Every year, Members of Congress are allowed to display one piece of artwork by a high school student from their district in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

Congressman Adam Smith, who represents Washington’s 9th Congressional District (which includes Burien), is holding an annual judged art competition to select which local art receives this honor, with a deadline of April 9th.

The selected student will win prizes and be invited to attend the national reception for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, May 24, 2010 in Washington, DC.  two round-trip airline tickets are donated for travel to DC.  The winning entry will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

Prizes also include a scholarship to the Savannah Collage of Art and Design.

If you have any questions or want to receive electronic updates about Rep. Adam Smith’s Congressional Art Contest please contact Ms. Debra Entenman   (253) 593-6600 or email: Debra.Entenman@mail.house.gov.

For contest guidelines, please download the forms from Adam’s website here.

2010 Congressional Arts Competition:

The Congressional Arts Competition allows each Member of Congress to display one piece of artwork, created by a high school student in their district, in the Capitol for one year.

Entries for the 9th Congressional District Art Contest are due by 5:00 PM on Friday April 9, 2010. All submissions should be sent to:

Congressman Adam Smith
2209 Pacific Avenue, Suite B
Tacoma, Washington 98402

Additionally, during the month of April, most entries will be on display at Tacoma Art Museum (1701 Pacific Avenue).  However, please be advised that due to space limitations it may not be possible to display all entries.

The winner of the competition will be announced at the Art Exhibition and Reception on Saturday, May 1, 2010 at 1:00 pm at The Tacoma Art Museum.

The winning student will win prizes and be invited to attend the national reception for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, June 17, 2010 in Washington, DC.  Three round-trip airline tickets are donated for travel to DC.  The winning entry will be displayed in the Cannon tunnel of the U.S. Capitol for one year.

2010 Congressional Art Competition Guidelines:

The competition is open to high school students only. Exceptions will be made for schools that have 7th through 12th grades on one campus. Each Member’s office can choose whether or not to include 7th and 8th grades in the art competition if there are schools in its district that fit these criteria. Additionally, official resources are to be used only to the extent authorized by the Committee on House Administration and the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct.

In order to allow artwork to hang in the Cannon Tunnel in the U.S. Capitol, the following restrictions are enforced:

• Artwork must be two dimensional;
• Each piece can be no larger than 28”x28”x 4” (28 inches high, 28 inches wide, and 4 inches deep) including the frame. Artwork cannot weigh more than 15 lbs;
• Each entry must be original in concept, design, and execution and may not violate any U.S. copyright laws. Any entry that has been copied from an existing photo (not the student’s own), painting, graphic, advertisement, or any other work produced by another person is a violation of the competition rules and will not be accepted. Work entered must be in the original medium (that is, not a scanned reproduction of a painting or drawing);
• Artwork must arrive in Washington by May 24, 2010 for inclusion in the exhibition.
• Artwork will hang in the Capitol for the entire year of the exhibition and cannot be returned to the students earlier. Students should, therefore, submit artwork they will not need for other purposes.
  

  Last year's Congressional art contest winner Arunan Mukphrom with Congressman Adam Smith at his office in Washington DC. The winning artist and their family were invited to Washington, D.C. to see their artwork hung in the Capitol.

Artwork accepted mediums are as follows:

• Paintings: oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.
• Drawings: pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, markers
• Collage: must be two dimensional
• Prints: lithographs, silkscreen, block prints
• Mixed Media: use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.
• Computer-generated art
• Photography

Paper Work:

A typed and securely affixed large label must be applied to the back of each piece. Also provide a typed copy of the Student Release form, signed by both the teacher and the student, must be attached to the back of the artwork to certify the originality of the piece.

The winning artist’s student release form along with the Member Approval form should be sent to DC via fax to 202.225.3012, attn: 2010 Art Competition, as soon as you have chosen a winning artwork .

Release forms and Member Approval forms must be received by May 28th. This will allow us to determine if more information is required from the student before actually receiving the artwork.

The final decision regarding the suitability of all artwork for the 2010 Congressional Art Competition exhibition in the Capitol will be made by a panel of qualified persons chaired by the Architect of the Capitol.

Artwork must adhere to the policy of the House Office Building Commission.

In accordance with this policy, exhibits depicting subjects of contemporary political controversy or a sensationalistic or gruesome nature are not allowed.

It is necessary that all artwork be reviewed by the panel chaired by the Architect of the Capitol and any portion not in consonance with the Commission’s policy will be omitted from the exhibit.

Framing Guidelines:

High School students in Washington's District 9 are eligible.

Framing guidelines apply only to the ONE winning artist/artwork that will be sent to Washington, DC.

All artwork must be framed. Frames should be kept as simple and sturdy as possible.

Metal frames are recommended. No “snap on” frames with glass are to be used.

All artwork must be protected by Plexiglas or glass. Plexiglas is preferred. If glass is used, special packing and shipping arrangements are encouraged to ensure that the work is not damaged if the glass breaks.

All works, including frame, should be no larger than 28 inches high, 28 inches wide, and 4 inches deep, to the outside of the frame, and 15 lbs. in weight. Please double check the size before sending the entry to Washington, DC. Due to wide participation of Member offices, framed work larger than the specified dimensions will be turned away.

Matting can enhance or detract from a work of art and should be carefully prepared.

Use sturdy picture hangers on the back of the frame. Two sturdy eye hooks should be attached at the top right and left sides of the back of the work for hanging in order to prevent the work from leaning forward or hanging unevenly. Do not put wire between the hooks for hanging; these will be added when the artwork is hung in the Capitol.

Do not attach labels, ribbons, etc. to the front of the piece or underneath the glass or Plexiglas.

If the artwork is abstract in design, please indicate on the backside which side is “up” with arrows.

As directed by the House Oversight and Standards of Official Conduct Committees, each district winner is responsible for framing his or her own entry. Any hardship case should be assisted at the district level; works can no longer be framed by the Architect of the Capitol.

A typed copy of the Student Information & Release Form must be securely attached to the back of the artwork.

More information on this art competition is available at Adam Smith’s website.

Story and Photos by Michael Brunk

Something a little different happened this past Friday (Feb. 26th) at John F. Kennedy Catholic High School in Burien. As the end of the school day approached, students and faculty gathered in the gymnasium.

That part isn’t so unusual for a high school.

It’s not often though, that they assemble to see a teacher get tattooed. At school. During the assembly!

The event was an outgrowth of the school’s recent “Every Lancer Against Cancer” awareness week. Part of the activities included raising money for several cancer-related funds. To spur the students on, American Government teacher Walt Kostecka issued a challenge (as we first reported here):

Raise $10,000 and he’d get inked.

The students threw themselves into the fundraising effort and Walt put himself in the hands of tattoo artist Bryan Kachel from Emerald City Tattoo & Supply – here’s a Photo Slideshow I shot at the event:

Click to View Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow

That the students met their goal shouldn’t surprise anyone. As Principal Michael Prato noted, it’s difficult to find a family that hasn’t been touched by cancer in one way or another. Their enthusiasm for learning about cancer and its affects, and collecting donations, carried over into the assembly. As Walt sat onstage with Bryan and his buzzing tattoo needle, the students conducted a pep rally around him. Complete with the school’s band, shouting cheerleaders and plenty of spirited applause.

Asked afterward how it felt getting his first tattoo, Walt replied:

“It felt like being stuck in a blackberry bush… for an hour!”

Walt shared that the real experience was watching his students get involved and raise the $10,000. He’s already thinking about next year and kicking around the idea of sky diving. Based on the response of his family members in attendance, Walt may have a challenge himself meeting that goal!

Former Washington Gov. Al Rosellini, who celebrated his 100th birthday Thursday (Jan. 21st), will be the guest of honor at Burien’s Kennedy Catholic High School this Sunday, Jan. 24 at a 3pm Italian dinner to raise funds for a scholarship named after him.

