Chiawana High School - Pasco School District

Chiawana High School
Newsletter
Volume 2: Issue 5
www.psd1.org/chiawanahighschool April/May 2011
Seniors Preparing for Historic Graduation
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Let the traditions begin! You can feel the excitement and anticipation as seniors are counting down the days until graduation. They
are in a flurry of activities. They have just finished their senior project, studying for final exams, getting college applications in, and
planning for the big day. All too soon (June 4) they will walk across the stage to receive their diplomas and be Chiawana’s first graduating
class and the first “alumni.” Administrators and staff have been planning this historic event for the past two years to make it a
spectacular affair.
For some seniors, they will be the first members of their family to graduate from high school, so graduation day is even more meaningful
for them and their family. This newsletter issue is dedicated to the Class of 2011.
Senior Jose Mendoza Receives the Gates Millennium Scholarship
Each year, thousands of seniors
around the country apply for the
coveted “Gates Millennium
Scholarship.” The scholarship
was established in 1999 and
funded by a one billion dollar
grant from the Bill and Melinda
Gates Foundation. The goal of
the scholarship is to provide opportunities
for outstanding minority
students to reach their highest
potential. The scholarship is also
renewable through graduate
Senior-Jose Mendoza
school for scholars in the areas of
computer science, education, engineering, library science, mathematics,
public health or science.
This year, over 23,000 students from across the nation applied
and 1,000 students were selected. Students will have their entire
college paid for at any college or university of their choice. Chiawana
Senior, Jose Mendoza was one of those thousand chosen
(another winner was Pasco High Senior, Noel Gutierrez). It took
awhile before the reality of winning sunk in for Jose and then he
began to realize that his dreams will come true.
Jose will be the first in his family to attend college. He has been
a running-start student at CBC this year and will earn both his
high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree at the same
time. While he’s earning two degrees he is also holding down a
part time job. He’s awaiting word now on a summer internship at
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Hard work just seems to
be the norm for Jose.
A big motivation for Jose to gain academic success is setting an
example for his younger brothers. “I‟m always encouraging my
brothers and telling them “you have to do better than me,”
he explains.
He applied at a few schools, but knew he wanted to attend the
University of Washington where he will pursue a degree in the
field of dentistry. He would like to become a dentist for very personal
reasons. “I don‟t like my teeth and I try not to smile,” he
says. “If I can help even one kid be more confident about
their smile and change their life it will be worth it.”
Just days after receiving the Gates scholarship, Jose had another
surprise, he won a $40,000 scholarship from Costco. He’s probably
having a hard time not smiling now, his future is looking pretty
bright! His parents are probably smiling too!
Pasco High Senior, Noel Gutierrez and Chiawana High Senior,
Jose Mendoza congratulate each other after Sherry Lancon,
school board member, announces that they are two
recipients'of the Gates Millenium Scholarship.
Congratulations Jose and much
success in the future!
Mission Statement: To ignite world-class learning, resulting in thoughtful and accomplished individuals.

You Are Invited
to
Chiawana High School’s
2011 Commencement Service
Saturday-June 4
Edgar Brown Stadium
10:00 am
Congratulations to Chiawana’s Top 10 Academic Seniors
Brad Barber
Joseph Davidson
Cristina Gomez
Rosa Gomez
Janyn Mercado
Manuel Ramirez
Austin Steele
Spencer Steele
Timothy Steele
Karson Taylor
Congratulations Class of 2011!

CHS Newsletter Page 3
Seniors Have Volunteered Thousands of Hours
Washington State requires a “Senior Project” from every senior as part of their graduation requirements. CHS seniors started their projects last
fall and finished their project by participating in “Senior Boards” on May 16 th and 17 th , the final component. If they passed their senior boards and
have all the other components in place, they are cleared to graduate.
Community service was the focus of each project. Chiawana’s seniors have volunteered thousands of hours this year to various charities and
community projects. A minimum of 15 hours is required but many volunteered way above the required minimum. We are very proud of their efforts
and their contribution to our community. Below are just a few examples of what our seniors have been doing all year:
Shelby Ellsworth, Hayley Hodgins, and Taylor White held a Diabetes Awareness
night.
Jessica Madrigal volunteered at Kadlec Medical Center as an interpreter.
