News

Students at South Albany High school recently selected “RedHawks” as the name of the school mascot. The high school asked students for nominations, investigated the ones with the most nominations, and then put them up for a vote.

The students overwhelmingly selected “RedHawks.” The colors will remain red and grey with accents in black.

Acting superintendent Tonja Everest told the School Board at its June 4 meeting that the estimated cost to replace the “Rebel” name and logo on the gym floor, football end zone, and purchase new team uniforms was estimated at $114,000. The Albany Public Schools Foundation and the South Albany High School Sports Foundation are accepting donations.

On Tuesday, June 6, Greater Albany graduates from South Albany and West Albany high schools trekked back to schools where they go their educational start. Students walked or rode buses to elementary and middle schools throughout the district.

The 3rd annual event is inspirational to the younger students and allows the graduates to see how far they have come.

Many thanks to parents and staff who shared photos of the event. And congratulations and best wishes to all seniors!

Calapooia Middle School

Central Elementary School

Clover Ridge Elementary School

Lafayette Elementary School

Liberty Elementary School

Memorial Middle School

North Albany Elementary School

North Albany Middle School

Oak Grove Elementary School

Sunrise Elementary School

Takena Elementary School

Tangent Elementary School

Timber Ridge School

Waverly Elementary School

The annual character education poster contest winners were announced at the June 4 School Board meeting. The students were among 263 entries in the library-sponsored poster contest to promote positive character traits.

Submissions must be original art in any medium, featuring one of eight character traits: honesty and integrity, self-discipline, courage, social responsibility, kindness, respect, justice and personal responsibility.

Teacher and poster contest organizer Amanda Miller presented the awards. Winners for each grade level received framed prints of their artwork.

The winners are:

• Grades K-2 winner: Nora Staley, grade 1, Clover Ridge Elementary School
• Grades 3-5 winner: Ariah Hoskins, grade 5, Timber Ridge School
• Grades 6-8 winner: Kylie Sullivan, grade 7, Timber Ridge School
• Grade 9-12 winner: Alysa Himebaugh, grade 10, South Albany High School

Last week, the West Albany High School Jazz Band stopped by Tangent and Waverly elementary schools to perform for the students during lunch. This annual event is a fun performance for the high school students, and it is a great preview of future band opportunities for the elementary students.

The band is directed by Stuart Welsh, who joined in the performance. Chris Goeke, a Waverly Elementary School classified staff member and former WAHS band member, also performed.

Sergeant Bottorff of the Benton County Sheriff’s Office visited the students of Oak Grove Elementary School on June 1 and let them climb aboard a marine patrol boat. Students had the opportunity to learn about water safety.

All students toured the boat and spoke to Sergeant Bottorff. Pictured are students from the fourth- and fifth-grade classrooms.