The “Governor Albert D. Rosellini Scholarship” benefits deserving students at Kennedy Catholic, where two of his great-grandchildren are students, and which all four of his grandchildren attended, according to Joe Faccone of the school’s Advancement Department.

Sponsored by the school and Sons of Italy Lodge 1390, the event starts at 3 p.m. with a reception in the cafeteria of the school, which is located at 140 South 140th Street. A dinner featuring traditional Italian fare will be served at 4 p.m., with a program celebrating the former governor’s centennial at 5 p.m.

Tickets are $50, and can be purchased at the door.

An invocation will be given by Oratorian Father Clarence Jones, parochial vicar of Our Lady of Mount Virgin Parish in Seattle, the Rosellini family’s native parish.

Gov. Rosellini, who served two terms from 1957 to 1965, noted in a 2008 letter to the Kennedy Catholic community that he has strong ties with the school in addition to the fact that his offspring went there. He met President John F. Kennedy, the school’s namesake, on several occasions and in 1962 was selected chair of the U.S. governors to represent their collective concerns to the president.

“Then in 1964, shortly after his tragic passing, I was pleased to learn that the first high school in the nation to bear his name was going to be the new Catholic high school in Seattle,” the governor wrote.

For more information, or to donate to the scholarship fund, call 206-246-0500.

Yasmine Fuller, a guard for Burien’s John F. Kennedy Catholic High School women’s basketball team, recently received some serious media love from ESPN’s “Rise Magazine,” where she credited her relationship with WNBA star Sheryl Swoopes for developing her work ethic.

According to the story:

…Fuller thrives on putting defenders to the test of keeping up with her lightning-quick first step or her ability to bury treys from several feet beyond the arc. The 5-foot-8 senior combo guard averaged 16.7 points and 2.3 assists per contest in guiding the Lancers to the Class 3A crown last winter. She also earned Seamount League and state tourney MVP honors.

Kennedy has reaped the benefits of Fuller’s hard work. Her first year with the Lancers, the team rebounded from a disappointing 2006-07 postseason to end the year as Class 3A runner-up. Individually, Fuller earned the first of two consecutive All-Seamount League selections.

Read ESPN’s full story here.

Everyone here at The B-Town Blog spins an imaginary basketball on our fingers, then we all do an imaginary reverse slam dunk in Fuller’s honor – way to go!

Two Highline School District schools – Health Sciences and Human Services High School (HS3) and Aviation High School – have been selected to U.S. News and World Report’s 2010 list of America’s Best High Schools.

HS3, located in White Center, earned a bronze award and Des Moines’ Aviation High School earned a silver. They were the only two South King County schools to make the list.

The list, published annually since 2008, identifies the country’s top-performing high schools.

“The goal is to provide a clear, unbiased picture of how well public schools serve all of their students – from the highest achieving to the lowest achieving – in preparing them to demonstrate proficiency in basic skills as well as readiness for college-level work,” according to the U.S. News and World Report website.

“HS3 and Aviation are examples of our effort to reinvent high school to better prepare all students for college, career, and citizenship,” said Highline Superintendent John Welch. “Both are innovative schools that are preparing students for the math and science careers that will dominate the new economy.”

Health Sciences and Human Services High School, one of three small high schools on the Evergreen campus in White Center, is the state’s only health sciences-themed high school. According to Principal Paula Montgomery, many students aspire to be nurses, doctors, scientists, social workers and educators. In 2008, HS3 was one of four Washington schools chosen by the Washington Global Health Alliance for a partnership designed to enhance Washington’s position as a leader in health sciences by nurturing the next generation of global health leaders.

Aviation High School is the nation’s first aviation-themed college prep high school. All core subjects are taught in the context of aviation, with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Aviation was the third highest-scoring high school in Washington on the 10th grade WASL in 2009. A hallmark of the school, led by Principal and CEO Reba Gilman, is its many aviation industry partners and professionals who mentor students one-on-one.

To earn the silver distinction, schools 1) exceeded statistical expectations for all students on state achievement tests in math and reading; 2) exceeded the state average on test scores for black, Latino, and low-income students; and 3) had high levels of participation and performance in Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate courses. Bronze awards went to schools that met the first two criteria. The gold distinction was awarded to the 100 top-scoring schools that met all three criteria.

In all, 30 Washington state schools earned bronze awards, 17 earned silver awards, and four earned gold awards.

UPDATE 10/28/09: We received word this morning that this event has SOLD OUT!

Highline School District’s Aviation High School’s Skunkworks Robotics Team 1983 is holding its annual Auction/Dinner fundraising event this Friday, Oct. 30th from 6pm to 8:30pm at Aviation High’s Cafeteria, located at 615 South 200th Street in Des Moines.

From their press release:

2009 was our third year and it will be another hard act to follow. We attended the Portland and Seattle Regionals and World Championships in Atlanta. This was the first time we were on the winning alliance in Portland and we were extremely competitive in Atlanta only losing 2 matches.

The team received two awards at the regionals for quality of robot design and our website was given an award for excellence by FIRST.

A program like this one does not happen by accident! We need your support in raising money for team operations.

The Aviation High School Skunkworks Robotics Team 1983 is raising funds for robotic equipment, registration fees, and travel expenses to attend competitions in Portland, Seattle and Atlanta, Georgia.

There are Three Ways to Participate:

1. A spaghetti dinner will be served from 6:30-7:30pm.
2. Bidding for desserts and a few special items donated by the team and their families will begin at 7:30pm. In addition to these items, participants can “Fund-A-Skunk” by sponsoring a student with a directed donation. Money will also be donated to fund an “anonymous” Skunk for students who have a difficult time fundraising.
3. If you cannot attend and would like to contribute directly, tax deductible donations can be mailed to the school address. Please make checks payable to “AHS PTSA Robotics”

Prepaid tickets: $8/student, $10/adult

Tickets at the door: $10/student, $12/adult

For more team information please visit our website: http://www.ahsrobotics.us

• If you cannot attend and would like to contribute directly, tax deductible donations can be mailed to the school address:

Aviation High School
615 South 200th Street
Des Moines, WA 98198
206.716.0006 phone
206.716.0020 fax

Please make checks payable to “AHS PTSA Robotics”

For more information or to purchase tickets:

• Dayna Miller: 253-797-3077 or DaynaMiller1277@msn.com
• Kathy Swan: bswan55234@comcast.net

Begin planning your future at Highline School District’s “Life After High School Fair” (wait..there’s actually life after high school?) on Wednesday, Oct. 7th from 3:30pm to 8:30pm at the Tyee Educational Complex, located at 4424 8th S1reet in SeaTac.

Here are the details:

WHAT: “Life After High School Fair”

WHEN: October 7th from 3:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m

WHERE: Tyee Educational Complex, located at 4424 8th S1., SeaTac, 98188

INFO:

• Food will be available to purchase from DECA Students
• For more information, call the Office of College and Career at (206) 433-2430

SCHEDULE:

5:30-6:00: Keynote Speaker from the Partnership for 21st Century Skills Polly Stansell, director of Product Development Whatskills are critical for student success in the 21stt economy?

6:00-8:30: College and Career Booths – VIsit with representatives from universities, community and technical colleges, as well as apprenticeship programs, military programs and civil service opportunities.

6:00-6:45: Middle School Rally and Parent Workshop – How to help your middle schooler prepare for success in high school, college, career, and citizenship.

7:00-7:45: Workshops:

• Finding money for college (financial aid and scholarships)
• College application (helpful hints for completing the college applications, SAT scores, essays, and your personal statement application.

Beginning Saturday (Sept. 19th), Burien’s John F. Kennedy High School’s football games will be broadcast on the internet for the second season, thanks to Ronnie Wald of Waldcast.net.

If you can’t make it to Highline Stadium, you can listen to Saturday’s game against Evergreen (start time is 1:30pm), by clicking here.

Here’s a re-published Q&A with Ronnie Wald (originally posted Sept. 7, 2008), Founder/Broadcaster of Waldcast.net:

Q: Has anyone ever broadcast football games for JFK High before?

