Meet these schools’ ambassadors to the 2008 Portland Rose Festival. Will one of these ladies become the Portland Rose Festival Queen? Take a look …

Standing with her court, Brenda Estela Olmos has just learned she will represent David Douglas High School at the 2008 Portland Rose Festival.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

David Douglas High Princess
It is always an invigorating experience to visit “full-school assembly” at David Douglas High School. The student body is well behaved; but when it’s time to cheer, the nearly 3,000 students nearly lift the roof of the gymnasium.

Last week, when we visited the assembly at which the David Douglas High 2008 Portland Rose Festival Princess was announced – it was an occasion to cheer.

Almost overtaken by emotion, Olmos does her best to smile, as she’s presented with a bouquet of roses.

After the announcement, Olmos told the enthusiastic crowd, “I thank my family for being there, for all the good times and the bad times. Thank you for this honor.”

Olmos said she’s been involved with Student Council, National Honors Society, Link Crew, Peer Mediation, Key Club, Academic All-Stars, MECHA, and Varsity Soccer.

Her other activities including working at a Subway store, volunteering at Mill Park Elementary as a tutor, playing in the River Park Soccer League, and participating in American Friends Service Committee and youth group. Her hobbies are playing soccer, coaching basketball and soccer, gardening, and listening to Mexican music.

After the selection, Principal Randy Hutchison commented, “This is a great opportunity for our kids.  It’s nice to see how many showed up for the competition. Any one of the students would’ve been a great selection, and we’re proud of them all. Brenda will make a great ambassador for David Douglas High School.”

After the gym cleared, Olmos told us, “I’m really excited. I thank all of my peers who supported me. I look forward to representing my school and meeting many people in the Portland Rose Festival program.”

Madison High Princess

Introducing Madison High School’s 2008 Portland Rose Festival Princess, Jill Tremblay. PRF Photo

Last week Madison High School also held their 2008 Portland Rose Festival Princess selection assembly.

The outcome: Representing Madison will be Jill Tremblay.

In the future, Tremblay said she plans to enroll in Portland State University’s Pre-Dental program, and later attend Oregon State University.

She’s been recognized for her participation in the Academy of Science & Natural Resources, Class Council, Track (hurdles and pole vaulting), and Cheerleading.

The other activities Tremblay said she enjoys are Art (drawing and painting), snowboarding, exercising, and Cosmology. She is involved with the Ascension Church Youth Group, and volunteers at Providence Children’s Hospital.

Marshall Campus’ Princess

The students at Marshall Campus selected Kim Pham as their 2008 Portland Rose Festival Princess. PRF Photo

And, during the same week, the four schools at Marshall Campus selected their 2008 Portland Rose Festival ambassador.

From the Pauling Academy of Integrated Science at Marshall Campus, Kim Pham won the title.

Asked about her plans, Pham said, “This fall, I plan to attend the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. I’m not quite sure what I’ll be studying, but I’ve been contemplating Pre-Med for a very long time, so that might be it.”

Pham said she likes being active, and participates in tennis, soccer, National Honor Society, Music Club, and the school’s 2008 Yearbook – of which she’s the chief editor.

“I’ve done a lot of volunteering for Hands On Portland, and other projects,” Pham told us, “including cooking at Clark Center, Multnomah Summer Reading Program, serving seniors for Loaves and Fishes, playing the Easter Bunny for Easter Seals, and volunteering for Providence Center for Medically Fragile Children.”

Her hobbies include cooking, baking, riding bikes, going to concerts, playing guitar, writing poetry, drawing, and being in the outdoors.

Coronation on June 7
The 2008 Portland Rose Festival Queen’s Coronation takes place on June 7, just before the start of the Grand Floral Parade. For tickets, or more information, see CLICK HERE and we’ll take you directly to their web site. Or, call their hotline: 1-877-789-ROSE.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News

Find out why officials say the game of chess helps disadvantaged youth to enter life on a level playing field …

These young chess-masters don’t wiggle or squirm while their game is in play – they appear to be completely focused on the chess board.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
In the gymnasium at Duniway Elementary School, 80 kids sit at tables and play games on a Saturday morning. But this cavernous room isn’t ringing with playful outbursts or giggles; there is no whirl of youthful exuberance.

Instead, forty pairs of young people are sitting across from one another at tables on March 1, nearly motionless, gazing at a chess board.

Just outside the gym’s doorway, Julie Young, executive director for “Chess for Success”, whispers to us in the hushed tones of a TV golfing commentator, “We’re holding our regional tournaments today.”

In the hallway, Young explains this event is one of 25 regional tournaments being put on by their organization. “Kids are competing for titles within their age category. The winners will go on to the final playoffs.”

“Chess for Success” officials Ed McVicker – assistant tournament director and program director – Christopher Maguire, and executive director Julie Young track statistics and keep time during the tournament at Duniway Elementary School.

Four decades of chess
“Chess for Success” was formed in 1992 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to setting up chess clubs in low-income Portland schools, Young tells us. It now support chess clubs in 73 Title I schools.

