In addition to their participation in the “Pennies for Patients” campaign, learn how these sincere, young Parkrose students also helped raise awareness of blood-related diseases ‚Ķ

Margaret Goff, 3rd Grade Teacher at Russell Academy, welcomes Eric Tweed, the campaign coordinator for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. They stand before the school’s “Window of Pennies for Patients”; on their wrists are the society’s red “Relentless” bracelets.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
On February 21, we were invited to a special, all-school assembly at Russell Academy of Academic Achievement in Parkrose.

In addition to their participation in the “Pennies for Patients” campaign, learn how these sincere, young Parkrose students also helped raise awareness of blood-related diseases ‚Ķ

Margaret Goff, 3rd Grade Teacher at Russell Academy, welcomes Eric Tweed, the campaign coordinator for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. They stand before the school’s “Window of Pennies for Patients”; on their wrists are the society’s red “Relentless” bracelets.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
On February 21, we were invited to a special, all-school assembly at Russell Academy of Academic Achievement in Parkrose.

If you didn’t get to see it, you missed the funniest play about murder, ever. Take a look at these exclusive photos and you’ll find it hard to believe these actors are high school kids ‚Ķ

Could it be that his home-made wine contains more than fermented grapes?

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Everything about Parkrose High Thespians’ production of Arsenic & Old Lace is outstanding.

From a very professional theatrical set, to the play’s presentation, these young actors truly bring this classic comedy to life.

This show is guaranteed to chase the wet winter blues away! Take a look, and see why you should be buying your ticket for this show, opening March 9th …

David Douglas Theater Department works on the parts in this play, “See How They Run”. It’s loaded with multiple mistaken identities, gaffes, and well-timed comedic confusion.

Story and photo by David F. Ashton
The line, “See how they run”, originally drawn from the nursery rhyme about the “three blind mice” is best known in popular culture today from The Beatles’ use of it in two of their songs, “I am the Walrus” and “Lady Madonna”.

Some arms were twisted, but no one needed a “license to kill” to pull in big bucks to boost this great, inner SE Portland high school’s activities. Look: you might see Mr. Bond in the background‚

“Place your bets,” calls roulette croupier Ryan McKenzie, as he spins the ball for high rollers Marilyn McKenzie, Colleen Beckmeyer, and Marla Fuller.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
With the tinkle of cocktail glasses, the sound of the ball spinning in the roulette wheel, and folks dressed formally, you’d have expected to see Agent 007 slip into the Cleveland High School Annual Auction at any moment.

See how this program, taught by cops in uniform, gives kids the skills they need to avoid getting into tobacco, drugs, and gangs‚

Two of the many students giving a presentation about how they learned to avoid tobacco, drugs, and gangs through the Parkrose Middle School G.R.E.A.T. program were Mickenin Sprague and Michelle Pham.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
We all know Parkrose has many “great” students. But, not long ago, an entire auditorium full of Parkrose Middle School students was honored as being “G.R.E.A.T.” students.

Instead of complaining about shabbiness at your local public school, see how volunteers have pitched in at this outer East Portland high school – and how you, too, can help on August 25th…

They’re never too young to help: Claudia and Jonathan, Samantha and Blue McAbee, helping clean up the Marshall Campus.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although school isn’t in session, more than a dozen volunteers spend a summery July Saturday morning sprucing up the Marshall Campus in Lents.

Instead of complaining about shabbiness at your local public school, see how volunteers have pitched in at this outer East Portland high school – and how you, too, can help on August 25th…

They’re never too young to help: Claudia and Jonathan, Samantha and Blue McAbee, helping clean up the Marshall Campus.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Although school isn’t in session, more than a dozen volunteers spend a summery July Saturday morning sprucing up the Marshall Campus in Lents.

Opening November 29, see why, in addition to the story’s beloved main characters and great special effects, the scene-stealer is Dorothy’s dog, Toto! Take a look …

While her new friends in the Land of Oz have other desires, Dorothy (Tegan Tracy, in rehearsal, not yet costumed) and her aunt’s dog, Toto, say they just want to go home.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Want to start the season with a fun, family show? You don’t have to travel downtown Portland to see great theater – just head for David Douglas High School’s production of the Broadway Musical version of The Wizard of Oz, starting November 29.

Find out how the school will use the $2,500 gift presented to them, when they cut the ribbon at this shiny-new super discount store …

The waiting is over – this Big Lots! store in Plaza 205 is finally open.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
“Big Lots! shoppers rejoice! No longer must you drive to Vancouver or Gresham.” That’s what Richard McCaw, Manager of the Gateway area Plaza 205 “Big Lots!” (the name is officially spelled with a “!”) said, as he and his crew officially opened their store for business on October 28.

See why you should order your tickets NOW for year’s musical at David Douglas High School, starting its run on December 4 …

All of the townspeople – especially the girls – are enamored with Conrad Birdie (Sam De Roest, playing the lead role of the ’50’s rock star about to be drafted) in their production of Bye Bye Birdie, opening for a limited run on December 4.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For the first time ever, the timeless musical Bye Bye Birdie will take the stage at David Douglas High School (DDHS), opening on December 4.

Here’s why you should plan now to come see this powerful story presented by the Parkrose High School Thespians, starting February 26 …

The Parkrose High School actors practice a scene from their new play. A slave girl who did a little more than just dabble in the occult, Tituba (Kylie Simmons), professes her faith in God – and accuses other village women of witchcraft – to Reverend John Hale (Jason Newman), an expert in occultist phenomena.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
For their winter season production, Parkrose High School Thespian Troupe 1783 is taking on the challenge of presenting The Crucible by Arthur Miller.