A: We’re entering a new realm here…MOST high schools have not attempted this. Thanks to the internet, we’re now introducing a new way of thinking–yes, now local high schools can have play by play of their games on a regular basis. When, I started packaging broadcasts for california high schools in the 80’s, the only available avenue was contracting with a (not always agreeable) local radio station. We have now eliminated the middle man in that “terrestial” radio outlet–as waldcast.net becomes, in effect, the radio station…internet radio, that is.

Q: Will you be doing the play-by-play from the stadium or will someone else?

A: I handle the play by play duties which dovetails nicely with the moniker of the network.

Q: How long has Waldcast been doing high school sports?

A: After 27 years in sports play by play and hundreds of lifetime broadcasts under my belt–it all seems like one big blue mist to me. Let me say that for the last five years, the significant moment in my career was breaking away from local radio stations by creating my own network with waldcast.net. I now work wherever and whenever I choose and cut my own deals with teams. Ad rates fall significantly with a “waldcast” since we obviously don’t have the radio overhead. Also, we offer so much more in that any computer “around the world” can now listen to a Kennedy Football game–that includes you in burien or a grandma in denver–there’s just no limit. Additionally, we have a free archive where players and coaches’ who missed the broadcast the first time can come back and relive the memories over and over again. Plus, at midnight after the webcast, I have numbers that show how many were listening and where. That adds real value to my marketing push with local sponsors. In fact, thanks to the research, waldcast.net has now been heard in 49 states and over 20 foreign countries..not bad for a humble, little one-man network!

Q: Are you expanding into the Northwest with JFK games?

A: I’ve come to the Northwest to gauge the interest and partner with one of the finest prep programs in Washington at Kennedy. Thanks to the mobility of the internet..I can travel to wherever i’m needed to get the job done..right now I am needed in Burien. I literally carry this network “on my back”.

Q: How does internet broadcasting work? Is it a big operation?

A: It can be an overextended, major operation if you try to follow an example of a major network. What I’ve perfected is the one-man network where play by play, engineering and commercials are all merged in into a somewhat chaotic whole. People compliment me on how I work at such a high level while juggling all the jobs that joe buck and bob costas never have to concern themselves with.

Q: What does it take for an internet user to listen to games live?

A: Not much…just download the QuickTime Audio Player (Windows Media won’t work). There’s also a link for the free download on our game menu.

Q: What does the future hold for internet broadcasting?

A: I feel like Columbus who is first to make a claim in this brave “new world”. It won’t be too long before everybody will get on the bandwagon and offer “live streaming” of any game, anywhere. Once the “genie is out of the bottle” it will become an accepted fact that if–you have a stadium and a game and fans…you will naturally offer a broadcast component..which will be as omnipresent as hot dogs or the marching band. The only trump card with all this perpetual streaming: what will be the quality of the given broadcast product? Your choice..quantity or quality? Its a great thing if you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other..and easier on the listeners’ ears..if you have both.

Q: What other work have you done?

A: My Northwest connections include broadcasts from Gongaza, Seattle Pacific, University of Portland, Portland State, and from University of Idaho and Boise State. In 2006, Seattle University hired me to provide webcasts of their softball team in the NCAA regional in California. Another example of the power of the web…the redhawks didn’t want to fly a broadcaster down to Stanislaus state..so, there I was..ready to broadcast on a moment’s notice.

Sure, the internet sometimes has you flying off the seat of your pants..but, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Most of all we try to have fun on the these games and really highlight the student athlete. I know the emails I get from appreciative parents makes it all worth it.

Kennedy’s football schedule:

9/3	@ Puyallup	7:00
9/12	vs. Tyee	1:30*
9/19	@ Evergreen	1:30*
9/26	vs. Highline	1:30*
10/2	@ Foster	7:00
10/9	vs. Renton	7:00*
10/16	@ Lindbergh	7:00
10/22	@ Hazen	7:00
10/29	vs. Mt Rainier	7:00*

More info on Kennedy’s football team can be found here.

More info on the webcasts can be found at Waldcast.net.

by Josh Hart

The Boy’s 3A Seamount baseball season is over and it turned out to be an interesting year.

Both Mt. Rainier and Highline High School did very well, along with Kennedy.

Tyee and Evergreen didn’t do so great though and so Highline School District evened out pretty well.

Mt. Rainer High School finished at the top of the standings at 10-1 in conference and a combined win loss record of 11-3.

Kennedy finished second with 13 wins and four losses in league play and a combined record of 14-6.

The Highline Pirates finished third with a 12-4 league play record and went 14-4 in combined play.

Highline School District’s baseball teams are some of the top in the state and many of the players will likely play college ball.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Josh Hart is the B-Town Blog's first Intern! He's a 15-year old student at Highline's “Big Picture High School” in SeaTac who loves to write and play soccer.

You can read more of his writing here...]

John F. Kennedy High School, which has made Burien its home for over 42 years, will be holding its annual KATCH Auction over two nights: Friday April 24th and Saturday, April 25th at the JFK Gymnasium.

KATCH stands for Kennedy Action Toward Christian Heritage, and is an annual benefit auction extravaganza in support of Kennedy High School. Tuition covers only a portion of the expense of providing the superior academic, athletic, artistic and spiritual education that Kennedy offers. The additional funds generated by KATCH are a major component of Kennedy’s capacity for excellence.

Each evening will feature silent and live auctions, excellent food, great raffles and a gym transformed into “An Evening with the Stars.”

Both Friday and Saturday evening are a great time for guests to mingle with friends, network with clients, and most importantly, show their support for the outstanding work Kennedy is doing.

Friday night, April 24th, will be a casual, family event. Packages are designed to meet every budget and special attention is given to items that will appeal to families. Admission is free and no reservations are required.

The evening of Saturday, April 25th will be Hollywood style semi-formal, with a delicious sit-down dinner and a full live auction.

Reservations are required.

KATCH is the biggest social fundraising event on the Kennedy calendar and tables fill fast for this entertaining evening.

The auction is a time for the Kennedy community to come together and demonstrate its commitment to this institution. Many hours of dedicated volunteer work lead up to two nights of food, entertainment and the satisfaction of making a difference.

Tickets are $75 per person, and can be bought online safely and securely here, or by calling the KATCH Office at 206.246.5212 x399 or via email: KATCH@KennedyHS.org.

SOME ITEMS UP FOR BID:

Vacations:

• Cabo
• Mazatlan
• Palm Springs
• Reno

Experiences:

• A Gentlemen’s Poker Party
• Whiskey Table at the Rainier Club
• Coach for a Game
• Private Rooftop Party
• Attend Tice Ranch Retreat with Fr. Spitzer
• Father B’s Fish Fry
• Dinner with Mariners Manager Don Wakamatsu
• Beach Bash
• More…

Other items:

• Take home an Xbox Package
• Outdoor Fireplace
• Diamond Bracelet
• Wine Rack
• Sports Tickets

For a student you know, give them the gift that keeps on giving:

• Reserved Parking
• Jeans Monday for the 2009-10 school year

There will also be Tuition Raffle Tickets sold for ONE free tuition for a JFK student during the 2009-10 school year. Each ticket sells for only $100, and there are only 500 tickets available.

The winner will be drawn at the KATCH Family Night Auction on Friday, April 24. Winner need not be present to win, but if the winner is present, they will receive a BONUS $250 UW Bookstore Gift Certificate.

For more information, go to the KATCH website or download a PDF with full details.

by Josh Hart

Thursday morning (March 26th), a press conference was held at Aviation High School’s temporary campus in Des Moines, where a major announcement was made:

The school received a $4 million grant from James Raisbeck, and it will be re-named Raisbeck Aviation High School, and will move to the Museum of Flight in Seattle!

The press conference was exciting – everyone mingled, whilst awaiting the start of the speech.

The principal of Aviation High School, Reba Gilman, started off by talking about Aviation’s mission and some of the work they have done. Everyone seemed anxious to hear who the donor was, but they wouldn’t disclose it yet.