“This tournament has a 41-year history,” says Young. “It started at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). By 1998, it grew until it became too large for a volunteer organization to run. ‘Chess for Success’ began to provide the logistics and administrative support, but the tournaments are still staffed by many of those volunteers who started the event.”

The players of the next game quietly listen to instructions from the tournament officials.

Lessons in personal responsibility
On the grade school level, Young continues, volunteers and staff of “Chess for Success” teach more than just how move figurines around on a checked board.

“These chess clubs are important, because it brings together children from all different backgrounds to play with one another. Beyond that, when children learn how to play chess, they learn how to sit still, concentrate, and think ahead.”

And, kids also learn personal responsibility, adds Young. “They get the credit for their successes. And, they can’t blame their losses on their family’s situation – or even on what they had for breakfast. The ‘field is level’ for every child. Winning at chess doesn’t take any special physical or mental skill – it takes concentration, and a will to succeed.”

This young lady is focused only on her next move.

Chess breeds success
Their program goes far beyond developing young chess mavens, Young continues. “As soon as a child joins the chess club, other students – and even some teachers – often think, ‘my gosh, they’re brilliant’. It really increases their self-esteem when they get good at playing chess.

“Whether they achieve mastery of chess or not, kids who learn to play tend to do better in school. As they improve at the game, many of them start taking their studies more seriously.

“We’re not really interested in making chess masters in our after-school program. Our goal is to teach children skills that will carry forward in life.”

At the Franciscan Montessori Earth School, just off outer SE Division Street in the Centennial neighborhood, players from the eastern region are concentrating on their tournament.

Outer East Portland tournament
Indeed, this chess tournament really is spread across the city. Later that morning, we visit another sponsored tournament, this one at the Franciscan Montessori Earth School.

“We have 52 kids playing today, says Melissa Light, development and communications director for the organization. “We have 12 schools represented at this tournament.”

In schools supported, Chess for Success is open to all children in the school, without cost. “Fortunately, we have strong support from parents, teachers, public school districts, and the community.”

You can learn more by going online to and visiting www.chessforsuccess.org.

In outer East Portland, Melissa Light, development and communications director at “Chess for Success”, helps officiate other players in the early March tournament.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See how this SE Portland high school’s boosters show their spirit by throwing a grand luau that raises $100 grand …

Debbie Greene checks in Clara and Paul Cook; Paul’s Cleveland High’s Principal.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The Warrior’s benefactors at Cleveland High School topped last year’s “007 License to Spend” spy-themed shindig by taking the annual fund-raiser in a laid-back, tropical direction this year.

“We’re having a Hawaiian luau,” said event chair Vikki Melrose as patrons filed into the sold-out event on March 1. “The theme of our annual auction this year is ‘Hula for Moola’. We’re raising money to help support academics, performing arts, and athletics at Cleveland.”

Over 100 volunteers associated with the school’s Parent Teacher Association volunteered hundreds of hours to produce the evening’s event, Melrose noted, along with four chairs and a formal committee of 40.

Welcoming folks into the fundraising party are two of the four event chairs and their Cleveland High School students: Darcy Wente, Natalie Wente, Michael Wente, Danielle Melrose, Vikki Melrose, and Brianna Melrose.

Relaxing for a moment in the silent auction tent are Sally Shuey, Pre-event Chair, and Kennedy Wolfe, Procurement Chair.

Supports school’s programs
“Even though it’s a public school, we don’t have enough funding,” Melrose said. “If we don’t help raise money, the school will be forced to cut programs we think are necessary and important, here at Cleveland.”

The event, held at the Oaks Park Pavilion – in a huge heated tent that more than doubled the size of banquet room – was a sell-out, with 430 guests attending.

Ann Gray, Debra Meyer, and Sho and Loen Dozono pause, while hunting for bargains at the benefit silent auction.

Cleveland boosters, like Betsy and Steve – dressed appropriately in their Hawaiian shirts – circulate around the silent auction tables, looking for treasures on which to bid.

After the silent auction, the casually-dressed group sat down to a meal of island delicacies catered by Noho’s Hawaiian Café, and enjoyed the music and hula dancing provided by Roland Espy.

Then, the action picked up, as auctioneer Chris Sheik got top dollar for vacation home rentals at the Oregon Coast, Central Oregon, and Mexico; tickets and passes to cultural events; dinners at leading restaurants; sports memorabilia; and VIP tickets to local sporting events. Between the two auctions, revelers bid on a record 500 items and packages.

Selling raffle tickets are Cleveland High Hula Gals (and students) Lauren Krueger, Liza Gray, Stephanie Welch, and Natalie Wente.

Bringing live “music and dance from the enchanted Hawaiian Isles” are Roland Espy and his dancers.

After the event, Melrose reported, “It went really well. We met our goal of netting $100,000. The chairs thanks all of our dedicated volunteers who worked to make this event a big success; and, all of our supporters who attended and bid so generously.”

