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About Illinois Valley news. (Cave City, Oregon) 1937-current | View Entire Issue (March 21, 2007)
Page 16 Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, OR Wednesday, March 21, 2007 Former Principal Brown gets SMART with Evergreen Elementary students PICKET FENCE WELCOMED - Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce Greeters Com- mittee visited Picket Fence Fabrics in Cave Junction on Thursday, March 15. (From left) Bob Schumacher, Barbara Klingel (store owner), Dulcie Moore, Vicki Gill and Alice Schaffer. Picket Fence Fabrics can be reached at 592-5003. (Photo by ‘IVN’) Cole, Pittman, Holmes, Dominguez among Illinois Valley HS achievers By SCOTT JORGENSEN IVN Staff Writer So far, 2007 has proven to be a banner year for a number of Illinois Valley High School (IVHS) stu- dents, who have a long list of accomplishments to show for their efforts. These students have demonstrated excellence in a variety of fields, including athletics, community in- volvement and art. They also have high hopes for the future, and the skills and ambition to help make their dreams a reality. Alex Dominguez Freshman Alex Dominguez remembers tak- ing Nature walks with his mother while growing up locally. Now, he’s found a way to blend those land- scapes with his lifelong love of art. Dominguez recently received third place in the freshman division of a re- gional competition for his scratchboard piece, titled “In the Branches.” His other preferred media include painting, charcoal and clay. Dominguez plans to attend college for art, and would someday like to own a farm and use it as inspira- tion for future artistic en- deavors. Sheena Cole IVHS girls basketball star Sheena Cole has gotten much credit for her team’s efforts last season. But she is quick to attribute that suc- cess to the hard work of oth- ers. “We had a lot of girls that had a lot of heart,” Cole said. “We worked together as a team, and didn’t want to stop playing.” Cole has been playing basketball since the tender age of 6, and was aided by her mother’s constant sup- port and encouragement. As a young girl, Cole would watch her older brother’s basketball games at North Medford High School. That experience inspired her to join as many teams as she could during the years, including an all- star team that travels to tour- naments during the summer. “It’s definitely some- thing I work on in the off- season,” Cole said. This season, Cole played as a point guard, which required some adjust- ment on her part. But she did well enough to be named the Skyline Confer- ence 2006 Player of the Year, much to her delight. “That was one of my goals, and I’m glad I achieved it,” Cole said. “It meant a lot to me.” Cole, a senior, is now in the process of picking a col- lege. She plans to tour Occi- dental College in Los Ange- les during spring break, and is looking forward to con- tinuing her basketball career at the next level. “I can’t wait,” she said. Jessica Pittman Senior Jessica Pittman certainly knows what it’s like to be busy. Aside from her school studies, Pittman is active in the IVHS softball program; works at Taylor’s Country Sausage; and participates in many community activities. “I understand having a full day,” Pittman said. “I’m always busy doing some- thing.” Aside from the eight years she’s spent with the valley 4-H program, Pittman has participated in the Job Council. She was a junior staff member and leader in the Torch Club, and has belonged to the Boys & Girls Club of the Rogue Valley/Illinois Valley Sec- tion for almost a decade. Pittman’s work with the Boys & Girls Club prompted that organization to name her as its 2006 Youth of the Year. She had been nominated for the ac- colade since 2004, but was pleased to receive that rec- ognition. “I was excited to find out I got it,” Pittman said. Pittman is in her third her of playing softball for the IVHS team, where she holds the centerfield posi- tion. The team’s regular season will kick off April 3, which will keep Pittman sufficiently occupied for the remainder of the school year. After graduation, Pittman plans to attend Rogue Community College for two years, then transfer to Portland State University. She wants to focus her stud- ies on business administra- tion and education, with the hopes of owning a business or becoming a teacher. But no matter which path she chooses, Pittman is determined to give it her all. “If it’s possible, I’ll try my best and I’ll do it,” Pittman said. “I just do the best I can.” Roxi Holmes Roxi Holmes has spent the last two years perfecting her photography skills. That dedication paid off last month, when one of her works received second place at a regional competition. Holmes, a senior, works as a home-care provider