Donnie Dunbar, CEO of the Museum of Flight, spoke after Reba. She spoke about how the museum and AHS are integrated and how they were working together to achieve their mission.

There was still no mentioning of who the big donor was.

Randy Dorn, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, spoke about how excited he was about Aviation High School and that AHS wasn’t just about aviation. It included animation, robotics, and science, among others. He said that he looks for three things in school: Efficiency, Quality, and Innovation.

“You can have quality and efficiency, but innovation is what makes the community great,” Dorn said.

People were getting antsy. The donor’s name would soon be disclosed, but there was one more speaker: John Welch, the Superintendent of Highline School District, had to thank everyone who contributed.

Than Reba Gilman got up on stage again and announced the big news – Raisbeck Engineering (James and Sherry Raisbeck), and their foundation had pledged $4 million dollars to the construction of the new site of AHS.

“It will happen!” James stated.

He spoke about the crew that was working on it and keep reiterating that it WILL HAPPEN! He plans for the building, located near the Museum of Flight, to be done within three years. The projected finish date is January of 2012.

Since he was the leading donor, the school will now be called Raisbeck Aviation High School. The cost of the project in total is $43.5 million. The cost was estimated in August of last year by Basetti and Highline School District.

They expect to have half the private funds identified by June, and 95 percent of the private funds identified by March of next year. Construction will begin in March of 2010.

They are planning on getting $15 million dollars from Washington State, 15 million from private and non-profit donors, $12 million from the Port of Seattle and Highline School District, and $1.5 million from federal tax dollars.

About James Raisbeck:
Mr. Raisbeck has received many prestigious awards and honors in the field of aviation and engineering, including the Lifetime Aviation Entrepreneur Living Legends of Aviation award in January 2008. James and his wife Sherry started the James and Sherry Raisbeck Foundation to support education, the arts, and the bio-medical field. In 2007, James and Sherry won the annual Seattle/King County First Citizen Award recognizing extraordinary philanthropy and commitment to local communities, both in human services and the arts.

About The Museum of Flight
The Museum of Flight exists to acquire, preserve, and exhibit historically significant air and space artifacts, which provide a foundation for scholarly research, and lifelong learning programs that inspire an interest in and understanding of science, technology, and the humanities. The Museum of Flight’s expansion plan includes a space gallery and a commercial aviation gallery. Currently, The Museum’s programs serve more than 120,000 K-12 students each year. More information at www.museumofflight.org.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: Josh Hart is The B-Town Blog’s first Intern!

He’s also a 15-year old student at Highline’s “Big Picture High School” in SeaTac.

Aviation High School, currently housed at the former Olympic Elementary School building in Des Moines, has received a private donation of $4 million, moving it well on its path to flying and landing at the Museum of Flight in south Seattle.

According to Catherine Carbone-Rogers, director of communications for the Highline School District, Aviation High School will continue to be managed by Highline; the Seattle School Board has approved an interlocal agreement with Highline to locate the school within Seattle’s boundaries.

The identity of the donor will be revealed at a press conference this Thursday (March 26th), where “he will accept naming rights”; here’s more info from a press release:

Local officials, students, parents, school administrators, and general aviation advocates will join Highline Superintendent John Welch and Aviation High School Principal and CEO Reba Gilman as they announce the first major private donor investment in the relocation of Aviation High School to The Museum of Flight in South Seattle.

Aviation High School has adopted an ambitious plan to relocate to the Museum of Flight by 2012. Construction costs for the new facility are $43.5 million, of which about $20 million has been raised from public and private sources.

This announcement of a major anchor private donor is the first of what is expected to be several other major contributions from individuals and businesses prominent in the aviation, engineering, and technology sectors of the Pacific Northwest.

The major donor will be in attendance to be acknowledged for his sizable gift, and to accept the naming rights to this unique high school.

Aviation High School’s mission and vision is:

To prepare all students for college, career and citizenship through a personalized, rigorous and relevant learning experience that is facilitated in the context of aviation and aerospace.

To be the premier public high school of choice for students in King County and the region who wish to pursue their passion for aviation and aerospace in a learning environment that prepares them for higher education, citizenship, and work.

The Museum of Flight is located at 9404 East Marginal Way South in Seattle, near Boeing Field, and Aviation High School is currently located at 615 South 200th Street in Des Moines – an 11.6 mile flight:

View Larger Map

Burien’s Hi-Liners are getting ready for spring’s growing season by planting a hilarious man-eating plant on stage in the classic “Little Shop of Horrors,” which begins Friday March 20th at the Renton Carco Theater.

Here are the details:

WHAT: The Hi-Liners production of “Little Shop of Horrors”

WHEN:

Friday, March 20 – 7:30pm
Saturday, March 21 – 7:30pm
Sunday March 22 – 1:30pm
Friday, March 27 – 7:30pm
Saturday, March 28 – 7:30pm
Sunday, March 29 – 1:30pm

WHERE: The Renton Carco Theater, located at 1717 SE Maple Valley Hwy in Renton (map below)

INFO: A down-and out skid row floral assistant becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. Soon “Audrey II” grows into an ill- tempered, foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore who offers him fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing appetite, finally revealing itself to be an alien creature poised for global domination!

One of the longest-running Off-Broadway shows of all time, this affectionate spoof of 1950s sci-fi movies has become a house-hold name, thanks to a highly successful film version and a score by the songwriting team of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, who redefined the animated musical film with Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”, “Beauty And The Beast” and “Aladdin.” Charming, tuneful and hilarious, with tongue firmly planted in cheek, “Little Shop Of Horrors” never fails to entertain.

“Little Shop of Horrors” is a story that includes unusual characters, such as a man-eating plant from outer space and a sadistic dentist. The language is mild, and all mature subject matter is dealt with in a humorous, cartoonish manner.

This show is suitable for most audiences and involves cast members as young as 9.

Parental discretion is advised for children under 12.

Please reference the 1986 Frank Oz film of the same name for more insight.

TICKETS:

• Adults: $18.00
• Students/Seniors: $15
• Children 12 and under: $12
• Ask us about our group discounts! Call 206-617-2152.

Click HERE to purchase tickets.

For more information, please visit the Hi-Liners website.

Want a taste of this classic? Check out this clip from the 1986 film featuring Steve Martin:

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Six Highline School District students are among the 260 talented juniors from across the state accepted into the first phase of Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS).

Five of the six students chosen attend Des Moines’ Aviation High School, which is located at the campus of Olympic Elementary School at 615 South 200th.

Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS) is an educational program for high school juniors from across Washington. The WAS program emphasizes science, technology, engineering and math, and encourages students to consider careers in these fields. The program is funded by the Washington Aerospace Scholars Foundation, and is offered at no cost to participants.

Phase One of the program uses a NASA-designed online curriculum consisting of ten lessons and a final project. Phase Two is a six-day summer residency experience for 160 students. To be considered for Phase Two, students are expected to meet deadlines and show mastery of the Phase One curriculum. The Museum of Flight hosts the week-long summer residency experience during which students are guided by professional engineers and educators as they design a human mission to Mars. Summer residency participants are also visited by guest speakers, tour engineering facilities, and compete in hands-on engineering challenges.

Highline’s Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS) are:

• Andrew May – Aviation High School
• Andrew Reece – Aviation High School
• Michael Thompson- Aviation High School
• Isaac Ackerman – Aviation High School
• Thomas Malchodi – Aviation High School
• Alan Soto – Health Science & Human Services High School

A team from Puget Sound Skills Center (PSSC) will compete for scholarship money and prizes during the global finals of the Construction Challenge in Knoxville, Tenn., May 20-23, 2009.

The PSSC team will compete against 900 teams from around the world. PSSC qualified for the international championship at the regional competition in February, when more than 300 teams competed in 15 simultaneous qualifying rallies to secure their spot in the global competition.

