The final concert of the year showed off the talents of four Parkrose High choirs. But see how it looked when all four choirs were joined by graduates from past years!
Take the Parkrose High Concert Choir, add the Treble Choir, the Debonaires, and A-Choir ‚Äì then ask choir program graduates from past years to join in on stage ‚Äì and you’ve got one mighty choir singing “River in Judea”!
Story and photo David F. Ashton
Parents, students and community members were treated to a 19-song concert at the Parkrose High School Theater.
Choir Director Lesley Ann Bossart (above) conducted the school’s four choirs as they sung tunes ranging from spirituals to classical music at the on June 6.
Near the end of the program, emotions ran high, as the school bade the departing seniors farewell.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
Why are a bus-load of kids from the Powellhurst-Gilbert Neighborhood taking over the streets of the Hollywood district? Tune in to this fun article …
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Unlike many years when it has nearly been flooded out, the June 7th Portland Rose Festival Fred Meyer Junior Parade was met in 2006 by balmy spring weather. The sunshine brought out thousands of people to watch this, the largest children’s parade in the nation.
Many kids are decked out in colorful costumes as they ride floats, bikes, unicycles – and almost anything else that rolls and can be pulled along the 17-block route.
But, what really makes this a great parade are the marching musicians. This year, Ron Russell Middle School was well-represented by its Dance Team and Marching Band. The crowed enjoyed seeing these youths as they danced and played down the parade route.
Hopefully, we’ll see this great band in next year’s parade!
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
See what happened when Parkrose High School students put on their first-ever outdoor performances …
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The final performances for the Thespians of Parkrose High School offered a triple-show production the first days of June – outdoors!
Two evening shows and one afternoon performance attracted hundreds of community members, parents, and friends, who appeared to be thoroughly entertained.
Play Days of the Imagination – Just A Reminder
The Advanced Theater Class students wrote and produced this program. They shared their imaginative presentation with Prescott and Shaver Elementary schoolchildren.
Dog Lady
The Advanced Class produced and group-directed this piece, performed at the MHC One Act Festival. They also went on to present it at the State Acting Competition in Salem.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
A unique adaptation of William Shakespeare’s play ‚Äì complete with love stories, battles against Amazons, trouble-making fairies, and so much more!
Next year, watch for the musical comedy, “Bye Bye Birdie”, the comedy farce “Arsenic & Old Lace”, and Shakespeare’s romantic drama, “Romeo & Juliet”.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
Don’t miss it! See great plays presented by the
Parkrose High School Thespians June 1-3 …
While this isn’t, exactly, a scene you’ll see Parkrose High School’s production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Parkrose Thespians Brian Fitzgerald, Stephanie Levine, Madison Cook and Tyree Harris put fresh energy into this classic play on June 1-3.
Story and Photo by David F. Ashton
Three! Three! Three plays in one show! Theater instructor Ms. Zena let us see a sneak preview, and you’ll want to at Parkrose High School to catch the theater department’s last performance of the year.
The first show is a children’s show called “Play Dates of Imagination – Just a Reminder”. This presentation was created by the Advanced Theatre Class and was performed at two Parkrose Elementary Schools during April.
Then, you’ll see a one-act play called “Dog Lady”,by Milcha Sanchez Scott. This is a comedy about two sisters – one who is trying to reach for the stars, the other who is still trying to figure out exactly what to reach for.
The final half of the program will be William Shakespeare’s classic, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. Enjoy a romantic comedy about mixed up love and the people who get stuck in it ‚Äì and ‚Äì those who just make more a mess of the situation.
Shows in the great outdoors – weather permitting
All performances will be held in the courtyard at Parkrose High School. You are encouraged to bring your picnic dinner, lawn chairs, blankets, and or pillows to enjoy while watching the show. In case of inclement weather (this is springtime in Oregon), performances will be held indoors.
Three Parkrose Plays
June 1 & 2 at 6:30 p.m.
June 3 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $5 per person
Parkrose High School
12003 NE Shaver Street
Information: (503) 408-2621
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
See how your return-deposit bottles and cans and help the Parkrose ‘Can Clan’ help kids in outer East Portland ‚Ķ
On May 6, we found these young men were hard at work with the Parkrose Boosters. Why? As Jeffrey Simon told us, “to help raise money for our football program next year.”