In the silent auction tent, lots of moola was bid on great items and packages ranging from vacations to objects d’art.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

If you miss this musical theater retelling of “The Ugly Duckling” – you’ll miss a fun production replete with fowl puns, feathered frolics, and a purrr-fectly sinister Cat …

Dot, (Maya Houston), based on the bad information provided by Cat (Jordon Beck), a sly, cunning – and generally hungry – feral feline, helps her husband, Admiral Goose Graylag (Sam Bennett), get ready for Ugly’s search-and-rescue mission. It isn’t easy, because Graylag is a really bad navigator.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Taking a turn away from traditional musicals, the Cleveland High School Thespians are now presenting – through March 16 – a relatively new, but award-winning, show simply entitled “HONK!”.

“We thought a contemporary musical would be a nice change from the traditional musical shows we’ve been doing for the last six years,” said the show’s director, Jane Ferguson, Cleveland High’s drama instructor.

“Yes, ‘HONK!” is a cute show,” Ferguson continued, “but, more than that, this is a story about accepting people who are different from you. And, we have a very diverse population of students here at Cleveland High School.”

The central character of the story is Ugly (Michael Chafee), the ugly duckling. Although the others think he’s gawky and odd-looking, he turns out to be a good swimmer with a heart of gold.

Ida (Joellen Sweeney), Ugly’s mother, seems to be the only one who thinks her awkward, honking duckling will ever amount to anything.

About the story …
This retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Ugly Duckling” mixes in a theme of tolerance for others.

The British songwriting duo of George Stiles and Anthony Drewe aimed their book and score, originally titled “The Ugly Duckling, or the Aesthetically Challenged Farmyard Fowl”, at children and their parents. Since it first premiered in 1993, its name was changed to “HONK!” and it has won numerous awards, including the 2000 Olivier Award for Best Musical, beating “The Lion King”.

Dot (Maya Houston), wife of the Admiral Goose, gets the air squadron (actually, geese) ready for a mission to find Ugly.

“Our musical director, Sam Barbara, recently starred in this same show at the University of Portland,” noted Ferguson.

“HONK!” is set in rural England. As the story unfolds, Ugly – gawky and odd-looking as he is – finds he simply doesn’t fit into life around the duck pond.

Ida, his tearful mom, does her best to defend Ugly, while his dad Drake ‘ducks’ his fatherly responsibilities.

Along the way, Ugly meets a purrr-fectly cunning, sly – and hungry – stray Cat, who sings of the joys of “playing with food”, and wants to have Ugly over for lunch or dinner, literally.

Ugly stumbles into the house of the Farmer’s Wife while trying to escape the ridicule, and encounters into the sophisticated, domesticated Cat, as well as Queenie (Eleanor Bray), and house-frau hen, Lowbutt (Liza Cortright), who exclaims, “A feather pillow must have burst” when she sees Ugly.

Honk is a pun-filled backwoods romp that includes a wisecracking bullfrog, a snide house-hen, and other comical barnyard creatures.

Will Cat “cook Ugly’s goose”? Can Ugly survive the rejection he faces, a blizzard, and the farmer’s carving knife, and fulfill his destiny of becoming a graceful swan? And in the end, will Cat go insane, and scream “Take me to the Betty Fuur Clinic!”?

It looks like Cat, poorly disguised as Ugly’s father, finally has his paws on the duckling he wants to have over for lunch – as Duck à l’Orange, that is.

About the production
“We hope the community will enjoy this unique musical,” Ferguson said. “This show is a new, hot musical that is being presented in many schools and community theaters.”

The cast of 50 students is aided by a professional choreographer, Aerin Shannon, and a set designer from Lewis and Clark College, John Gerth.

The cast of “HONK!” draws from all grade levels at the school, Ferguson added. “It looks like we have a great group of underclassmen who will be here to continue in our future productions.”

It is love at first sight for Queenie and Cat – they dance a purrrr-fect tango of romance, causing Cat to forget his dastardly luncheon plans for Ugly. But, Ugly’s problems are far from over!

“HONK!” runs through March 15
This show opened to an enthusiastic audience on March 6, and continues on March 7 and 8 at 7:00 p.m. Or, you can catch the show next weekend, March 14 or 16; again with a 7:00 p.m. curtain time. The final showing is a special matinee performance at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 16.

Tickets are only $10 for adults and $8 for students at the door. Advance tickets available online at: www.clevelandhighmusical.com, or call Brown Paper Tickets at (800) 838-3006.

Cleveland High School is located at 3400 S.E. 26th Avenue, just north of SE Powell Boulevard.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See this moving story about families – hiding from the Nazis for two years, during World War II – up close in this special presentation in the DDHS Small Box Theater …

Sitting in the moonlight, Anne Frank (Marissa Hanson) and Peter Van Daan (Zeke Fetrow) ponder how life would be if they were “normal” teenagers, not living in hiding.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Audiences have come to associate the David Douglas High School Theater Department with great productions of larger-than-life musicals and broad comedies. But their winter show this year, “The Diary of Anne Frank”, is thought-provoking, presented in their intimate theater.

“This is the first major show we’ve done in our Small Box Theatre downstairs for ten years,” says director Judy LeCoq. “In this theater, the 74 audience members sit up-close to the actors. It’s almost like you’re right there, with the Frank family, as they hide from the Nazis in an attic during the Holocaust.”

For a few moments, the families hiding out in the attic from the Nazis are joyful when they learn of the successful Normandy invasion.  Their joy is short-lived.