Ken Lippold helped tutor elementary band students.
Ubaldo Mendoza took senior pictures for CHS students that couldn’t afford to
have their pictures taken professionally.
Kelsey Merrill made hats for cancer patients.
Sandra Murillo and Jacy-Leigh Conklin presented a program on Teens Against
Tobacco.
Many students volunteered hundreds of hours to Habitat for Humanities.
Veronica Garcia, Eric Harter, Nichole Martin, Jennifer Renteria, Matthew
Studevant, and Tyler Waters volunteered at the Sexual Assault Response Center
(SARC) by repairing wooden sculptures representing abused children which are placed
around town to raise awareness towards child abuse.
Diana Contreras and Sandra Lopez volunteered at a senior citizen retirement home
where they did activities with the residents.
Karla Ramiro volunteered for RealLife Photography and helped with their photo
shoots.
Rachelle Johnson helped her church conference leadership team plan retreats and
conferences for middle school and high school students for the coming year.
Darylin Questad and Olga Sholotyuk held a fundraiser at Atomic Bowl to raise money
for C.O.L.E.S. Foundation (Bowl for Cole) which helps families facing a medical crisis.
Miranda Wilcox put together a Valentine Date Night for the foster parents of children
from the Olive Crest Foundation (an organization that helps abused, neglected and at
-risk children and their families).
Isela Yepez volunteered at Meals on Wheels (an organization that delivers meals to
homebound senior citizens).
Kevin Barajas volunteered at the Red Cross and worked on a project to raise fire
awareness in vulnerable neighborhoods throughout Pasco.
Nicholas Prasch collected older computers and refurbished/updated them
to give to the Boys & Girls Club.
Betty Wharton and Courtney Moon volunteered at a local food bank by
sorting food and helping people shop for food.
Coleman Knight volunteered to clean up a local cemetery.
Ivonne Mendoza volunteered at Catholic Family & Child Services, helping
to organize activities for children in daycare. She is still going once a
week for 2 hours even though she has her required hours.
Brittany Hall was part of a mission team who traveled to Tacoma and
New Orleans to help the homeless.
Diana Castro volunteered at a local hospital helping people with their
physical therapy (she plans on being a physical therapist one day).
Erick Ramirez & Socrates Escalera tutored kids at the Collegium Youth Center.
Mayra Rivera helped tutor students at the Boys & Girls Club.
Blake Uribe & Ryan Johnson helped an elderly disabled neighbor clean up his
yard, garage and ran errands for him.
Katie Arendt & Ashley Kelly organized a blood drive and collected 56 units of blood.
Seniors
waiting to
present to
judges
Great Job Seniors!
You Did It!

CHS Newsletter Page 4
The “triple threat” or better known
as the “Steele triplets” are set to
go their separate ways after
graduation. Spencer, Austin and
Timothy are heading to Brigham
Young University in Idaho this fall,
but instead of living together as they
have their entire lives, they are
branching out. They will live in
different dorms/apartments and will
be studying different things.
Spencer plans to major in accounting,
Austin plans to major in the
medical field, and Timothy plans to
major in computer science.
Spencer says (the spokesman for
the three), “We are branching out,
but will stay close to each other.” They have
been in the same classes from kindergarten
through 11 th grade. They have even shared the
same friends over the years. Having different
friends will be something new.
The Steele household is lively enough with 8
kids (they are in the middle) and when a set of
triplets is in the mix, they can create plenty of
action and probably some anxiety for their parents.
Spencer remarked, “As toddlers, our
parents were always afraid when it was
quiet and they had not seen us for a while.
We‟ve been known to plaster walls with
eggs or unroll a gazillion of toilet paper rolls
on the floor.”
Steele Triplets Set To Go Separate Ways
Steele Triplets (left to right) Austin—Spencer—Timothy
One story that stands out in their minds was at
scout camp one year. They visited their older
brothers’ scout camp one summer and ended
up participating in a skit. On closing night,
every troop performed a skit, and their brothers’
troop’s tradition was to do the “enlarging machine.”