Story and Photo by David F. Ashton
It’s easy to pitch or ditch your return-deposit cans. But, here’s a better idea! Save them, and take them to the Parkrose Middle School on NE Shaver (just west of NE 122nd Ave.), on the first Saturday of every month!
The Parkrose Bronco Boosters operate this can drive all year long, to raise money for the activities like the Senior All Night Party. Some of the money also goes to scholarships, we’re told.
Have a big pile of cans? Contact the Boosters through Parkrose High School ‚Äì they’ll arrange to come pick them up!
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News Click Here to read more East Portland News
See why the “third time’s a charm” for this event that raises money to “fill in the funding gaps” in the school district’s funding ‚Ķ
Checking into the event is Michael Taylor, Superintendent, Parkrose School District.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Looking ahead to the time when money from the Multnomah County I-Tax would dry up, the Parkrose Educational Foundation had an idea two years ago: Create an event that would generate money to support programs of the school district.
To “try out” the concept, the first two events ‚Äì an auction and dinner ‚Äì were held at Parkrose High.
But this year’s event, held on May 13, was definitely an upscale shindig; it was held at the Holiday Inn at the Portland Airport, and it included a full dinner ‚Äì from salad to desserts ‚Äì and a silent and live auction.
Allison Newman-Woods, the chair of the event, told us 150 people attended, and snapped up 140 donated items during the event.
Third time a charm
“The need to augment funds to ‘fill in the holes’ is the mission of the foundation,” John Dipasquale, president of Parkrose Educational Foundation, told us at the event. “It looks like people are having a good time. It’s important they tell their friends about the good time they had and will bring them next year. We hope to raise $10,000.”
About 150 people came to enjoy the third Auction and Dinner benefiting the Parkrose Educational Foundation.
When the counting was done, the school district’s Mary Larson told us, “The third time was a charm; we raised nearly $22,000.”
Russell Academy’s Principal Rose, signaling he’s about to raise another silent auction bid.
Newman-Woods told us just before publication, “We grossed over $35,000 and netted $21,575.84. The funds earned at the auction will allow the Foundation to offer $10,000 in grants to the schools in the Parkrose School District.”
Speaking on behalf of the Special Appeal to benefit the Gateway Project, a student participant, Crystal Belcher, tells how this special program has helped her stay in school and consider further education.
Special Appeal: The Gateway Project
Last year, Dipasquale said, their “special appeal” brought in $4,000, which was used to repair well-used musical instruments at Parkrose Middle School. “It restored their band program. This year, the appeal will be for our ‘Promising Futures’ program at the Gateway Project.”
Bob Grovenberg told us about Promising Futures, saying, “We’re trying to raise enough money to hire a part-time person who will work with kids in our Gateway Project. This program supports homeless students. We focus on high school juniors and seniors, moving toward continuing their education.”
By the time they get to be juniors and seniors, Grovenberg explained, homeless kids stop thinking about continuing their education. “Thus, they go to work in minimum-wage jobs. They are pretty much stuck at that level when their support goes away.”
He went on, telling how most kids in the Gateway Project come from families in which their parents are undereducated and under-skilled. “Our focus is on these kids, helping them keep looking down the road so they can have a different ‚Äì and better ‚Äì life than their family has.”
To help the attendees get a better understanding of the Gateway Project, a participant, Crystal Belcher, told the group, “I’ve been in and out of school. And, I was kicked out. I’ve moved 16 times since the middle of September. At this time, I’m homeless. I work in the morning and take school in the afternoon.”
Belcher told how the Gateway Project helps students get basic needs like toiletries and school clothes. “They help us with drug and alcohol treatment at school. In the future, I look forward to having a regular home. It means a lot to me. Without the program, I wouldn’t be going to school; my future wouldn’t look very good at all.”
Ready to make another bid!
In all, $10,025 was raised for this special project.
You can help
Want to learn more about the good work done by the foundation? Contact them at (503) 408-2108 or see www.parkroseedfdn.org for more details.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
High fashion in the ‘burbs? Read (and see photos) that explain why 27 young ladies dressed up in Roaring-20’s fashions ‚Äì and, why hundreds came to see them ‚Ķ
Posing in garments they created, 27 models (and students) in David Douglas High School’s Interior and Fashion Design department gather for a group photo after their first-ever fashion show and design display.