and enjoys her ceramics and economics classes at IVHS. She plans to attend Southern Oregon University at Ash- labd in the fall, and will pur- sue either a criminal justice or business degree. Long-term, Holmes said she that would like to be- come a probation officer. now, and I know we can get Evergreen’s SMART By SCOTT JORGENSEN 40 more,” Brick said. “The program has expanded from IVN Staff Writer only way we’re going to do Nancy Brown may have 13 volunteers and 20 stu- that is with Nancy’s help.” retired as principal of Ever- dents served last year to 34 Brick said that she is green Elementary School, volunteers serving a total of pleased that Brown has de- but her dedication to its stu- 55 students. But as impres- cided to devote her new- dents has brought her back sive as that is, Brown hopes to double the program for found spare time to the again to Cave Junction. These days, Brown is volun- teering with the school’s Start Making A Reader Today (SMART) program. She will be coordinating fund-raisers for the program in the fall, and is happy to be doing so. Earlier in her career, Brown taught fifth-grade at Evergreen. She then worked at the Three Rivers School District office, where she coordinated the Talented and Gifted (TAG) pro- gram, then re- turned to Ever- Nancy Brown with third-grader Mary Anderson. green to work on (Photo by Scott Jorgensen/‘Illinois Valley News’ its Title I program. Brown spent the last two years as princi- school and its students. next year. pal before her retirement. “I’m absolutely thrilled. Tina Brick, who coordi- But she missed the students, This is the best thing that nates Evergreen’s SMART parents and staff enough to could have happened,” program, said that Brown’s take on her new role. involvement will be instru- Brick said. “She’s such a “It’s a lot different than mental toward achieving sweet person, plus, the kids love her.” being principal,” related that goal. Brown. “We have 40 volunteers B&G Club offers spring break activity By SCOTT THORNHILL Every day after school, kids from across our com- munity have a safe place to go and grow – the Boys & Girls Club of Illinois Valley. Known as “The Positive Place For Kids,” the Club provides guidance-oriented character development pro- grams daily for children 6- to 18-years-old, conducted by professional staff. Key Boys & Girls Club programs emphasize leader- ship development, education and career exploration, fi- nancial literacy, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation, and family outreach. Monday, March 26 through Friday, March 30 has been designated as Na- tional Boys & Girls Club Week. Every year at this time, the nation celebrates our organization, which has steadily and methodically saved lives and changed futures of young people for more than 100 years. Using a tried-and-true method of attracting kids with fun, wholesome activi- ties, then involving them in a wide array of education, cultural and character- building programs, clubs have helped millions of kids overcome barriers, dream of a brighter future and grow into responsible, productive citizens. These kids include Illi- nois Valley’s Jessica Pittman, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Rogue Valley’s Youth of the Year. Jessica has said, “The best part of being involved with the club is getting the chance to make a difference in the life of another kid.” Studies show that the most dangerous time of the day for kids are the hours immediately after school, from 3 to 8 p.m. As a com- munity, we’re lucky to have the structured environment of our Boys & Girls Club to keep our children safe. We’re lucky to have caring adults to lead the club and its members. Boys & Girls Club of the Illinois Valley is grateful for the support which makes it pos- sible to fulfill our mission. As part of the special week, the I.V. Club is offer- ing a week of free member- ship to all valley youth. The week-long celebration coin- cides with the Three Rivers School District spring break, and the club will be open from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. (See “Here, There & Everywhere on page 3). For more information regarding the observance, spring flag football, spring volleyball or our after- school program contact 592- 4771 for the office or 592- 6151 for the club house. 434 Caves Hwy., Cave Junction Phone: (541)592-3540 Fax: (541)592-6841 Hours: Mondays - Fridays 7-5:30 Saturdays 8-5, closed Sundays DeFazio backs security oversight Congressman Peter De- Fazio (D-Ore.) has voted to strengthen measures to pre- vent approval of foreign investments that would en- danger national security. The bill would put into place a thorough national security review process for foreign investments. 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