The Construction Challenge, a creative problem solving program in its second year, introduces students to the skills they need to be successful in construction-related fields. The competition is designed to engage teens through a hands-on, educational experience and to introduce them to careers as engineers, equipment technicians and manufacturing professionals.

The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) sponsors the Challenge in partnership with Destination ImagiNation.

Students on the Construction Challenge team are enrolled in the construction technology program at PSSC.

PSSC offers a half-day vocational training program for students in area high schools.

PSSC is one of Highline School District’s most unique and specialized secondary programs. Founded in 1966, it was the first of what now number ten regional Skills Centers funded by the Washington State Legislature. For forty years, PSSC has been a school of choice for students from Mount Rainer, Evergreen, Tyee, and Highline High Schools, as well as for students from adjacent school districts, home schoolers, and students enrolled in private schools.

Students do not withdraw from their enrolled high school in order to attend PSSC. The PSSC experience becomes a part of a student’s four year high school experience in a joint partnership agreement. Classes at PSSC are “half day” and the 10th, 11th and 12th grade student spends half of each day at PSSC in the chosen program and half of each day at the enrolled high school. Transportation is provided between the two schools.

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by Josh Hart

Both the State Cup and Challenge Cups finished last Sunday, and here are the champions of each age bracket:

• BU-15 State Cup Champion: Washington Premier FC- For the second year in a row WPFC won at this age level defeating ECFC 1-0.
• BU-15 Challenge Cup Champion: Eastside FC- EFC won in overtime defeating FWU Storm 1-0.
• BU-16 State Cup Champion: Crossfire Premier- Crossfire defeated NWN 2-0 in the final game.
• BU-16 Challenge Cup Champion: Eastside FC- EFC defeated ECFC 2-1 in both teams biggest game of the season.
• BU-17 State Cup Champion: Eastside FC- Once again EFC wins, this time defeating WFC Rangers 4-1.
• BU-17 Challenge Cup Champion: Greater Renton FC- GRFC defeated Snohomish United 2-0 in the grueling game.
• BU-18 State Cup Champion: Eastside FC- EFC managed to win one of the tourneys at each age level. The U-18’s defeated ECFC 2-1.
• BU-18 Challenge Cup Champion: SSC Firebirds- SSC defeated Sparta 1-0 in the very close game.

The fight for the top club in the state completes after the girls and the younger boys play, and here’s a preview of what the standings look like now (KEY: 2 points for a championship, 1 for runner up):

• Eastside FC- 8



• Emerald City FC- 3
• Washington Premier- 2
• Crossfire Premier- 2
• Greater Renton FC- 2
• SSC Firebirds- 2
• Northwest Nationals- 1
• Federal Way Storm- 1
• Snohomish United- 1
• Whatcom FC Rangers- 1
• Sparta- 1

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Josh Hart is the B-Town Blog's first Intern! He's also a 15-year old student at Highline's “Big Picture High School” in SeaTac. He also plays soccer.

You can read more of his writing here...]

by Josh Hart

All the Highline Premier Football Club (HPFC) teams BU-15 to BU-18 were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the State and Challenge cups.

Here is the quick breakdown of who eliminated them and what the score was.

• BU-15 Blue defeated by Columbia Timbers 0-1
• BU-15 Red defeated by Federal Way Storm 0-6
• BU-16 Blue didn’t make it past preliminaries
• BU-17 Blue defeated by Whatcom FC Rangers 0-1
• BU-17 Red didn’t make it past preliminaries
• BU-18 Blue defeated by Eastside FC 2-3
• BU-18 Red didn’t make it past preliminaries

So with all the boys teams out we have to wait a couple more weeks for the younger boys and the girls’ teams to stand up for our club.

Also if you want to watch some great soccer this weekend, go down to Starfire Sports Complex and watch the semis and the finals on Saturday and Sunday for the Boys U-15 to U-18’s. The level of play is outstanding and there is a lot on the line for the teams. It is going on all day down there on Saturday and Sunday so go out and see some great soccer.

The following teams are competing in the Challenge Cup:

BU-15:

• 2/28- 9:00 AM- South Hill Revolution vs. Eastside FC
• 2/28- 1:45 PM- Westsound FC vs. Federal Way Storm
• 3/1- 9:00 AM- Championship

BU-16:

• 2/28- 9:00 AM- MRFC vs. Eastside FC
• 2/28- 1:45 PM- Norpoint FC vs. Emerald City FC
• 3/1- 1:45 PM- Championship

BU-17:

• 3/1- 4:00 PM- Snohomish United vs. GRFC

BU-18:

• 2/28- 11:15 AM- SSC Firebirds vs. MRFC
• 2/28- 4:00 PM- Sparta vs. Harbor FC
• 3/1- 11:15 AM- Championship

The following teams are competing in the State Cup:

BU-15:

• 2/28- 9:00 AM- Crossfire Premier vs. Washington Premier
• 2/28- 12:00 PM- Columbia Timbers vs. Emerald City FC
• 3/1- 9:00 AM- Championship

BU-16:

• 2/28- 9:00 AM- Northwest Nationals vs. Crossfire Premier
• 2/28- 1:45 PM- Crossfire Premier vs. Columbia Timbers
• 3/1- 1:45 PM- Championship

BU-17:

• 2/28- 3:00 PM- Northwest Nationals vs. Whatcom FC Rangers
• 2/28- 3:00 PM- Snohomish United vs. Eastside FC
• 3/1- 4:00 PM- Championship

BU-18:

• 2/28- 11:15 AM- Columbia Timbers vs. Emerald City FC
• 2/28- 4:00 PM- Eastside FC vs. Crossfire Premier
• 3/1- 11:15 AM- Championship

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Josh Hart is the B-Town Blog's first Intern! He's also a 15-year old student at Highline's “Big Picture High School” in SeaTac. He also plays soccer.

You can read more of his writing here...]

by Josh Hart

This month at Big Picture High School, a fellow student named Tylor Curry was chosen as “Intern of the Month.”

Tylor, a very prolific (and busy) sophomore, won for the following reasons:

1. Tylor has two internships:
   • The first is at The Nature Consortium where he is working with other students to help restore the Green Belt. They work out by the Duwamish River and they try to rid the area of invasive plants. They also try to protect from the invasive plants coming back. They want to have only native plants in that area. This is helping the community as a whole, because the work he is doing out there is making things like our air quality better and making the area a prettier place.
   • His other internship is with The Tobacco Prevention Program. He goes around and tries to buy cigarettes from stores. If they sell to him, King County Public Health comes in and talks to them about selling cigarettes to underage buyers. So he is preventing teens from getting into bad habits and also serving under law enforcement.
2. Both nature and law enforcement are Tylor’s passions and he is following his passions and working at his goals to make the world a better place.
3. Also, in January, Tylor was awarded a $500 grant from the Washington Foundation for the Environment to implement an internship project involving teaching elementary students about forest restoration.

Let’s give a big hand to Tylor and join him in making the community cleaner and safer for all of us.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Josh Hart is the B-Town Blog's first Intern! He's also a 15-year old student at Highline's “Big Picture High School” in SeaTac.

You can read more of his writing here...]

by Matt Marble

Everybody has rules.

A common one is that you never mess with a man’s family.

This is what happens in the action thriller “Taken.”

Bryan (Liam Neeson), a former secret agent living in the US,  is very skilled in hand-to-hand combat, divorced, and he loves his 17-year-old daughter Kim (Maggie Grace) who lives with his ex-wife and her new husband Stuart (Xander Berkeley).

Kim wants to take a vacation in Europe with her friend Amanda (Katie Cassidy), and together follow U2’s European tour. But when they arrive in Paris, they get kidnapped by some thugs and are forced into the sex trade.

When Bryan finds out, he heads to France and starts knocking down doors…and busting heads. With only 96 hours before she vanishes forever, time is not on his side.

The film demonstrates that a father’s love knows no bounds. From the very beginning, you can feel the connection that Bryan longs to have with his daughter. Giving up his “career” to be closer to her is a sign of this. “Taken” is filled with action and violence, but also has a good feeling of family and love.