Photos and story by David F. Ashton
In high school, if you aren’t in team sports, theater or music, there is a good chance no one may ever see your accomplishments.
Trisha Fisher, Interior and Fashion Design teacher at David Douglas High School, decided her students deserved their moment in the spotlight.
The department’s first-ever fashion show and design display, they called “All Dolled Up” got underway on March 27 in the David Douglas High School South Cafeteria.
The room was transformed into a Roaring-20’s “speak-easy” ‚Äì but served age-appropriate beverages, of course.
“This is a fashion show put on by students in the Interior and Fashion Design program at David Douglas High School put together,” is what DDHS junior Lindsey Robretht told us. “It was inspired by fashions of the 1920s. The students voted on several ideas and chose this one.”
She said that each of the 27 models who participated either manufactured or tailored the garments they wore. “The best thing was working hard and seeing this come together. We all put in a lot of hours after school Ms. Fisher practically lived here helping us put program on.”
Jennifer Oliver, DDHS senior, and Lindsey Robretht, DDHS junior served as Mistresses of Ceremonies for the event. Here, they are presenting their instructor, Trisha Fisher with their gratitude and a beautiful bouquet.
Trisha Fisher, Interior and Fashion Design teacher at DDHS told us why she thought this event was important. “It gives them a chance to have a taste of the professional world. And, it helps them explore options for their careers in the future.”
Also on display were exhibits of interior designs. The students offered displays showing how furniture, materials and colors could blend in various themed rooms.
In addition to the fashion show, students exhibited their interior design portfolios at the event.
“This is the culmination of a lot of hard work by a lot of kids who, typically, don’t get recognized,” said DDHS principal, Randy Hutchinson. “It was put together through diligence on the students and their teachers.”
While this was the first time in the history of the school this kind of event was held, Hutchinson said, it was very well attended. “Perhaps some of the students were concerned about whether or not it would come off well. But, as you can see, the evening was a success. I’m very pleased and proud of what they have achieved. It was remarkable to see a full house. All around, this was a great success.”
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News Click Here to read more East Portland News
See what happens when two David Douglas High School seniors take charge of a project that brings out hundreds of kids to learn about the environment on Earth Day …
DDHS Seniors Sarah Wolff and Amanda Kraus organized this Earth Day educational outing for the district’s fourth-graders on April 21.
Story & Photos by David F. Ashton
Learning about bugs, weather, plants, and electric cars, 800 fourth-grade kids swirled, in orderly groups, around Lincoln Park, on SE Mill St., as they visited Earth Day learning stations.
The afternoon-long event on April 21 was planned and coordinated by David Douglas High School Seniors Sarah Wolff and Amanda Kraus. The students, from the Natural Resources CAM, took on this event as their Senior Venture Project.
“We’ve helped out in past years, as part of our classes,” said Kraus. “It seemed like a better Senior Project than just writing a paper.”
The two students said it was a lot of work to call the companies who presented the exhibits — like the electric and hybrid cars, and donated tents for use during the event.
“We also arranged for the student and adult volunteers to help out, work the stations and lead the kids,” Wolff told us. “We also go the David Douglas Soccer Club and Track students involved, setting up tents and helping out.”
Enjoying the fruits of their labors ‚Äì pizza from Bill Dayton’s Pizza Baron ‚Äì DDHS Seniors Michael Wafford and Michael John said helping out with the Earth Day project was a fun way to earn school credits.
The importance of Earth Day
Asked why this annual observance is important, Wolff explained, “Children here come from diverse backgrounds. With an Earth Day program, we can help give them learn why protecting the environment is valuable. Personally, doing this is significant to me because I’m interested in preserving the environment, and I like being around kids.”
Helping the students were CAM teachers Katey Meza and Heather DeSanto.
As each school came to visit, the young students were treated to storytelling by Margaret “Lorax” Eng. Booths and presentations from the MESD Outdoor School, Johnson Creek Watershed Council, Oregon Green Schools, METRO, PGE, and others were part of the celebration.
As she headed into the park to check on a group’s progress, Kraus added, “I’ve always been involved in camps, and how to take care of the environment. It feels good to pass on this knowledge to the kids.”
