Polk County Education
Polk County Itemizer-Observer • June 7, 2017 15A
CLASS OF 2017
FALLS CITY HIGH SCHOOL
LUKAS EGGEN/Itemizer-Observer
Balloons await one of Falls City’s Class of 2017.
LUKAS EGGEN/Itemizer-Observer
Falls City High School Class of 2017 line up to get their diplomas on Friday night on the high school football field.
LUKAS EGGEN/Itemizer-Observer
LUKAS EGGEN/Itemizer-Observer
A graduate receives a flower and a hug at graduation.
Seniors decorate their caps for the graduation ceremony.
Dodge: Headed to OSU for social science
Continued from Page 16A
The only thing that is
missing is the accolades for
his noteworthy actions and
accomplishments, Spencer
said.
“There’s no reason why
Cooper should’ve have been
involved in that, but for
s o m e r e a s o n h a s n’t ,”
Spencer said. “He’s had his
share of obstacles to over-
come, just like every other
kid, but just meets them
with that boyish grin.”
Good luck DHS grads
What: Dallas High School Class of 2017 graduation.
When: Saturday, 10 a.m.
Where: 1250 SE. Holman Ave.
Now Dodge is eager to
take that drive to help others
out into the bigger world.
After graduation, he’s head-
ed to Oregon State Universi-
ty Cascades campus in Bend
to study social sciences.
He plans to use the degree
in a career in law. Dodge
said he was inspired by his
mom, a parole and proba-
tion officer.
Dodge said he will miss
the close-knit nature of DHS
and the Dallas community.
But that’s something he will
take with him to start the
next chapter.
“I’ve learned a lot about
supporting each other, so
anyone who needs help, I’m
willing to give them a hand.
I’ve been on the receiving
end of that and it means so
much,” Dodge said. “There’s
so many people out there
that you wouldn’t realize
that have your back. It feels
really reassuring to know
that people really do care
about each other.”
LUKAS EGGEN/Itemizer-Observer
New Falls City graduates toss their caps in the air.
Evangelical Bible Church
OPEN HOUSE
Honoring Pastor Nathan Ensz
and his family
for 17 years of faithful service as EBC’s Youth Pastor
June 25, 4-6 PM
Special program in Sanctuary 4-4:30pm
Celebration reception in Activity Center 4:30-6pm
All Welcome!
Lewis: To appear in ‘Spamalot’
Continued from Page 16A
Lewis, who started his
high school career playing
golf and football, also en-
courages students to try new
things.
“You never know what
you’re going to love,” he
said. “All of a sudden, your
passion will change. I’ve
seen my passion change. I
loved football. Now I love
theater.”
Lewis has enjoyed the cul-
ture at Central, where the
transition from a “jock” to a
“theater kid” was a smooth
one.
“The crossover isn’t as bad
as it would be somewhere
1175 SE Howe St., Dallas • 503-623-2331
Wish the graduates well
Buy One Breakfast
and 2 Drinks and
Get A Free Breakfast
What: Central High School’s Class of 2017 graduation
When: Friday, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Panther Stadium, 1530 Monmouth St., Inde-
pendence.
Offer good Tue-Fri till 11 am
$6 Breakfast Specials
(3 to choose from)
else,” he said, noting that his
friends have a variety of in-
terests, not just the stage.
Lewis doesn’t plan to
leave Central in the dust,
and plans to come back to
visit often.
“I’d never disappear,” he
said. “I love it too much. I
have to support my fellow
thespians.”
Out of all the roles he’s
played on stage, Lewis said
the Genie from “Aladdin Jr.”
was his favorite.
“I had so much freedom
in that show,” Lewis said. “So
much fun.”
Lewis plans to continue
his theater career this sum-
mer at the Pentacle’s pro-
duction of “Spamalot.”
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