great feedback, and humor.
 Safe Haven staff were great as always.  Thank you for your dedication to the program and the youth.
 I’d also like to thank Kamie the cook.  She did an amazing job with the food and helped us tremendously in the kitchen and cafeteria.
 Janie and Derel, thank you for providing “customers” with info and handling the money.  You guys set the tone for event.
Pictures of the event will be up soon on Safe Haven’s Facebook account.  Though this was not a fundraiser per say, we raised about $724!!  Subtract all fee’s, we raised  $274 in profit. 
 Thank you all very much and we will be planning to have another Cheese Zombie Event soon.
 
Adrian A Almanza
Safe Haven Supervisor

To the Editor:

Once again the community of Wapato has something to be proud of.  The recent passage of the Bond to refurbish, rebuild and equip a new High School is just another example of how the residents of this small town always seem to step up and do the right thing when asked.
As Co-Chair of the Bond Committee, I would personally like to give a big “Thanks” to all of you who voted YES for the Bond.  This project is extremely important for the current and future students of the Wapato School District and it will enable them to be better prepared for their future as they exit the doors upon graduation.  Everyone who was involved in this project is very appreciative of your votes.
Again…  Thank You Wapato For Your Support!!

Karen Blankenship
Wapato, WA