About the story
“The Diary of Anne Frank” is drawn from a thirteen-year-old girl’s diary she started writing in 1942. She, her family, and four other people went into hiding in sealed-off upper rooms of her father’s office building in Amsterdam. Her father’s trusted colleagues helped them remain hidden for two years and one month – until their betrayal.

“It’s about Anne’s desire to live, beyond her situation, as a normal teenager,” says LeCoq about the story. “Anne has been recognized as a tremendous writer. And, this newly-adapted version of an award-winning play reveals the stress of confinement, awkward teenage relationships, and the tension and fear of betrayal.”

Working on a scene from the play, Judy LeCoq directs the David Douglas High School thespians.

Members of Mark Taylor’s Theater Arts class built a realistic set that focuses attention on the 12 cast members. A student crew runs the lighting and sound system and provides stage management.

“It’s not intended for a very young audience because it’s dark material,” cautions LeCoq. “It’s appropriate for young people aged nine and above; the book is required reading for most middle-school students.”

Two weeks only
David Douglas High School Thespians production of “The Diary of Anne Frank” debuts on March 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Evening shows follow on March 7 and 8, and again on March 13, 14 and 15. On March 9, the offer a 2:30 p.m. matinee performance.

The DDHS Small Box Theater is located on the lower level of the Howard Horner Performing Arts Center, 1400 SE 130th Ave., Portland, OR 97233. This theater is handicapped accessible.

Tickets are $5 for students and $7 for adults. For ticket information, call the David Douglas Box Office at (503) 261-8270.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

From the Benson Hotel, to the Hilton Hotel, and other top-drawer establishments in downtown Portland, see these David Douglas High School juniors getting a taste of working in the hospitality trade …

David Douglas High School students Jannette Young and Natalie Sutantodinata flank Rachel Huestis, Desk Manager at the Benson Hotel, as they learn to check guests into one of the city’s top lodging spots. The students look so professional, it’s hard to tell them from the manager!

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Moving from the theoretical to the realm of the practical, 62 Hospitality & Tourism section students from David Douglas High School fan out across Portland for their annual “job shadow” day.

Thanks to the efforts of the program’s coordinator, Debbie Page, these junior-class students aren’t sweeping floors at a burger joint or changing sheets at a the No-Tell Motel. Instead, they are getting a first-class introduction to the business at businesses named Benson, Hilton, Monaco, and Greek Cusina.

They feel the heat, but they’re staying in the Benson Hotel kitchen, as students Jamison Miller and Marie Thompson help Executive Chef Scott Krushner get plates ready for a 150-seat upscale luncheon banquet.

Full-day experience
As we walk among several downtown locations, instructor Debbie Page fills us in on the students’ day.

First, she tells us, the students aren’t bussed in – they’re each responsible for getting to their jobs at their assigned starting times. “It is an eye-opening day for students to see what it’s like to get up, dress according to their hosts’ requirements, and find their way their job, and be on time.”

Each student will spend four to eight hours on the job today, explains Page. “In addition to learning a specific job to which they’ve been assigned, they’ve asked specific hospitality-industry questions that they’ve researched, and write a report based on what they learned.”

Additionally, Page continues, their hosts will complete an evaluation form and give the students feedback at the end of the four- to six-hour workday.

Preparing for international service
By providing specialized training in high school, Page reveals, their students have can often enter the workforce at above entry level

“And, this is growing industry segment,” Page elaborates. “Hospitality and tourism is the fourth largest industry Oregon – and the second largest job market worldwide. Once these kids learn certain skills, they can go anywhere in the world, and get a good job.”

Thomas Feseha learns from Hilton’s assistant director of front office operations, Brad Noah. “He’ll be checking guests in and out, referring guests to meetings at various locations, and learning about what I think is the greatest department in this hotel,” says Noah.

Tucked away in the Hilton Hotel offices, James Tiet works with junior accountant, Julian Xiong, learning “how the revenues flow in and out of our business.”

Good start in the industry
Todd Schaeffer, Director of Human Resources at the Portland Hilton, says they look forward to “job shadow day” at their business.

We’ve developed a close relationship with the David Douglas Hospitality and Tourism Program,” Schaeffer says. “Five students will work in five departments here today.”

This work/school connection helps them, because some of the students in the program learn they can work at entry-level positions where they can work while they’re going to school, he adds.

Bill Tritt, Hilton’s assistant director of catering, shows Hanh Nguyen about his department. “We’re showing him what a great opportunity it is to join an industry where you can start at the bottom and work your way to the top,” says Tritt. “I’ve been in the business for 26 years – what started as a job turned into a great career.”

Ashley Ortiz learns about the Hilton’s housekeeping department from director Cyndi Matto. “In our department,” Matto tells him, “there are new challenges every day; no day is the same.”

“Others will join the industry after they get out of school,” Schaeffer adds, “and find there is a real opportunity for career growth. Not all students are college-bound. The hospitality industry gives students the opportunity to find a great career path.”

Job shadows lead to internships
Accompanying us on our downtown tour is David Douglas Career Center counselor Deb Murray.

“It’s a really good experience for our students,” says Murray.