Written by Luc Besson (“The Fifth Element”) & Robert Mark Kamen, and Directed by Pierre Morel (“The Transporter”), “Taken” is rated PG-13.

“Taken” was #2 at the box office last weekend, and has brought in over $100 million bucks; it’s playing at several area theaters – click here to see locations and showtimes.

Here are some clips of the movie to whet your appetite:

[EDITOR'S NOTE: "Matt's Movies" is a regular movie-review column written by Matt Marble, a 17-year old student at Highline School District's Big Picture High School.

If you have a movie you'd like for him to review, please email him.

Look for more of his movie reviews and other articles soon on The B-Town Blog!]

by Josh Hart

HPFC (Highline Premier Football Club) Heat, formerly known as HSA Heat, has the best soccer in Burien. The boys U-15’s-U-18’s are currently competing in the preliminaries for the State and Challenge Cups.

Both cups score points the following way:

• 1 point per goal up to 3
• 1 point for a shutout
• 0 points for a loss
• 3 points for a tie
• 6 points for a win
• A max. of 10 points

The top two teams in each division move on. The State Cup is a tournament for the top premier teams in the country to battle it out for the title of “best team in the state.” The Challenge Cup is just one step below that. It usually consists of all the premier club “B” team. For the Heat the “A” team is blue and the “B” team is red. This is the third week of both cups and many of the teams are in a must-win situation to advance past the prelims and onto the elimination round.

I am going to give you a quick breakdown of HPFC Heat and how they are faring in the cups.

(KEY: Win-Loss-Tie, pts in group)

The following teams are competing in the state cup:

U-15 Blue (1-1-0, 12 pts.)
That loss coming to Washington Premier, the reigning champion in the U-15 division, 3-5. Their next game comes at home (Highline Stadium) against 3 rivers United (1-1-0, 9 pts). Whoever wins this game will move on to the elimination round.

U-17 Blue (1-0-1, 14 pts.)
Their win was a spectacular one. With a 3-0 win against FC Mulkiteo they take home the full ten points. Their nect game is at Westsound United, and without all the scores being posted from earlier matches, This could be a must-win for the Heat.

U-18 Blue (1-0-0, 9 pts.)
They are in a two team group with the in club rival the red team. Since both teams get in no matter what they are basically playing “friendlies” (a soccer term for scrimmage or exhibition). They did win against the red team though, beating them by a score of 7-1.

U-18 Red (0-1-0,1 pt.)
The red team got a good draw in a way because despite the big loss to the in club rival, they will still get in to the quarterfinals.

It looks as though all the HPFC teams in the State Cup could be advancing into elimination rounds. Good Job!

The following teams are competing in the Challenge Cup:

U-15 Red (1-1-0, 10 pts.)
This is the team I play goalkeeper for. We lost our first game to Emerald City FC 2-0 and then took ten points in our last game against Crossfire FC, winning 3-0. For our next game we have to travel to Vancouver to play the Columbia Timbers. As long as we don’t lose this one we will be advancing on to play the Federal Way Storm in the elimination round.

U-16 Blue (1-1-0, 9 pts.)
This team has to win their next game against the Maple Valley Rapids to move on. Whoever wins this heated match will make it to the elimination round and the loser will go home.

All of the HPFC teams have a chance to move on this weekend. We will have to watch and see if they can all do it. It wont be easy but it’s possible.

Check back for more updates on the state and challenge cup.

The younger teams and the girls teams will start soon.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Josh Hart is the B-Town Blog's first Intern! He's also a 15-year old student at Highline's “Big Picture High School” in SeaTac.

You can read more of his writing here...]

by Josh Hart

Hello people of Burien, this is your city here – I want to talk with you a little about what I want to happen in 2009.

In 2009 there are many resolutions I want – no, need – from you, the people of Burien:

• I want to see my streets clean. If you have walked around my streets you know they are very dirty. There is litter everywhere and it makes me upset that you treat me like that. If you stop littering the return will be great for you. I, as your city, will be healthier for you.
• Another thing I want you to do for me is ride the bus. There are so many cars on my roads, if you take the bus it will pollute my air less and also be better for you. The bus is also cost efficient if you get a yearly pass, it saves you a lot on gas money.
• I also want you to strive to do good for your fellow citizen. Help someone in need. Give to a food bank. Open a door for one of my little old ladies. Smile at each other. Buy some dude a brewski at Elmer’s for cryin’ out loud…
  
• The last thing I want from you is to help fight crime. There is so much crime around on my streets. Especially around the park and ride. If everyone helps by not just ignoring crime, it will make me a better place.

So please help me become better and you will be better off for it.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Josh Hart is the B-Town Blog's first Intern! He's also a 15-year old student at Highline's “Big Picture High School” in SeaTac.

You can read more of his writing here...]

by Josh Hart

Last weekend, Des Moines’ Mt. Rainier High School Drill Team competed in and won the Liberty High School Drill and Dance Competition.

They competed against drill teams from Issaquah High, Hazen High, Redmond and Interlake High School. Decatur High School Drill Team was supposed to show, but didn’t for unknown reasons.

For Mt.Rainier Drill, this was their first competition of the season, and they ended up placing first and taking home the trophy. The team had been through the same experience last year – winning their first competition that is. They placed in almost all competitions last year, only missing the stand on three occasions.

They may have won the competition, but it was not all fun and games. The girls had to work hard to get to that place. I talked to a member of the Mt.Rainier team, Danielle Knake (who is also a fellow student at Big Picture High School), about the ups and downs when they are at the competition.

Q: What part of the competition was the most fun?
A: I always love watching the hip-hop teams, because they have some really cool outfits. I also enjoy the bus rides that we take to and from the competition. All of us just joke around and have fun.

Q: What was the most difficult part of the competition?
A: For me it’s always waiting for them to announce the winners, because you never know how the judges scored you. I always get worried that we won’t place.

It seems like the Mt.Rainier Drill Team is off to a good start this season, but please check back for more updates as the season progresses.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Josh Hart is the B-Town Blog's first Intern! He's also a 15-year old student at Highline's “Big Picture High School” in SeaTac. He recently wrote about what he'd do if he were Mayor, his take on the economy, about JFK beating Highline 61-0 in football, an opinion piece on the VP debate, a story on Mt. Rainier High's Drill Team playing at the Seahawks' Halftime, another on a Fight at the Tyee vs Rention Football Game and much more...]

EDITOR’S NOTE: This listing is for the 2008 Dinner/Auction fundraiser:

Highline School District’s Aviation High School’s Skunkworks Robotics Team 1983 is holding a special Auction/Dinner fundraising event this Saturday, Nov. 8th from 5:30pm to 9pm at Aviation High’s Cafeteria, located at 615 South 200th Street in Des Moines.

From their press release:

2008 was our second year and it will be a hard act to follow!!!

We attended the Portland and Seattle Regionals and World Championships in Atlanta, finishing the competition in the top 2% of over 1500 teams worldwide!

We received five awards for Design, Safety, Business, CAD graphics and Engineering Inspiration. The team also captained the winning alliance in the Seattle Regional. A program like this one does not happen by accident! We need your support in raising money for team operations.

Your investment in Skunkworks will pay off with great opportunities for our students.

For more team information please visit our website: http://www.ahsrobotics.us

• Prepaid tickets: $8/student, $10/adult
• Tickets at the door: $10/student, $12/adult
• A spaghetti dinner will be served before the auction.
• Bidding for desserts, items and services donated by the team and their families will begin at 7:00pm.
• In addition to these items, participants can “Fund-A-Skunk” by sponsoring a student with a directed donation. Money will also be donated to fund an “anonymous” Skunk for students who have a difficult time fundraising.
• If you cannot attend and would like to contribute directly, tax deductible donations can be mailed to the school address:

Aviation High School
615 South 200th Street
Des Moines, WA 98198
206.716.0006   phone
206.716.0020   fax

Please make checks payable to “AHS PTSA Robotics”

For more information or to purchase tickets:

• Dayna Miller: 253-797-3077 or DaynaMiller1277@msn.com
• Kathy Swan: bswan55234@comcast.net

by Josh Hart

Halloween is TONIGHT(!) and you should all know tips to make your trick or treating experience a safe one.