They would hold up a tarp and bang
pots and pans behind it as a spoon was thrown
in and a shovel thrown out, or have a small boy
go in and a large man come out. They decided
to switch it up during the skit and change the
machine to a “duplication machine.” Austin
was staged in the audience, and when it was
time to pick a victim from the audience, he
raised his hand and was picked. Austin was
thrown in amidst a racket of noise, and with
some delay Timothy and Spencer came out the
other end with Austin. The audience gasped
and yelled and clapped, they couldn’t believe
their eyes!
The boys say they are similar yet unique in their
interests and personalities. They have all been
involved in student leadership and the Buddy
Club during all four years of high school. Timothy
did cross-country his junior and senior year,
while Austin and Spencer didn’t do any sports.
Spencer has scoliosis (Timothy and Austin
don’t) and he does pilates which helps a lot.
They all enjoy reading and are
in the top 10 of the senior class.
All three are involved in the
Millionaire Club on campus, a
club that Timothy started this
year.
During their senior year they
have taken fewer classes together,
as Timothy went from
part-time to full-time Running
Start at CBC, Spencer took
accounting classes while Austin
sang in chamber choir and had
a lead part in the fall play, “The
Diary of Anne Frank.”
They are looking forward to the
next stage in their life, but are
glad to have been a part of Chiawana. “One
huge thing we like about Chiawana is how
friendly and open the administration is, and
how they value students and their input.
This has impact on students and teachers
and invites a warm atmosphere. The students,
and especially the seniors, have also
made Chiawana what it is. As Chiawana
opened, the class of 2011 developed their
own vision of what we were to become and
how to set us apart from other schools—in
athletics and sportsmanship, in all of our
activities, and in our words and actions. We
are very proud to be a part of the first graduating
class of Chiawana,” says Spencer. His
brothers ditto or is that triple his comments.
Congratulations and may your
successes be tripled!
Seniors, Carra
McManamon and
Elise Gudbrandsen
(foreign exchange
student from Norway)
are all smiles picking
up their cap and
gown on May 10.
For more Senior information
visit our website:
http://
www.psd1.org/189020420131431310/
blank/browse.asp?
Chiawana Seniors Pulling
In the Scholarships
Chiawana Seniors have been busy applying for scholarship money
throughout the year. Carmen Gonzalez, CHS Career Specialist, is a
catalyst to helping seniors find scholarship money that is available. To
date, CHS seniors have earned over two million dollars in scholarships
and counting.
Way to go Seniors!
Mission Statement: To ignite world-class learning, resulting in thoughtful and accomplished individuals.

CHS Newsletter Page 5
Cristian Torres Accepted Into
U.S. Marine Corps Band
Senior, Cristian Torres, is looking
for adventure after graduation.
Rather than attending college in the
fall like many of her classmates,
she will be in the U.S. Marine
Corps. In fact, she was inducted
into the corps on May 4. Her goal is
to play in one of the U.S. Marine
Corps Bands (14 bands in the
corps). The bands do over 400
performances a year in the U.S.
and around the world. In February
she auditioned in Seattle for the
corps before she signed on the
Senior, Cristian Torres dotted line to enlist. She made the
final cut and will be leaving for boot
camp at Paris Island, South Carolina in October. After boot camp she
will spend a month in combat training and then start a rigorous six
months of music training in Virginia before she is placed in a band.
Cristian was born in Richland and has attended Pasco schools her
whole life. She is the youngest of three siblings. She acquired another
sibling this year when one of Chiawana’s foreign exchange students,
Ash Diallo (France), joined their family. “It‟s been a fun and interesting
year with Ash. My mom and Ash especially get along and
have a great time together,” says Cristian.
She began playing the trombone in the 5 th grade and last year started
playing the baritone. At state last year she competed in the brass duet
and received a superior rating. This year she placed in the top 8 at the
state solo and ensemble contest along with band-mate Blake Ortiz.
“My passion is music and writing. I may even enlist for four more
years and train in public affairs and media. After that I want to
earn a music degree and teach,” says Cristian. She has been getting
a taste of teaching by tutoring McLoughlin Middle School band students
for her senior project. And, she has been practicing her writing skills as
the Co-Editor of the school newspaper this year.
When asked about being the first class to graduate from CHS she said,
“It‟s been a great experience at CHS and I love starting new traditions
and being part of them.”
Congratulations Christian and thank
you for serving our country.
You represent Chiawana Pride!