Judging from the smiles and looks of wonder on the faces on the fourth-graders, the day was both fun and educational for them.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
Can’t sit still during an entire, long, drawn-out play? With one-act plays, the evening really moves along! Check out this festival of short plays, directed by David Douglas High seniors and acted by the school’s Thespian troop, on May 3 through 6 ‚Ķ
What’s up here? These students didn’t go nuts ‚Äì they’re working out their parts for their play, “A MAD CLASSIC”, written and directed by David Douglas students Mia Allen & Bryan Oliver. You can see it on stage on May 4 or 6. David F. Ashton photo
By David F. Ashton
While taking photographs of students rehearsing, we ask about the topic of the one-act play, called “A MAD CLASSIC”, that takes stage on May 4 and 6 at David Douglas High School’s Horner Performing Arts Theater. “Picture this,” says the play’s co-author and co-director, Bryan Allen, “Dick Tracy meets Tom & Jerry.” His partner, Mia Allen adds, “It is completely done in pantomime, there are no lines it in. The action carries the story.”
This is just one of eight short plays presented by the David Douglas High School Theatre Arts over two evenings, directed by the talented seniors, on May 3, 4, 5, and 6. Each play will be performed twice, on alternating nights. The plays range from comedies, dramas, romance plays, murder mysteries and a pantomime.
Wednesday, May 3, and Friday, May 5
THE SANDBOX by Edward Albee, Directed by Brystan Strong, Music by Christopher Uehlein, Technical Direction by Adara Elliott, Matthew Dwyer.
DINNER WITH THE MACGUFFINS by Chris Sheppard & Jeff Grove, Directed by Jason Hiller & Lorena Pelayo, Technical Direction by David Tangen.
THE PATIENT by Agatha Christie, Directed by Jennifer Elliott, Technically Directed by: PJ Burks.
THE TWO HALVES OF ANDREW’S BRAIN by Alex Miceli, Directed by Caitlin Loughran & Amanda Naylor, Technical Direction by Matt Stevens.
Thursday, May 4 and Saturday, May 6
NO VACANCY written and directed by Theo Wilder, Technical Director, Brian Wagner.
SURE THING by David Ives, Directed by Jason McAnally, Technical Direction by Chris Beck.
PLEASE, NO FLOWERS by Joel Ensana, Directed by Natalie Raymond, Technical Direction by: Mandy Petrie
A MAD CLASSIC written and directed by Mia Allen & Bryan Oliver, Music composed by Mia Allen & Jeff Baumann, Technical Direction by Ryan Montgomery
Tickets are only $5 per night, but you may purchase tickets for both nights at the same time for only $6! That’s less than a dollar per play! Curtain time for all performances is 7:30 PM. Tickets will be available at the box office only on the dates of performance (no pre-sales or reservations).
If you have any questions about the One-Act Play Festival please call the David Douglas Box Office at (503) 261-8270.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
The Pirates of Penzance at Parkrose High School is great! This is the last weekend to see the show and find out why we awarded ith with the PDX News HOT TICKET!
  
Jonathan Wheatfall and Margaret Drew perform delightfully as the lead actors in this production of “The Pirates of Penzance”. David F. Ashton photo
 
 
These “kops” provide moments of hilarious physical comedy in “The Pirates of Penzance” ‚Äì the show runs through April 29 at the Parkrose High Theater. ¬†David F. Ashton photo
 
 
What more could one ask for in a theatrical experience? You’ll find enjoy music, comedy, romance and great fun in this production of “The Pirates of Penzance”. David F. Ashton photo
 By David F. Ashton
Put it on your calendar: Make a date to see Gilbert & Sullivan’s “The Pirates of Penzance”, presented by the Parkrose High School Thespians.
 Swirling dance numbers, touching songs and duets, goofy comedy moments and live music, under the direction of Lesley Bossert, make this show a delightful evening out.
¬†And, here’s a bonus: You don’t have to go downtown; parking is free ‚Äì and you will support students in the arts in Parkrose.
“The Pirates of Penzance”
at Parkrose High School Theater
12003 NE Shaver St
7:00 p.m. performances are on
April  27, 28, 29
Tickets:
$8  Adults; $5  HS/MS Students and
$3  Children 12 and under / Seniors 65+ 
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
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