Mainly clear. Areas of smoke and haze are possible, reducing visibility at times. Low 59F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph..
Mainly clear. Areas of smoke and haze are possible, reducing visibility at times. Low 59F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
Updated: July 31, 2026 @ 10:35 pm
Blayne Ellis, a senior in the South Wasco County CTE manufacturing program, took the lead on the playhouse from start to finish, helping build the next wave of students within his program as he transitions out of high school. Contributed photo
THE GORGE — Columbia Gorge CASA’s 2026 raffle features a playhouse built by students in the Career & Technical Education (CTE) program at South Wasco County High School. Proceeds from the raffle support Columbia Gorge CASA’s advocacy for abused and neglected children.
Jorma Henson, CTE educator at South Wasco County High School, wanted to participate in the project because he had a CASA volunteer as a child and has known many children who also benefited from CASA’s advocacy.
“Projects like these, when they come along, are great learning opportunities for students on multiple levels. The most obvious level is the actual design and construction. We built the playhouse as if it was a small house. Students learned framing, roofing, siding, painting, and finish carpentry,” said Henson. “The students who worked on this project were able to develop a sense of pride while they were building, and especially after the final construction was complete. Building students’ self-worth is a vital part of being an educator.”
The playhouse was created through a collaborative effort across multiple student programs. The project began with the school’s CAD class, where students designed several prototypes and created 3D-printed models of possible playhouse concepts. Construction students then completed the build, while maker space students added finishing details and painted the structure. In total, 14 students contributed to the creation of the playhouse.
“The students exceeded our expectations,” said Columbia Gorge CASA Executive Director Christopher Janetzko. “Their talent, craftsmanship, and dedication are evident in every detail of this playhouse. We are incredibly grateful for the time and effort they invested in this project.”
Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased at gorgecasa.org. The raffle will end on Sept. 21, and the winner will be announced on Oct. 3 at Columbia Gorge CASA’s annual run/walk.
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