A Note from the Principal
Dear Parents/Guardians:
We are almost at the end of our
second year of operation. We are
continuing to set traditions and
create a culture where learning is
our paramount charge. We are
excited to make graduation our
next big tradition-laden function.
We hope you will join us on June
4, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at Edgar
Brown Stadium for Chiawana’s
first ever commencement exercise.
This is a great opportunity for you
to share with your younger students
how important it is to keep
their eye on the prize, imagining
Teri Kessie
his or herself walking across the
stage to receive the diploma that will be their gateway to a future full of
promise.
As happy as we are with how Chiawana has progressed thus far, we
will be in a continual process of improvement. We are currently in the
process of gathering academic, discipline and perception data to reflect,
diagnose, evaluate, and adjust the “way we do things around
here” in order to make sure all of our students are successful. Last
year and this year have been the baseline data gathering years so we
know where we need to improve. We have collected academic data
regarding HSPE test scores, student GPA’s, along with F rates. We
are collecting perception data via surveys of parents, students, and
staff. Discipline data is also important to analyze in terms of absence
rates, numbers of suspensions and expulsions, as well as number of
tardy incidences.
In the fall, the staff will be developing a School Improvement Plan
where this data will play an important role as we become a data driven
organization. Please watch our website for ways in which you can
contribute to this process. If you would like to make any comments or
have any questions that would help this process, please use the comment
section on our website. We look forward to hearing from you and
working together with you in the future to make Chiawana the best
school we can be.
I would like to personally congratulate the “Class of 2011.” We are so
proud of you! Don’t forget we are offering summer school for students
needing to catch up on credits. Wishing all Riverhawks a safe and
happy summer.
Sincerely,
Teri Kessie
Senior Fest Assembly
Honoring CHS Seniors
Friday ~ June 3 @ 9:13 am ~ Gym
(parents are welcome)
Mission Statement: To ignite world-class learning, resulting in thoughtful and accomplished individuals.

CHS Newsletter Page 6
First to Graduate in Family
Senior, Chey‟anne Plocher‟s goal since 8 th grade was to finish higher in school than her parents did. She will
be the first to graduate in her family. Born in Idaho, she came to the Tri-Cities four years ago and attended Pasco
High School before transferring to Chiawana. She struggled through her freshman year and again her junior year
because of family issues. Without much support from home, she has been a self motivator and has kept her eyes
on the prize. She credits friends and awesome teachers all through high school who have helped her stay on
course (Mr. Covington, Mr. Suits, Mrs. Lehrman, Mr. Shimek, and Ms. LeDuc). Chey’anne says, “Chiawana has
been a great experience for me. I love being able to start new traditions and the school is more like a
family to me. I also love Hawktime, it has really helped me with my homework. It‟s going to be great to
be the first class to graduate.” Her future plans are to attend CBC and then transfer to a university to pursue a
degree in agriculture. For her senior project she volunteered for the Benton/Franklin County Fair Board. She has
been active in FFA, Leadership, ASB, and basketball.
Senior, Ana Batalla was born in Mexico to migrant parents. Her mother and grandmother immigrated to the U.S.
when Ana was 8 months old, dreaming of more opportunities for her family. Ana is the 2 nd oldest daughter of five
and will be the first to graduate from high school. Ana said, “My mom is so happy, this is what she dreamed
of when she came to the U.S.” Being a single mom raising five daughters has not been easy, but worth the
effort. Ana says, “I want to instill that „can do spirit‟ in my siblings. It‟s so important to me to show my
mom that we can move on and take advantage of the opportunities available.” Ana remembers those who
have helped their family along the way, for instance, Catholic Family and Child Services was there for her family,
so Ana decided to volunteer her time at their daycare for her senior project. She helps organize activities for the
kids. Her goal after high school is to attend CBC and go into social work. She would love to help troubled teens
see their potential. She has loved being at Chiawana and says, “It‟s so friendly here, I have a lot more friends
and the teachers and staff are so willing to help you. I also love being part of the first CHS class to
graduate.”
