Glenwood News: good news, updates for end of school year

Not just his parents and sisters are proud of his achievements; we here in his home town are also very proud, although not surprised. It’s been great to watch Liam approach school, baseball, and life with such drive and determination.  Congratulations, Liam.

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And our Glenwood High School graduation and eighth grade promotion last Saturday left all of us in attendance proud and in awe of our lone senior, Giana Jackson, and lone eighth grader, Adeline (Della) Fujita. Many people discount our tiny school as inadequate when it comes to providing top level education. Those two girls proved all the doubters wrong. 

Giana decided as a freshman that she would like to attend the University of Washington. Mrs. McLaughlin, our school counselor, told her getting into UW was very difficult and a very small percentage of those who apply are accepted. Bridget advised Giana that she was going not only going to have to work hard and take advanced courses, but excel while doing so. 

Our amazing Glenwood teaching staff wholeheartedly supported her, helping and encouraging her in many high-level classes, including math, sciences, English, history, and more, even if it meant devoting some of their prep and free time to teach and guide Giana in those classes. Former Glenwood teacher Abbie Eldred, now on the staff at Klickitat High School, came to the Glenwood school after hours to work with Giana in an advanced calculus class.

The result of all the combined effort and the hard work Giana put in resulted in an amazing outcome. Not only was Giana accepted into nine other highly respected universities, many with great scholarship offers, she achieved her goal with an acceptance to the University of Washington.  Because of the outstanding work she did to prepare for college, Giana received $65,0000 in scholarships, $61,000 of which is renewable every year for four years, for a total value of $248,000 over four years.

We all are proud beyond words at Giana’s achievement but also of our great teaching staff and counselor who jumped in to provide her with the courses she needed to achieve her goal.

While Giana worked hard to achieve her academic goals, she participated in and had a great track season, qualifying for the state track meet where she made the podium by placing sixth in the long jump. It’s an amazing achievement and I look forward to following her journey at UW. Giana Jackson, you brought huge pride to our tiny school and our community.

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Della seems to be following in Giana’s path. She is a very high achiever and needed more challenges than her regular eighth grade classes provided. Our Glenwood staff and counselor once again to provide high school classes in which Della excelled. I hope I’m correct in reporting that she was able to take and excel in freshman and sophomore level classes in three different subjects, putting her well on her way to high achievement in her years ahead in Glenwood High School.

So, to any doubters as to the level of quality education our Glenwood students can receive, I’d tell them, at Glenwood, if the student is willing to advance and excel, the staff is willing to be there in support all the way on the journey. 

I know this news seems to be mostly about Glenwood school, but when it’s such great news it should be of interest to all who read the Glenwood news.

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Our new principal, Bev Scott, will begin work here at our school on July 1. I know she and Dr. Jerry Lewis have some great ideas for opportunities for our students, so watch for more great school news as the summer progresses.

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The last day of school was June 9.  Please use extra caution as more kids are around riding bikes and walking in the downtown area.  Have a great summer, everyone.

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Mary Pierce writes about the community of Glenwood every other week in Columbia Gorge News. Please send any news items to gmpierce09@gmail.com.