Here are my Top 11 Rules for having a Safe & Happy Halloween:

1. Children should go out only during daylight hours unless accompanied by an adult
2. Plan a safe route, through “good” parts of the neighborhood
3. Set a return time
4. If your kids are going out alone make sure they are responsible enough to know take care of themselves
5. Stay in populated places and not cut through back alleys.
6. Stay in well lighted areas
7. Make sure treats are examined by an adult before eating
8. Eat nothing that isn’t fully wrapped
9. Never enter the house of a stranger
10. Carry a flashlight, glow stick, or reflective costumes so that cars can see you
11. Do not go out ALONE… make sure you are with a group of at least three people

If you follow these rules you will have a fun, safe, Halloween.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Josh Hart is the B-Town Blog's first Intern! He's also a 15-year old student at Highline's “Big Picture High School” in SeaTac. He recently wrote on the economy, about JFK beating Highline 61-0 in football, an opinion piece on the VP debate, a story on Mt. Rainier High's Drill Team playing at the Seahawks' Halftime and a story on a Fight at the Tyee vs Rention Football Game!]

by Josh Hart

On Friday, Oct. 17th, during a high school football game between Renton High School’s Indians and the Tyee Totems, a brawl broke out at Neudorf Memorial Field in Tukwila.

Renton came into the game at 3-3 while Tyee came in winless.

After the game they both walked out with a postponed game.

Five minutes before the end of the first half Renton was leading 19-0, and it looked like Tyee was going to get another one in their loss column and Renton would get the win.

But when a hard tackle turned into a shoving match, all play was halted. The shoving escalated and turned into a fist fight. After everything was broken up the officials decided to postpone the game and both teams had to forfeit.

No player can discuss the brawl or answer any questions about it to the public. So after the brawl that was started by a couple of player’s emotions, both team’s seasons are in doubt. Many think that both teams will miss just one game, but there are rumors that the teams could be suspended for the rest of the season. Before the game Renton had playoff hopes, and now they have little or no hope of making the playoffs.

This is obviously very damaging to both teams, and we will just have to wait and see how this turns out.

The Seattle Times did a story on this incident, and below are two videos we found on Youtube that appear to have been shot just after the fight ended:

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Josh Hart is a 15-year old student who attends Highline's “Big Picture High School” in SeaTac. He recently wrote on the economy, about JFK beating Highline 61-0 in football, an opinion piece on the VP debate and a story on Mt. Rainier High's Drill Team playing at the Seahawks' Halftime. You can look forward to reading more of his work on the B-Town Blog, as he will soon be our first Intern!]

by Josh Hart

Many of you don’t know about this new school in the area and that is Highline’s Big Picture High School.

I would like to inform you about this school for two reasons:

The first being that everyone should know about all the schools in the area and the other being that I am sick and tired of explaining it on the metro.

Big Picture High School is a small school in the Highline School District. This would be its 4th year in the Highline School District. The Big Picture model started with The Met in Rhode Island. They now have schools like Big Picture all over the country and even some in other countries. The model is designed around individual learning plans and real world learning experiences.

Every Tuesday and Thursday we do LTI work (LTI stands for “Learning Through Internships”). Every student goes through the LTI process. They first search for businesses in their field of interest. Then they call them and ask for an informational interview. An informational interview is 15 minutes long and the student asks questions about their field of interest and the business itself.

After the informational interview, the student writes a reflection and also asks for his/her advisor/LTI Coordinator to request a shadow day. A shadow day is where the student follows the adult around for 3-6 hours learning about what they do. After the shadow day, the student once again reflects on it and if he/she likes it will ask their adviser to request an internship setup meeting. This is where the adviser, student, and mentor discuss what the internship consists of and what projects the student can do to benefit him/her self and the business. That is the brief synopsis of the LTI process.

The other cool thing about Big Picture is individualized learning plans. Each student has their own projects. They have to write project proposals for each project to make sure it is in-depth and fits into one of the five learning goals. The learning goals are the following:

1. Empirical Reasoning: Thinking like a scientist. This is where you do projects that use science like thinking.
2. Quantitative Reasoning: Thinking like a mathematician. This goal consists of all the student’s math work. It’s more than that though its not just doing math and turning it in, its understanding math and the reasoning behind it.
3. Social Reasoning: This is all the social studies. It consists of understanding people, history, and the reasoning behind it.
4. Communication: This is speaking, writing, drawing. Anything that the student communicates through fits under this goal.
5. Personal Qualities: Improving yourself as a person. If you are becoming a better person you are completing this goal. Time management, organization, empathy all fit under this goal.

You must show improvement and understanding in all five of these learning goals in order to pass this class. We don’t have grades but we have a much more in-depth way of grading students than the traditional way.

That is the basic outline of the school. If you have any questions you can go on bigpicture.org for more information.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Josh Hart is a 15-year old student who attends Highline's “Big Picture High School” in SeaTac. He recently wrote on the economy, about JFK beating Highline 61-0 in football, an opinion piece on the VP debate and a story on Mt. Rainier High's Drill Team playing at the Seahawks' Halftime. You can look forward to reading more of his work on the B-Town Blog, as he will soon be our first Intern!]

The John F. Kennedy High School Lancers take on Renton’s Lindbergh Eagles tonight at 7pm at Highline Stadium.

Kennedy is playing well this year, and has beat Lindbergh 21 consecutive times.

Lindbergh (5-1 overall, 5-0 league) is looking to end that streak tonight as they take on Burien’s sixth-ranked Lancers (5-1, 5-0) in a game that likely will decide the Seamount League championship.

The games haven’t been close since 1997, when Kennedy squeaked by with a 28-27 win. The Lancers won 49-14 last year.

Kennedy has a very strong running game, thanks mostly to Tre Watson, who averages 16.1 yards per carry and 171.5 per game. He has 21 TDs, 16 rushing.

Our friends at the Highline School District tell us they’re holding a special event on Wed. Oct. 22nd called “Life After High School” at Mt. Rainier High School in Des Moines (located at 22450 19th Ave South) from 6pm – 8:30pm.

It’s targeted at both middle and high school students, and will include:

• 80 college and career booths featuring representatives from colleges, apprenticeship programs, military & civil service recruiters
• Workshops on:
  • Finding money for college
  • In-person testimonials from second-year college students
  • Up-close with reps from the UW, WSU, Western and Central
  • Helpful hints on completing college applications correctly
  • How to help middle schoolers prepare for college
  • Info on Green Collar Jobs
• A middle school student college rally
• There will also be Interpreters for Spanish, Vietnamese, Cambodian and Somali available
• Food will also be available to purchase

For more information, please call 206-433-2338, or download a PDF here.

Quick update from area resident Steve Edmiston, the Writer/Director behind “The Day My Parents Became Cool,” which we reported on during its filming at Highline High School in late June:

“We’re about one week from being ready to begin the film festival submission process.  Of course, we (as everyone in this business is compelled to do, down to our DNA) will send the film to Sundance!  Of course, our festival strategy does not plan on Sundance, and we anticipate that in 2009 we will screen at as many as 30 festivals around the world.  In Washington, we will seek to share the film at terrific festivals in Port Townsend, Bainbridge Island, Tacoma, Olympia, and of course, the Seattle International Film Festival.

It’s cool!

We WILL be scheduling some free test screenings in the Burien/Des Moines/Federal Way areas.  I will keep YOU posted!