Senior, Bihaney Pineda was born and raised in Pasco. She lives with her mom and four other siblings. She
attended Pasco High her freshman and sophomore years before transferring to CHS. Bihaney admits, “I made
some really bad decisions those first two years of high school. I was flunking all my classes and not
really thinking about graduating. When I came to Chiawana, I decided I need to change and make better
decisions. I had to work really hard to make up the credits I lost the previous two years. Chiawana has
been a totally positive experience for me. One of the classes that changed my life was in Mrs. Vancil‟s
Contemporary World Problems class. We had to do a project on world problems and I did mine on
women‟s human trafficking. That project changed the course of my life. I now want to pursue a career in
women‟s health. I plan to attend CBC and obtain my OB/GYN Sonography (ultra sound) certificate.” She
volunteered at a retirement home for her senior project and enjoyed helping the elderly very much. Her family is
very proud of her and she is setting the example for her younger siblings.
Senior, Sandra Murillo has two reasons to celebrate on June 4. Not only will she be part of the first CHS class
to graduate but she is also the first in her family to graduate from high school.
Sandra was born in Wenatchee and came to the Tri-Cities when she was only a few months old. Her parents
were migrants but finally settled in Pasco. She is the oldest of three siblings. Her parents dream is to see all
three of their children graduate from high school, something they were not able to do. “My parents have been a
constant encouragement throughout my school years and I hope to set an example for my younger siblings,”
says Sandra. “My father says that he will probably be crying during the graduation ceremony,” she
added.
Congratulations Graduates!

CHS Newsletter Page 7
Seniors, Jacob and
Casey Kasselder
(twins) came into
this world prematurely.
Jacob, born
the stronger of the
two, was able to
leave the hospital
soon after birth and
has not had any
Casey Kasselder disabilities. Casey,
on the other hand,
remained in the hospital for several months.
She was soon diagnosed with cerebral palsy
and her family realized that her life was not
going to be an easy one. So, Casey began the
journey of coping and living with her disabilities.
In the third grade she received another diagnosis,
she also had epilepsy. When she thought
that things could not get worse, she received
yet another surprise diagnosis, one she didn’t
want to hear. The doctors told her that she had
Triumph Over Obstacles
been misdiagnosed at birth, she did not have
cerebral palsy, but a rare hereditary disease
called “Friedreich‟s Attaxis.” This disease
affects the muscles and heart. By 8 th grade she
was in a wheel chair. Casey said, “The hardest
thing for me to overcome is trusting
people and having to rely on others to take
care of me.” Living in an all male environment
at home, her middle school vice principal
thought Casey would be better served if she
had a female job coach. Chris Mayfield was
assigned to assist Casey one-on-one and has
been with her all through high school. The two
of them have built a life-long friendship and it
will be a very difficult adjustment not having
Chris with her when she goes off to college.
Chris comments, “Casey had so many issues
when I was first assigned to her, very fearful
and lots of trust issues, but she has overcome
so many of these things. I‟m really
proud of her for letting herself be open to
trusting others.” How does Casey feel about
graduating? “I‟m a little scared but anxious
to move on,” says Casey. She plans on attending
CBC to earn her AA and then transfer
to Heritage University with the hope of becoming
a rehabilitation counselor and possibly an
inspirational speaker. Casey was very moved
by Nick Vujicic (see page 8) when he came to
CHS. He inspired and motivated her to not give
up on pursuing her dreams.
For Casey’s senior project, she organized a
benefit concert/silent auction to raise funds for
the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Along
with her brother Jacob and several other senior
classmates (their senior project too) they raised
over $5,000. Casey loves Chiawana and has
been active in leadership class, the Buddy
Club, and is active in her youth group at church.
Even though her life has had a lot of obstacles,
she has risen above them and is excited to be
one of the first graduates of CHS.
Thank You Parents/Guardians
Graduation is an exciting time for the
graduating senior. It’s an exciting
time for parents and guardians as
well. The administrators and staff at
Chiawana High School would like to
thank you for the years of support,
time, and encouragement given to
help your senior reach this important
milestone in his/her life.
Graduation is a time to celebrate.
May your efforts be richly rewarded.
Graduation Practices
June 1 & 2
8:45 am @ CHS Auditorium
June 3
12:30 pm @ Stadium
(all seniors need to be at practices)
Senior Barbecue
Friday, June 3
11:30 am
Edgar Brown Stadium
(students will be bussed to stadium)
Senior
Baccalaureate
Thursday ~ June 2
7:00 p.m.