Greg Pinetti, the front office manager at the Hotel Monaco, shows students Chris Harrel and Jordan Olsvik the finer points of checking guests into this posh downtown boutique hotel.

“Not only is it a requirement for students to participate in a junior-year job shadow,” Murray explains, “it gives them a ‘snapshot’ of what it will be like when they go out for their business internship as a senior. The job shadow requires them to dress and speak professionally, and to interact with adults.”

At the Greek Cusina

Jonathan Byers and Dusty Whipple serve Debbie Page, Hospitality Tourism teacher at David Douglas High School, and Deb Murray, Career Center, David Douglas high School.

We stop in at Portland’s famous Greek Cusina and check in with two students, already at work, preparing for the lunch rush.

“I like how a chill everyone is,” comments Jonathan Byers, one of two students working at the restaurant. “Everyone is very nice, and this place is really cool. I think I’ll like working in the hospitality industry a lot.”

Fellow student Dusty Whipple adds, “I think would be good to have a job here. We’re learning what you don’t get to see and learn in the classroom.”

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

If you could smell the great dinner these guys were cooking up, you’d read about it right now …

Proving these guys can really cook, these Parkrose SUN students, (the one furthest away from the camera was too shy to give his name) Dakota Wright, 9th grade, and Alex Heiden, 10th grade, put the finishing touches on a Chinese dinner fit for kings.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
On the Monday afternoon we visited the school not long ago, it wasn’t difficult to find the SUN School cooking class at Parkrose High School. All one had to do was “follow their nose”.

The savory scent of caramelized, sizzling onions and chicken, pea pods, and spices wafted through the first-floor hallway.

Inside a small, but well equipped modern kitchen, we were somewhat surprised to see young men – not young women – cooking up a full-course Chinese-style dinner.

SUN Schools Life Skills instructor Sarah Shumaker is dishing up a bowl of made-from-scratch egg-flower soup made by her students.

Teaching important life skills
Sarah Shumaker, a Life Skills instructor, told us she’s been holding these classes on Mondays and Wednesdays of each week.

“These classes are all about cooking and eating wholesome meals,” Shumaker explained. “These life skills are important, because sooner or later, the students will move out of their houses, and will need to cook for themselves.”

Dakota Wright, a freshman, said this was his first experience cooking. “I’d like to do more. Who knows? When I get older and get my own place – some candlelight and a nice dinner might make a nice date, you know?”

During our visit, students – and staff members – looked in through the kitchen door to see what was cooking, attesting to the delicious aroma that permeated the school’s halls.

Exploring different cuisines
“At each session,” Shumaker explained, “we cook different types of foods.  At the last session, we did African cuisine. This time, we’re preparing Chinese cuisine. In addition to helping the students learn to cook, it opens there eyes to different styles of cooking, and the cultures that created them.”

Another student, sophomore Alex Heiden, agreed that he’s learned there’s a big difference between cooking a meal from scratch and dining on frozen package dinners.

“I like cooking, but I also like eating,” confided Heiden as he dished up Citrus Chicken and pea-pods. “The favorite thing that I’ve made here so far is assuredly the shrimp we made last week.”

Heiden seemed unsurprised that no gals were in class that evening, adding, “some the greatest chefs are men.”

Jill, Alex Heiden’s mom, sits down to a dinner that her son helped prepare.

“Parents are welcome to come to the classes,” Shumaker pointed out. “It’s great when they come and are part of it.”

The instructor added that the class can host a maximum of eight students, “because it gets kind of chaotic in a small kitchen. Students learn how to work together, and work with the ingredients and the kitchen tools at hand.”

Parkrose SUN Community School hosts a wide variety of after-school classes and activities. To get involved, contact their program director, Trevor Todd, (503) 408-2640.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Find out what David Douglas High School parents and students learned about a possible case of tuberculosis they’d discovered – and what they’re doing about it …

Dr. Gary Oxman, Multnomah County Health Officer, listens to the concerns of a parent about the potential for the disease tuberculosis, at David Douglas High School.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Because the incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in the United States is at an all-time low, the infectious and once-fatal disease is seldom discussed nowadays.

But, the spectre of a TB epidemic centering on David Douglas High School appeared in January, when a student was rumored to carry the disease.

Although a letter sent to the school’s parents on February 5 indicated that a student had possibly contracted TB, it went on to say that the risk of an infectious outbreak was very low. Nevertheless, school officials also announced an informational meeting to help ease fears.

Information to combat rumors
Dr. Gary Oxman, Multnomah County Health Officer, facilitated the meeting, along with officials from Multnomah Education Service District (MESD). The Department of Health and Social Services made a presentation at the school on February 13.

“This meeting is important, said Mark Haner, Vice Principal at David Douglas High School, as he introduced Dr. Oxman, “in case a parent or student has a question about tuberculosis. It’s a disease we’re not with which familiar. When you do hear that someone in the school has tuberculosis, it’s like an ‘alarm’ goes off.”

Those exposed to TB should be tested, Dr. Oxman says, because few people come down with the active disease soon after exposure.

