West Valley High grad selected to present essays at conference

Saint Martin's University junior Katie Hawkins, a West Valley High School graduate, has been chosen to present two papers at the English Honor Society conference later this month.

They are critical essays titled "Dante's Use of St. Bernard's Contemplative Process in 'The Divine Comedy,'" and "Getting to the Top: The Split of Identity in Capitalistic Society."

Hawkins is one of several English Department students who helped revive the local chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the English Honor Society.

Hawkins also sings in the University Chorale, plays for the women's basketball team and is an editor of the student newspaper, "The Belltower." Her father is Yakima County Coroner Jack Hawkins.

The conference is March 19-20 in St. Louis, Mo.

White Swan student enjoys week in Olympia working with Chandler

White Swan High School junior Angelique Sohappy experienced something many students don't: She promoted a bill she wrote.

Sohappy, 16, spent a week in February serving as a page in the state House of Representatives in Olympia.

Sponsored by Rep. Bruce Chandler, R-Granger, she wrote and promoted a mock bill addressing hunting age limits.

"I hope her time here will encourage her to get involved in government and encourage others to be engaged citizens," Chandler said in a news release.

While in Olympia, Sohappy attended page school daily and delivered documents to legislators and staff on the floor of the House and throughout the state Capitol campus. She served from Feb. 21-26.

Each week, students 14 to 16 years old from across the state serve in the legislative page program. They must be sponsored by a state lawmaker and have permission from their school and parents to participate.

New officers, board members chosen for West Valley fair

West Valley fair organizers have installed new officers and board members for 2010.

New officers are: Debbie Catron, president; Linda Roberts, vice president; Jim Richartz, treasurer; Jenny Jones, secretary/reporter.

Board members are Diana Jones, Nicole McTee, Steve Catron, Joe Niemann, Biana Wilkenson, Brenda Holbrook, Dell Finnell and Janet Boucher.

Teen representatives are Brook Catron and Suzanne Niemann.

The West Valley 4-H and FFA fair in July showcases everything from large livestock to lizards and hamsters to cats and dogs.