CHS Theatre
(everyone welcome)
Graduation Seating for Seniors
Attention Seniors! Last day to sign up for
seating at graduation is June 1 st . Sign up in
the library with Mrs. Harker.
Senior Party
June 4
10:00 pm—3:00 am
Lifequest in Pasco
(Road 68)
Tickets-$10.00 each
(Sponsored by parentsnot
a school event)
Mission Statement: To ignite world-class learning, resulting in thoughtful and accomplished individuals.

CHS Newsletter Page 8
Students were spellbound as they listened to
motivational speaker Nick Vujicic share his
story on May 6 th . Born in Australia, Nick came
into this life without arms, legs and only one left
foot (with two toes). Of course, that presents
challenges that most people can not even
imagine. Propped on top of a table, Nick
jumped around and gestured with his foot and
spoke with much humor to his audience. His
humor included remarks like, “I love to freak
people out when they see me,” says Nick.
Nick hasn’t always been the uplifting speaker
he is today. He knows first hand what teasing,
bullying, loneliness and depression is all about.
In fact, when he was in grade school, he decided
he couldn’t take the teasing any longer
and wanted to end his life. He made two attempts
to drown himself in the bathtub. On his
third attempt, a picture flashed across his mind,
he saw his mom and dad crying at his funeral.
He made the decision then that he could not do
that to his parents. So where did he find his
strength to go on? He is the first to say that it
isn’t him, but his faith in God that keeps him
going and a belief that every person has a purpose
in this life. He also attributes his family
and friends for helping him get where he is
today. When he changed his attitude, his life
began to take a turn. He had to give a speech
one day in class and after giving his speech, his
teacher and several classmates began to cry.
He realized that maybe he could turn his disability
into a liability, thus the dream to become
a motivational speaker.
Nick Vujicic Inspires Students
Motivational speaker—
Nick Vujicic
At 28 years of age, he is a college graduate,
president of an international non-profit organization,
and has his own motivational speaking
company— “Attitude Is Altitude.” He is a
sought after speaker around the world, speaking
to churches, schools, conventions, corporations
and even to presidents. In 2005 he was
nominated for the “Young Australian of the
Year.” He did not win the award but being
nominated is a great honor in Australia.
He challenged students to be over-comers
when life throws you unexpected twists. He’s
also not as handicapped as you would think. He
has learned to write with a pen in his mouth, he
can type 43 words per minute on the computer
with his toes, he swims and plays soccer. “I
did break my foot one time playing soccer,”
jokes Nick. He used to pray for a miracle, now
he hopes to be a miracle to someone else. He
shared a story about
a family who had a
baby boy born just
like him, left foot too.
They were very despondent
about their
little boy and wondered
how he would
get through life. After
meeting Nick, they
realized that their little
“Never give
up, love yourself,
and love
others.”
boy would be
able to do lots of things in life they didn’t think
he would. He became their miracle and he
says, “I was so excited to see someone who
looked just like me! You never know what‟s
around the corner, but you have to go
around the corner to find out.” Nick’s parting
words to students were, “Never give up, love
yourself, and love others.” He also has a
biographical book out, “Life Without Limbs.”
You can follow Nick on his website at:
http://www.attitudeisaltitude.com/aboutusnick.php
22 nd Annual HAAP Awards
TRAC was the setting for the 22 nd annual Hispanic Academic
Achievers Program (HAAP) Awards on April 29 th . With literally
thousands of people in attendance, including 3,000 students from
grades 4-12, who were being honored for maintaining a 3.0 GPA
or above. As the evening wore down and the excitement grew, it
came down to awarding $41,000 to Tri-City Seniors. Scholarships are awarded based on
Hispanic heritage, financial need, leadership, civic and extra-curricular activities, academic
achievement (maintaining a 3.0 GPA all through high school), and plans to pursue
higher education. Twenty three seniors received scholarships totaling $41,000. Out of
those twenty three, Chiawana had eight scholarship winners:
Howard Durrant
Socrates Escalera
Conny Garcia
Andres Herrera
Jose A. Mendoza
Jorge Negrete
Daniel Ramirez
Carlos Sandoval
WAY TO GO RIVERHAWKS!