Now, you know that I’m biased, but I think the film turned out wonderfully!  One of the fun things (strangely) is the credit roll, because it is LONG – and what I mean by that, it reflects a huge outpouring of support from our local communities – including the City of Burien, Highline Public Schools, Highline High School, Federal Way Arts Commission, King County 4Culture, Des Moines Rotary, local businesses, 150 high school and middle school kids, parents, volunteers – it just goes on and on.”

As always, we’ll keep you posted on the progress of this locally-created and produced film, so stay tuned!

According to the Highline School District, its students far surpass other districts in signing up for state scholarships.

Hundreds of Highline middle school students have applied for the state College Bound Scholarship, which pays for four years of college tuition, fees, and books for students who stay in school, stay out of trouble, and keep their grades up. Low-income students and students in foster care are eligible for the scholarship.

Statewide, only 29% of eligible students have signed up for the scholarship since it was announced last spring.

In Highline, 71% of eligible students applied.

At Pacific Middle School, 95% of the eligible students sent in applications. Principal Cecilia Beaman says she talked about the scholarship with students and parents at every opportunity. “When a parent came in to talk to me, I signed them up on the spot. As I saw students in the halls, I talked with them, handed them an application, and then dogged them,” she says. Teachers and counselors talked with individual students. A language tutor worked with Latino families to sign students up. “It was a team effort, and we were tenacious,” says Beaman.

Sylvester Middle School signed up 167 students, 82% of those eligible. At both Chinook and Cascade middle schools, well over half of qualifying students applied for the scholarship.

“Getting students to apply was a big priority for us, because getting kids prepared for college is our focus as a school system,” says Highline Superintendent John Welch. “Finances are a barrier for many of our families who want to send their children to college. The College Bound Scholarship removes that barrier, so we work very hard to make sure all our families take advantage of this opportunity.”

When students apply for the scholarship, they pledge to keep their grades above 2.0 GPA, graduate from high school, and be law-abiding citizens. As long as they still meet income requirements at graduation they receive the scholarship, which can be used at any state college or university.

On-the-scene Reporter Mark Neuman called in with this update just minutes ago:

“The Kennedy High School Lancers whooped Tyee High School 42-6 in football at Highline Stadium tonight.

Highlight of the game was the first quarter, when #2, a guy named Trey, scored not one, not two, but three touchdowns.

In one quarter.

Himself.”

We’ll be reporting more high school Sports scores soon, so stay tuned for more info and details.

And if you’re interested in becoming a Contributor for said local subjects, please email us!

Burien’s own Hi-Liners will be staging (or should we say “flying”) their own production of “Peter Pan” starting Sept. 6th and running through Sept. 21st at The Performing Arts Center, located at 401 South 152nd Street.

First produced on Broadway with Mary Martin and Cyril Richard, and more recently a major hit starring Cathy Rigby, this is one of the world’s most celebrated musicals, and includes all the charm of Barrie’s Peter and Tinker Bell and the children, pirates and Indians of Never Never Land, embellished with show-stopping songs.

And it’s all produced locally!

RICH HISTORY, BRIGHT FUTURE

That’s exactly where The Hi-Liners have set their sights – their very bright future.

The Hi-Liners have come a long way since their early beginnings in 1966 in Burien. Mr. William A Moeller, a teacher in the Highline School District, founded a high school summer program he called “The Hi-Liners.” This group quickly evolved into a year ’round district-wide performance ensemble. The Hi-Liners performed extensively in the Western United States in the early 1970’s and received recognition in the prestigious New Yorker Magazine comparing them to other more nationally known groups such as “Up with People”.

In 1991 former members of the group were recruited by Mr. Moeller to do a series of reunion performances to celebrate the grand opening of the then new, state of the art Highline Performing Arts Center. These shows provided the catalyst for annual reunion shows and for the reorganization of The Hi-Liners into a private non-profit company.

In 1994 the new board of directors, many of whom were former Hi-Liners themselves, decided that the Hi-Liners was not about nostalgia but about providing opportunities for young people to experience theater combined with personal growth, just as they did.  The Hi-Liners came full circle, reviving the summer program and dedicating it to providing professional direction in developing a student’s talents in conjunction with the backdrop of quality sets, costumes and a live orchestra, thereby giving both the performers and the audience a genuine musical theater experience.

The audiences have grown each year as The Hi-Liners have matured the quality and complexity of the programs presented. They have taken on big productions such as West Side Story, The Sound of Music and Les Misérables, while developing “DownStage Center,” their high quality youth theatre education program.

Their programs and enrollment have experienced incredible increases in recent years, propelling them to the forefront of youth theatre in South King County.  Now they have set their sights on future development by taking flight with their biggest fall show ever, the high flying Broadway Musical “Peter Pan.”

A NEW DIRECTION

Under the direction of Kathleen Edwards, The Hi-Liners resident Artistic Director,  fifty young people from Seattle and all over South King County have come together to perform this timeless and enchanting tale of the boy who would not grow up.  From the first moment Peter Pan soars through the nursery window to the final battle with the comically fierce Captain Hook, the audience will delight in this fantasy adventure.

“We have pulled out all the stops for this show, “says Edwards.  “We are building sets, the kids are working harder than ever with our choreographer, Kristin Culp and musical director, R.J. Tancioco, and we hired Flying By Foy, the most respected flying company in the world, to “fly” Peter and the Darling children. This is the same company that flew Mary Martin’s “Peter Pan,” in the 1950’s and they “fly” people all over the world in major productions, touring companies and things like the opening ceremonies of the Olympics!

We wanted to celebrate the tradition of The Hi-Liners by taking on a classic like Peter Pan, yet add an element never attempted before in the Highline Performing Arts Center –we wanted to fly!  We want to see these kids soar, both in “Peter Pan” and in life!”

Gerry Gilbert, president of Hi-Liners, agrees.

“We have put together a fantastic show and hope that our many loyal patrons and those new to our productions enjoy this great theater opportunity right here in South King County!”

This Broadway style musical runs consecutive weekends from September 6-21, 2008, at the Highline Performing Arts Center, 401 South 152nd Street, Burien.  For information and online ticket purchases, please visit www.hi-liners.org or phone 206-617-2152.  Tickets are also available at the door with cash or check only.

The Hi-Liners, South King County’s premier youth theatre, is dedicated to the advancement of fine arts opportunities through live, high-quality musical theatre for young people (ages 7 to 22).

Here’s the schedule for the show:

Performances	Sept 6	7:30pm
	Sept 7	1:30pm
	Sept 9	8:00am-3:00pm (Student Shows)
	Sept 12	7:30pm
	Sept 13	7:30pm
	Sept 19	7:30pm
	Sept 20	7:30pm
	Sept 21	1:30pm

Buy tickets online here.

Hi-Liners website here.

Just got back from spending a couple of hours on the shooting set of “The Day My Parents Became Cool,” which (as we first reported here) is filming all weekend at Highline High School.

The film is sponsored by the City of Burien, 4culture, the City of Federal Way, and many others, and has been fully approved by the Highline School District as well as Highline High School.

On set, we saw:

• Several scenes being shot (and re-shot)
• Numerous extras in wild costumes from various high schools in the area
• Actual teachers and staff
• A few real, paid actors and actresses
• And in what is sure to be a massive career change, even Highline Schools Superintendent John Welch as a high school principal gone nutty:

All under the supervision of local Writer/Director Steve Edmiston, who’s doing a heckuva job.

If you’ve ever been on an active movie set, you know that the combined collaborative creativity makes it one of the most enjoyable “jobs” in the world. Being a show biz vet ourselves, we appreciate what it takes to get to the point that Steve and Co. are at this weekend – hours and hours of writing, re-writing, pre-production, fundraising, phone calls, meetings, making deals with School Superintendents, Teachers, managers, staff, students, hiring an entire film crew, getting props, costumes and more, as well as unpredictable variables like whether the weather will cooperate or not (BTW, today’s light overcast is ideal for film lighting so here’s one reason to hope the sun does not come out today).

Below are some photos we took as we silently lurked during actual production:

You can still help support this film by buying t-shirts and other swag here!