Tuberculosis 101
“Before antibiotics, tuberculosis was a deadly disease,” began Multnomah County’s health officer Dr. Gary Oxman, MD, MPH. “It was a feared disease, because so many people died from it.”

“The scientific name for TB is Mycobacterium Tuberculosis,” Oxman explained. “Some bacteria grow quickly. TB grows very slowly.”

He said TB is spread from person to person when someone with the disease within their lungs coughs. “The bacterium is spewed into the air as an aerosol. As the bacterium dries out, it can ‘hang’ in a room for hours. This is how most people get infected; breathing air infected with the bacterium.”

Two exposure factors: ventilation and time
Chances of exposure to the disease by inhaling TB bacterium out-of-doors are very slim, according to Oxman. “Exposure occurs in a small, poorly ventilated room.”

The other factor is length of exposure. “Family members may have hundreds of hours of exposure, in close contact, with an infected person, and not know it. Even then, they might catch it only after lengthy exposure.”

Not all infected become ill
When an individual is exposed to TB and becomes ill, they get flu-like symptoms, feel run-down, and chronically cough. “At this point, they are contagious; they can spread the disease.” Even though it takes a lot of medicine – up to four antibiotics at the start of treatment; and the cure is lengthy – six months and more – the individual can be cured,” assured Oxman.

Most people who catch the “TB germ” never develop the TB disease, the doctor added. “It can be ‘jailed’ by the body’s immune system for decades. If the body’s defenses ever weaken, the germ may cause TB disease, even decades after the exposure.”

Medication, taken daily for six to nine months, can prevent latent TB from becoming active, he added.

Whether active or latent, TB can be treated and cured by a long course of medication, says Oxman.

Tests expose TB infection
The county’s top health official went on to say that TB exposure or infection can be detected by a skin test, blood test, chest x-ray and sputum sample testing.

When a group of people are exposed to TB, Oxman said, how many people will get sick depends on the extent of the TB sufferer’s illness, the environment of the exposure space, the closeness of others to the infected person, and length of exposure.

“For example, one case study showed that 135 people had moderate exposure to an infected person. Tests showed that 130 of them were not infected. Five were infected, and had the latent – not active – disease.”

Tuberculosis at David Douglas High
Turning to the situation at David Douglas High School, Oxman said that a student was referred to the county health department because they tested positive for TB and had an abnormal chest x-ray. “A Health Department doctor diagnosed the student with TB.

Oxman lays out the situation with the TB-infected student discovered at David Douglas High School.

Risk of spreading
“The student was not ill; not coughing,” stated Oxman. “Lab tests and x-rays on student showed no signs of concerning for spread of TB. They found no germs in the student’s phlegm. Again, the x-ray was not particularly concerning.”

The student began treatment for TB, Oxman continued. “The student has received enough medication to stop potential for spread of TB. The medications typically cause the patient to lose 90% of TB germs in a week; about 98% of germs are killed in a couple of weeks.”

While the County Health Department cleared the student to return to school, the patient will continue to be tested.

Oxman said that students who had closest contact with the student infected with TB have also been tested. “Conclusive results take up to six weeks. If other students are found to be newly-infected, the Health Department might change its recommendations.”

The risk of an outbreak, beyond the single infected student, is slim, Oxman said. “But, we can’t ever say the risk is zero.”

Student not concerned
After the program, we spoke with DDHS student Grace Mustain, at the meeting to report on matter for the school’s newspaper, The HIGHLANDER.

“I think the presentation went pretty well,” Mustain reported. “But there weren’t very many people here; it looks like few people are worried. I feel very comfortable [about the situation]. Knowing what to look out for, and how it can happen, makes me feel okay.”

On the way out, vice principal Haner commented, “If there was a chance that this is a disease that would be spread in our school, I know the health department would be here in no time, taking immediate steps to protect our staff and students. We care, just like our health Department cares, about all of our students.”

Resources
To contact the Multnomah County Health Department TB program, call (503) 988-3417. If you have health-related questions, contact Dr. Gary Oxman at 503-988-3663, ext. 22640.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Whether they’re interested in architecture, construction, or engineering – see why this new charter school is attracting the interest of students across East Multnomah County …

Prospective ACE Academy students take a look around one of the facilities that will participate in the new school’s program.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
There hasn’t been a new charter school established in Multnomah County for quite some time. But the ACE Academy has been attracting the interest of high-school age students, even though it won’t open until autumn, 2008.

Parents and students are getting a sneak-peak at one of the training facilities that will be used, and learn about the program, at a series of “information nights” run by the new school’s staff.

Michael Taylor tells why the ACE Academy “model of education” is great for students considering going into architecture, construction, and engineering careers.

“They’re getting to experience an overview of our program,” stated one of the school’s directors, Michael Taylor. “They’re looking at what they’re going to learn and how the topics will be taught. In our case, both of these models are unique. And, they hear about the advantages of going to school with us, as opposed to a more traditional school.”

Also present at the open houses are industry partners. On the night we visited, an architect and a contractor told why they love their professions – and answered questions.

Father and son, Foster and Caleb Thompson, tour a construction training facility after learning about the ACE Academy program.