PNNL Awards
Summer Internships
The Student Research Apprenticeship Program
(SRAP) at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
has awarded four CHS students a paid summer internship.
Students will spend fours days a week assigned
to a scientist-mentor in a specific research
area. One day each week is devoted to educational,
career, and leadership development activities involving
laboratory demonstrations, field trips, team building
and communications workshops, and career
awareness. This is a great honor to be chosen.
Jose Mendoza (senior)
Howard Durrant (senior)
Brenda Villasenor (junior)
Annaliza Mariscal (junior)
Congratulations Riverhawks!

CHS Newsletter Page 9
CHS DECA Chapter Receives Grant
At the May 10 th school board meeting, CHS and PHS DECA Chapters
were awarded grants from State Farm Insurance. State Farm agents
Luis Garza, Scott Sintay, and Craig Griffiths presented checks to each
chapter. Chiawana was presented a $2,000 check for their “Shift Into
Safey” program. Each chapter submitted a grant proposal to State
Farm to help raise awareness of two serious safety issues that affect
teens. Both schools are using the grant money to create marketing materials
and organize events to help students be aware of dangerous
driving habits with the goal of changing students behavior behind the
wheel.
Chiawana’s campaign is called “You Booze, You Cruise, You Lose,” a
theme designed to raise awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving.
The grant helped fund the “Every 15 Minutes” program as well, as
wristbands and T-shirts to promote the campaign among students, staff
and community members. The main focus is to ask students to not drink
and drive. This is also the 4 th year in a row under Leslie Bell’s (DECA
teacher) leadership that this grant has been awarded.
Way to go Leslie!
3502 Hovely Lane ~ Pasco
(located in 1st Place Development)
Team Pasco Home Dedication
“Team Pasco Home 2010-2011” was officially dedicated on May 25.
This is the first year that Chiawana and Pasco High School Construction
Trades students, under teacher John Weatherby, collaborated to
build a home. Formally called “The Bulldog House,” the name has
been changed to “Team Pasco Homes,” for future homes. This is
the 13 th home built since the program was implemented.
There are many more students involved in the program also. Ag Science
classes do the landscaping, Interior Design students select the
interior colors, fixtures, carpets, etc. An accounting student helps do
the bookkeeping. All of these students have an opportunity to apply
for scholarships. Another key component is the many community
members, businesses, and contractors that donate their time, products,
or labor to the project. The program is one of a kind and has
been recognized over the years locally, at the state, and national levels.
The program has a non-profit board made up of community members
who oversee the program and allocate the funds to run the program.
This year the board awarded over $16,000 in scholarships. Chiawana
seniors received five of those scholarships: Michael Grimsley, Alex
Licon, Octavio Zamudio, Yuriva Bueno, and Josefina Velasquez.
Congratulations Riverhawks!
Stage Flight
(Left to right) DECA students Hailey Boice, Hannah Bosch, Scott
Sintay (State Farm Insurance), and McKenzie Caughey are presented
with a $2,000 grant at a recent school board meeting.
Energy Solutions Scholarship
Another sought after scholarship is the “Energy Solutions
Scholarship.” This merit-based scholarship is awarded
only to sophomores. Eleven Washington sophomores
were selected to receive $2,000 in scholarship money.
CHS sophomore, Kylee Anderson was one of those
recipients. The energy Solutions Foundation is dedicated to the promotion
of math, science, and engineering education.
Way to go Kylee!
We‟ve got talent, yes we do! May 11 th showcased the many talents
of CHS during our first ever talent show. We even discovered a few
hidden talents? Advanced marketing students planned and produced
the show as a Junior Achievement company project. “Stage Flight”
was the theme with Ky Burton as emcee (who is very talented himself).
After an evening of performances, a panel of judges deliberated
and made the tough choices for the top winners. Our CHS talent show
winners are:
1 st place—the team of Nick Longoria, Christian Jones -
Miriscotta and Geramey Duckworth for their song writing
and hip hop performance.
2 nd place—Savanna Moran for her guitar/vocal performance
3 rd place—Dennis Farrell for guitar solo
A big thank you to our panel of judges as well as our staff, administration,
participants and audience. It was a great night of entertainment.
Mission Statement: To ignite world-class learning, resulting in thoughtful and accomplished individuals.

