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

Tickets:
$8  Adults; $5  HS/MS Students and
$3  Children 12 and under / Seniors 65+ 

© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News