Wants an early start
After the formal presentation, we spoke with Parkrose High School sophomore, Caleb Thompson. “I’m thinking about this for next year. I want to come here, because I like instruction. I work with my dad in construction all the time. It’ll be a good thing to start learning early.”

His father, Foster Thompson, said he liked the ACE Academy concept. “I think it’s an excellent idea that students spend some time in the trade and the rest of their time in their high school environment. If they learn a trade, from the ground up, while in high school, it would give them a boost getting a job later.”

At an ACE Academy information night, contractor Eric Jackson of Charter Construction, answers questions about the construction trade.

Two more nights next week
On February 11 and 14, ACE Academy is holding two more information nights for prospective students.

Parents and high school age students in East Multnomah County will discover how this school will help students excel in the fields of architecture, construction and engineering.

These open houses run from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. 4222 NE 158th Ave., Portland, OR 97230. Call Michael Taylor at (503) 546-9928 for more information.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

Check out the energy at this event, where the only “rumble” were the bass notes blasting out of loudspeakers, as dancers acrobatically swiveled, spun and did handstands …

Break-dancers from miles around show their moves in this unique dance contest they call a “battle”.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The name of the event itself, “Arcane Arts 2: The Apocalypse“, sounds like an invitation to a gang fight. But this “battle”, as participants call it, is actually a rather civilized dance contest.

“We held our first event if the kind last year,” says a Portland Parks & Recreation employee Trevor Todd, manager of the Parkrose SUN Community School. “Over 400 showed up, and it became an ‘instant’ annual event. This year we’ve got a crowd of nearly 600.”

Nearly 600 break-dance affictionados enjoy the heavy beat and light-on-the-feet moves of the battling dancers.

In “break-dance battle” competition, we learn, competing teams, or “crews”, of five members each take turns demonstrating their acrobatic hip-hop dance steps that include handstands, cartwheels, spins, and squat-steps reminiscent of traditional Russian dancing.

“They’re battling for a $500 grand prize,” Todd says. “We’ve got local break-dance and music celebrities judging the crews’ performances. DJ Sugarman, DJ from Arizona, is mixing the music.”

Parkrose joins the dance battle circuit
For some time, other battles have been hosted at colleges, such as Portland State University and Reed College, Todd tells us. “We’re becoming a break-dancing hub out here.”

In addition to checking out the newest and most creative dance steps, people who attend this event also consider it a social venue, Todd explains. “They wouldn’t call it ‘networking’, but that’s what it is for them. They get to see what moves the other teams have put together.”

The dancers put their heart, soul, and all of their bodies into their performances, Todd continues. “They definitely they blow off some steam in the process; they call it a ‘battle’ for good reason.”

MC Robert Moore, credited with bringing the dance competition to Parkrose, announces the next crews up to “battle”.

Crediting the Parkrose SUN Community School instructor – and tonight’s Master of Ceremonies – Robert Moore with creating this event at Parkrose High, Todd explains, “He’s brought everything together for this battle, from getting the judges, to the DJ, to printing and distributing the fliers.”

Under Moore’s tutelage, between 30 and 50 of kids and young adults gather at Parkrose High to practice their steps – and learn new ones – three times each week. “The sessions draw from not only Parkrose, but also David Douglas, Centennial, Reynolds, Madison and Benson High Schools,” reports Todd.

One of Skoolie B’s “Mini Bs” – a seven-year-old from his class at Mt. Scott Community Center – impresses the crowd.

Mini-Bees bust a move
This enthusiastic crowd of hip-hop dance aficionados loudly laud dance moves that can only be described as acrobatic – they twist, turn, and jump as the dancers each take their turn.

But the crowd doesn’t reserve cheers for only a few participants. When the 6- and 7-year olds from the class at Mt. Scott Community Center led by “Skoolie B” take the floor, they shout their approval for the youngsters’ dance antics.

Instead of hogging the spotlight, Skoolie B leads off with a couple of steps, and lets his “Mini-Bs” take over.

Skoolie B, also known as Marko Bome, says he’s happy to see his Mini Bs so well received. “We’re from inner SE Portland, you know, Brooklyn and Richmond and those neighborhoods. I have about 30 kids that come to the class. They work hard; they deserve to show their stuff here.”

While enthusiastic about the music and dance, the crowd at the “Arcane Arts 2: The Apocalypse” battle is mellow.

Says dance keeps one grounded
A graduate of Cleveland High School, Bome says, of the art form: “It’s true freedom of expression. It keeps you grounded, keeps your body up, and makes you feel good about yourself. And, it keeps you out of trouble.”

Looking over the crowd, gathered around center court at the Parkrose High gym, Bome adds, “Look at all these people here, there are no problems; everyone’s having a great time.”

Even if you can’t dance a step, Natalie Caminiti and Gina Richardson can help you look cool with one of these limited-edition T-Shirts they’re selling.

The winner is …
The “Massive Knuckle Force” crew won the team prize. We’re told they are a “super-group” recently formed from members of Massive Monkees (Seattle, 2004 World B-Boy Champions) and Knucklehead Zoo (Las Vegas) and other crews. They beat “The Freshest Kids” in the finals.

“Kareem”, a member of Massive Knuckle Force, won the individual prize.

