Parkrose High sponsors second ‘Soup-R-Bowl’

Find out why, for the second year in a row, students made 150 ceramic bowls – and filled them with savory soup – to supporters of this unique event …

Allison Newman-Woods, Brianna Newman and Dr. James Woods, a Parkrose School District board member, all enjoy a “soup-r” afternoon in the high school’s atrium.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton
The day before the NFL’s Super Bowl^® students at Parkrose High School held their second annual “Soup-R-Bowl” on February 5, featuring Harry’s Deli soup in a brand new, unique bowl specially made by a Parkrose High Ceramics Class student.

> To read our story about about their inaugural event: CLICK HERE.

Mark Warner, a Parkrose High art teacher again organized the event.

“My mentoring teacher, who has since passed away, held these events to raise money for Habitat for Humanity in Madison, Wisconsin; I’m keeping the tradition alive here.

Instead of merely completing an art assignment – making ceramic food bowls – merely to earn a grade, students get a sense of purpose by participating in the event, Warner said.

This year twenty students crafted 150 soup bowls for the event. “We made quite a few last year; we have about 700 in stock right now,” Warner noted.

Parkrose High sophomore, Austin Sario, shows off the first bowl he ever made – and is donating to the event.

This year’s champion bowl-potter was Austin Sario, we learned. “I did make about 30 bowls. I like ceramics class because Mr. Warner is a really cool teacher. He really relates to his students, this helps out a lot. And, it’s just fun – I like doing hands-on work.”

About seeing folks chose one of his bowls at the event, Sario said, “It makes me feel really good knowing that all of our work, is getting to support a good cause, right here in Portland.”

Parkrose High students Lexus Martin and Abreea Harris stand ready to ladle out hot soup to event patrons.

11:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., students and families supped on soup and bread. While the turnout wasn’t as large as Warner had hoped for, he said they expected to raise about $1,500 to support Portland East Habitat for Humanity.

Warner said they’re already planning for their third edition next year. “Our students like it, it’s fun, and it’s for a good cause.” If you couldn’t make to their event, you still can buy hand-crafted bowls and support fundraising effort. Contact Warner at mark_warner@parkrose.k12.or.us.

To find out about fun, community-oriented, family-friendly events, many of them free, check our Community Calendar: CLICK HERE to open the page. We update it daily!

Soup is better from a bowl, hand-made for a good cause, says 2011 “Soup-R-Bowl” patron, Steven Massoth.

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