Eaton named scholar at

Cal Lutheran University

Aaron Eaton, a 2008 Sequim High School graduate, was named a Presidential Scholar at California Lutheran University.

The program recognizes freshmen for academic excellence that embodies the school’s educational and social goals. Presidential Scholars receive scholarships from $14,500 to full, four-year tuition.

Eaton was the only Cal Lutheran Presidential Scholar from Washington state.

County fair organizers seek

royalty scholarship applicants

Applications for the 2009 Clallam County Fair royalty scholarship program are available at all high schools on the Olympic Peninsula, including Olympic Christian School and Peninsula College.

The program is a one-year commitment with county fair dates set for Aug. 20-23. The program is open to any high school student 16 or older involved in school, including Running Start students. Applicants do not have to be members of 4-H or FFA.

Application deadline is Oct. 16. For more information, call 681-2024.

First Teacher events

The First Teacher program hosts story time guest readers each Monday morning at 10:30 a.m. in Room 4W at Sequim Community School, 220 W. Alder St.

Guest readers this month include: Robert Porrazzo, dad and employee of U.S. Bank, on Oct. 6; Sequim Gazette reporter Ashley Miller and Justin on Oct. 13; and Sequim High School librarian Linsay Rapelje and Mason on Oct. 20.

First Teacher also hosts Friday events. Events this month include: Oct. 3, Carry Madison for Kindermusik from Aspire Dance Academy; Oct. 10, Chris Cornell from Gentle Paws with some therapy dogs; Oct. 17, make a fun colorful yarn costume with your child; Oct. 23, Sleep Deprived Parents presentation from Jakdej Nikomborirak of Sound Sleep Clinic; Oct. 24, pumpkin painting (in the commons at the community school); and Oct. 31, trick or treating – wear a costume and receive a book for a "treat."

On Oct. 27, First Teacher hosts a developmental screening from 9 a.m.-noon. Participants are seen by appointment only.

First Teacher is a resource for parents of birth to school-aged children. For more information, call 582-3428.

‘Big Band,’ SHS jazz band

put on big October performance

Stardust Big Band and Sequim High School’s Jazz Band host an evening of music Oct. 11 at the high school cafeteria, 601 N. Sequim Ave.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for singles, $25 for couples; price includes music, dancing, hors d’oeuvres and nonalcoholic drinks. The event features a raffle for a 42-inch plasma television donated by Sears.

Proceeds benefit the SHS band program. The event is sponsored by the SHS Band Booster group. Tickets are available at the high school main office and The Buzz, 128 N. Sequim Ave.

For more information, call 582-3600.

Statewide essay contest asks

students for education views

A statewide essay contest gives Washington’s public high school students the opportunity to share their views about the quality of their education and its success in preparing them to live and work in a global economy.

Winning essays earns $100 for the students and their schools in each of the state’s 49 legislative districts, plus $250 for one statewide winner.

Sponsored by the nonprofit Network for Excellence in Washington Schools, the contest asks students to write an essay up to 500 words on the following two-part question:

"Washington’s Constitution states that it is ‘the paramount duty of the state to make ample provision for the education of all children ….’ In order to prepare you to live, work and compete in the global economy of today and tomorrow, what do you believe this education should include and why? How well are our state’s public schools succeeding – or not succeeding – in delivering the kind of education you need to be successful in life?"

Entrants must be in grades nine-12 and attending a public high school or public alternative high school. Deadline for the receipt of essays is Oct. 24.

To enter, or for more information, visit Web site www.waschoolexcellence.org, write an e-mail to news@waschoolexcellence.org or call 206-721-9540.

Study abroad program blends

Spanish, biology in Costa Rica

The Interamerican University Studies Institute is offering a Spanish immersion summer program in Costa Rica for high school students who are interested in environmental biology. Costa Rica ¡Pura Vida! combines intensive language instruction, individual homestays and field trips to three areas of the country.

The program is open to students 15-17 with two years of high school Spanish and a course in biology (by June 2009). Scholarships are available.

Scholarship application deadline is Dec. 5.

Session information and details are available at www.iusi.org or by calling 800-345-4874.