If you are interested in getting involved, contact Trevor Todd, Parkrose SUN Community School, at (503) 408-2640.

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

EXN Exclusive! While still sturdy, this outer East Portland’s gymnasium floor was pitted, scarred, and warped. Find who paid to have the indoor sports flooring completely resurfaced … and why …

Portland Trail Blazers mascot Blaze clowns and whoops up the students and staff at Marshall Campus, as the new gym floor dedication begins.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Until this season, the caustic epithet “Jail Blazers” seemed appropriate for the professional basketball team whose members, for many years, could neither win games – nor stay out of trouble with the law.

But, capitalizing on their winning streak, the Portland Trail Blazers are building on their new winning ways outside the Rose Garden, with a community-service effort they call “Make it Better”.

Outer East Portland school benefits
On January 28, we’re attending a special rally at the 900-student Marshall Campus (formerly known as Marshall High School) on SE 91st Avenue, just east of Eastport Plaza.

“We are dedicating a newly-refinished gym floor,” beams Tom Hewitt, a teacher at Marshall High School attached to “BizTech Academy”. “It’s good to make a big difference for our kids and the community.”

The previous floor was warped, ugly-looking, and not very bright, says Hewitt. “Now this new floor surface has revived the kids both in PE classes and athletics.  It’s always been a good, springy floor.  They’ve just taken the floor down to the bare wood and refinished it. This is very cool.”

Asked what the Blazers have to do with it, Hewitt responds, “The Blazers had everything to do with it.  They paid every penny to have the floor be refinished.”

Marshall Campus staff member and students sit on the newly-refinished gym floor is a symbol of the how businesses can help public schools provide a better education, Blazers officials say.

Calls project a ‘no-brainer’
“For us this project is kind of a no-brainer,” says Traci Rose, VP of Community Relations for the Portland Trail Blazers. “We’re involved in basketball, the school plays basketball – so we went ahead and refinished this floor for them.

“Just why is the Blazers organization doing this?” we ask.

“It’s true, the Portland Trail Blazers don’t play on this floor. But the kids who do play on this floor – they’re the next generation of our sports fans, and maybe athletes.”

More importantly, Rose adds, their organization is trying to encourage other, larger corporations and individuals to contribute to upgrading sports facilities at other high schools in Portland. “There is a lot of work that needs to be done to help bring these sports facilities up to par. If there is private funding, school district can concentrate its spending on programs to help improve academics.”

Blazers’ Tom Fletcher extols students to follow their lead and “make it better” in their communities.

Dedication a lively event
With the team’s mascot, Blaze, running into the bleachers and pumping up the crowd, the Trailblazers’ dedication ceremony looked more like a pep rally.

Starting the formal part of the program, Tom Fletcher, Community Relations for the Blazers, tells the students, “It is the goal of the Trail Blazers to excel on the [playing] floor. But also we want to do our best for our community, off the floor. This has always been a commitment in our organization through the years.  But it’s even more of a commitment now.

“And, I encourage you to make a difference. And the best way to ‘make a difference’ is to ‘do good when nobody is looking’. Do something in your neighborhood to make something better there.  If you do that, I guarantee the benefit will come back to you threefold.”

On had were former Portland Trail Blazers star players.

Presidential proclamation
The new Portland Trail Blazer’s president, Larry Miller, takes up the theme as he explains, “Being part of the community, it is important for the Blazers organization to give back any way we can. A few months back, we started this project, putting new basketball courts in Portland high schools. Were doing here today, dedicating this new floor, as part of our ‘Make it Better’ in Portland Public Schools.”

Stars, students and games
Tom Gilmore, Marshall Student, responds, “We’re really proud of our school. We’re presenting to a basketball that has been signed by all of our schools players.”

Past Blazer stars in attendance are introduced, the Blazers’ Cheer Leaders perform, and some of the students are chosen to participate in a “spin around and shoot a basket” game for prizes.

In all, this is a great day for a school, struggling to meet the needs of a lower income, diverse neighborhood.

On the way out, however, a staff member comments, “Now, if they could only find some money to fix the gym roof. It leaks in five places. I’d hate to see the floor ruined before summer.”

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service

See some little kids doing something good
for their Parkrose neighborhood!

Luis and Jorge Sota help plant flower bulbs with Alayna and Shana MacBean.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Some kids never have the opportunity of learning the joy of helping others. Not so with many of the children from Prescott Elementary School in Parkrose.

“We’re all out here planting bulbs to help celebrate our new park,” explained project organizer, Jim MacBean, co-chair of the Prescott Elementary School PTA. “We’re trying to get a bunch of bulbs out now – we’ll all enjoy them in the springtime.”

Lots of little hands make the work go quickly. And, who doesn’t like playing in the dirt?

MacBean, who is also the chair of the school district’s Family Engagement Team, added that co-sponsors for the event included the Parkrose Neighborhood Association and Friends of Senn’s Dairy Park.

“It’s important for kids to be involved in their community,” added MacBean. “A lot of parents don’t have their kids be involved. When they learn to volunteer at a young age, they’ll grow up to be better community members as adults.”

© 2008 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News Service