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About Vernonia's voice. (Vernonia, OR) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (June 14, 2011)
16 schools june14 2011 Campaign for Vernonia Schools Moving Forward The fundraising campaign that is raising money to build the new Ver- nonia K-12 School Campus is moving forward and can point to several recent interesting success stories of funders who have stepped forward. “The Vernonia School District and Catalyst Campaign have developed a robust multiyear campaign to raise funds through a combination of public and private sources,” said John Dono- van, of the Met Group, who are organiz- ing the campaign in a recent interview. “In addition to the $31.1 million raised to date (ahead of the campaign schedule/ goal), we have nearly $1 million in re- quests pending and more than $10 mil- lion in the cultivation stage.” With an overall goal of raising $42 million, Donovan explained that campaign has shifted to a two phase ap- proach, targeting $39.2 million to build the actual school building in the first phase, with planned September 2012 opening, and Phase II which would raise an additional $2.8 million to construct the Vernonia Rural Sustainability Cen- ter structure on a slightly delayed time frame. “We have a strong campaign committee, and have created powerful momentum through fundraising suc- cess, public outreach and media cover- age,” added Donovan. “We are feeling very, very positively about how far we have come in all the different facets of resource development.” The campaign has targeted sev- eral areas of major funding sources in- cluding Community Donors, a Timber Industry campaign, Individual Major gifts, Corporate donors, Foundations, State and Federal government sourc- es, and the Community Bond that was passed for $13.6 million. Donovan noted the Met Group has received help from several sources. “We have done this with a lot help from within the community as well as from the Oregon Solutions Steering Commit- tee and our own Campaign Committee structure, which includes business lead- ers from around the region,” explained Donovan. “We are very fortunate to have such a great set of volunteer and in- stitutional players who have put so much of their own time and effort. Donovan highlighted several compelling stories of recent gifts the campaign has recently received, includ- ing: • Joe and Bonnie McNutt have made a $60,000 personal gift from their estate. Joe is a VHS alumnus. • The Bighorn Logging Com- pany has made both a capital campaign contribution of $25,000 as well as a $5,000 grant to support the natural re- source curriculum program led by Prin- cipal Aaron Miller. • The family of Ben Soejima has made a $10,000 donation in his honor on his 88 th birthday. Mr. Soeji- ma and his two siblings graduated from Vernonia High school in the early 1940’s. Being of Japanese descent, they were interned in a camp in Idaho dur- ing WWII. Mr. Soejima has very fond memories of Vernonia and his class- mates who did not turn their backs on his family during the war. When Mr. Soejima was told he was leaving for the camp, he was allowed to pack one bag, in it he carried high school memorabilia. Mr. Soejima was a barber in Portland for over 40 years and during that time was known to donate to the Vernonia High School Athletic fund. On April 30, 2011 for his 88th birthday, Mr. Soejima’s three daughters donated $10,000 to the new school fund to name the Boys Coaching Office in his honor. • The Wauna Federal Credit Union is working closely all its branches to raise funds this year toward a $15,000 goal. Pam Weller, the branch manager from Vernonia’s Wauna FCU branch, has been the champion behind this tre- mendous effort. • Clear Channel will be running a PSA campaign on behalf of the project to raise awareness and support the com- munity campaign effort this year. Vernonia Receives 2011 Global Education Excellence Award Everyone Wins With The Summer Meals Program! Children continue to receive nutritious meals during long school vacations, when they do not have access to school lunch or breakfast. education,” said Dan Sodervall, president of the and visiting student shared an unforgettable experience thanks to the generosity of the EF Foundation for Foreign Study. “By welcoming high school’s principal, exchange students into the teachers, students and classrooms, Vernonia High families. Vernonia High School has created a new and School has welcomed EF unique learning opportunities students for five years not just for the exchange and we hope to continue students, but for American this relationship for many students and faculty as well.” more years.” The award was To learn more presented to principal Nate about getting involved Underwood on June 8, 2011. with high school exchange Local coordinator, Gail in this community, please Moore, added, “We thank contact Gail Moore at Vernonia High School for 360-642-8600 or visit welcoming this year’s student VHS Principal Nate Underwood and foreign effoundation,org. from Germany, Marina exchange student Marina Mekidiche accept the Mekidiche The Community Global Education Excellence award. Free Breakfast and Lunch for youth! Any questions please contact Cathy Meyer (503) 522-5311 or (503) 429 8033 Parents stretch food dollars and know that their children are receiving healthy meals in a supportive environment. Employees have summer employment. Communities provide safe places for children to go to be with other children and with supportive adults. don Jarman. Jarman's position, victim of a tight budget, was cut for next year. Jarman, a fixture of the VHS and VMS sports scene will be sorely missed. Ernie Smith from the School Board was on hand to say good bye to someone many people involved with Ver- nonia schools consider a good friend. ath Health Se rv al P r i tu ce s Summer Meals Program Jarman Farewell --The Vernonia School District, including students, coaches, teachers and even the School Board, said a sad farewell to Athletic Director Gor- Na Vernonia High School received national recognition for excellence in global education by EF Foundation for Foreign Study, the leader in high school exchange. Awarded annually, The EF award is presented to high schools that demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to international understanding and global awareness. Vernonia High School was one of a select group of high schools recognized across the United States for the 2010-2011 school year. This year VHS welcomed one exchange student through the EF program. Not only was the student accepted into school, she became an integral part of the school’s academic and extracurricular life, involving the community-at- large in the exchange experience. “Vernonia High School has shown an outstanding commitment to offering a global June 20th through August 19th Free While learning does not end when school lets out, neither does the need for good nutrition. Sponsored by the USDA, the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) is good, nutritious food that’s “in” when school is “out.” Who Is Eligible? Partners: Vernonia District 47J Pioneer Baptist Fellowship Vernonia Hands-on-Art Vernonia Community Theatre Vernonia Prevention Coalition Master Gardeners All youth 18 years of age or younger who come to an approved open site or to an eligible enrolled site may receive meals. People over age 18 who are enrolled in school programs for persons with disabilities may also receive meals. Vernonia Middle School Cafeteria Foster Grandparent Program St. Helen School District Hunger Relief Coalition Community Volunteers Community Action Team USDA and the State of Oregon are equal opportunity Providers and employers Breakfast Scheduled Lunch 8:30 Activity 11:30 Adults $1.25 9-11 Adults $2.00 All REGISTERED volunteers & staff are provided a meal on the day they participate Dr. Carol McIntyre Naturopathic & Chinese Medicine 503.481.4096 cccmnd@yahoo.com naturalpathhealthservices.com 786 Bridge Street Vernonia, OR, 97064 Owned and Operated by Don & Kim Wallace