CHS Seniors were presented a very real
and emotional enactment of what can
result from “drinking and driving” on May
26 th . The “Every 15 Minutes” program
is presented each year to thousands of
students around the country. The twoday
program focuses on high school seniors,
and challenges them to think about
drinking, driving, personal safety, and the
responsibility of making mature decisions.
Along with alcohol related crashes, it
focuses on the impact that their decisions
would have on family and friends. The
event begins the day before the simulated
crash, when students will be “taken” by
the grim reaper, one every 15 minutes,
throughout the school day. Students
were not allowed to communicate with
others as they were marked to signify
they were “deceased.”
The following day, students were brought
outside to view a real simulation of an
alcohol related crash. Students played
the victims—Pasco/Kennewick firefighters,
policeman, paramedics, and even the
coroner responded to the simulated 911
call. Responders performed exactly as if
they were at a real accident, even using
the “jaws of life” to remove a victim (who
died) out of a smashed car. The whole
experience was very chilling to watch.
Onlookers
“Every 15 Minutes”
After the simulation, students regrouped
in the auditorium to attend the funeral for
the two students who died in the accident.
The mothers of the deceased victims
read letters to the audience, then the
victims read letters to their family. There
were lots of tears shed, adults and students
alike. It was very intense and emotional.
Many thanks to the City of Pasco/
Kennewick for providing the cars and
personnel to present such a vivid simulation.
Also, thanks to the hard work of
CHS Advanced Marketing classes and
DECA students for planning and implementing
the program. Three seniors
(Hailey Boice, Hannah Bosch and
McKenzie Coughey) wrote a grant which
provided the funds for the event. The
grant was awarded by State Farm Insurance.
CHS Counselors, Carmen
Zamora and Leadership students also
helped with the program. At the end,
students were challenged to stand up and
take a pledge to not drink and drive.
Thank you to Marketing teacher, Leslie
Bell, who was instrumental in initiating
this first CHS “Every 15 Minutes.”
Don’t Drink & Drive!
The Party
The Victims
The Passengers
The Accident
Breathalyzer
Test
Responders
Jaws of Life
The Mourners
The Funeral

CHS Newsletter Page 11
CHS Special Olympians Compete in Special Olymics
Rally tunnels are the custom at CHS, sending our competitors
off in grand style. It was no different on May 11 when
our CHS Special Olympians were cheered and applauded
as they loaded on the bus to compete in the 2011
Special Olympics at Fran Rish Stadium in Richland.
They were all decked out in their Riverhawk gear and
pumped for a day of competition in track and field events.
There was an abundance of smiles as each athlete finished
his/her event. In the end, all were winners, as they
proudly wore their medals and ribbons.
Mission Statement: To ignite world-class learning, resulting in thoughtful and accomplished individuals.

CHS Newsletter Page 12
Career & Technical Education (CTE) News
CHS Students Receive
Paid Internships at PNNL
or Energy Northwest
Each year Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
(PNNL) and Energy Northwest select area high
school students to receive a “paid internship” for a
year. Out of 22 positions available, six positions were
filled with CHS students. Those who will serve their
internship in 2011-12 are:
Jazmine Cartagena (Junior)
Kellsey Flieger (Junior)
Amjad Al-Shakarji (Sophomore)
Kristen Carpenter (Sophomore)
Rebecca Zepeda (Junior)
Lesly Ibarra (Junior)
Chiawana students impressed the interviewers with
their professionalism.
Way to go Riverhawks!
Congratulations to CHS Floriculture Students
Columbia Basin College was the setting for the 1 st Annual Pasco School District All-
Day Floral Event on April 15. Over 20 floral teams competed with CHS winning four out
of the five top places in wedding design, including 1 st place. “I am very proud of all 55
of my floral students who attended the event and displayed great leadership qualities,”
stated Kim Lehrman, Ag Science teacher. The winning teams included:
1 st Place Team: Brenda Montalvo, Danielle Cantu, Valentina Steyla, and
Jessica Farias
2 nd Place Team: Elizabeth Cruz, Gabby Contreras, Jayme Quiroz, Jorge
Negrete, and Olga Porcayo
4 th Place Team: Claudia Jaime, Yeseli Salcedo, Yamiri Celis, Monica
Contreras, and Claudia Lopez
5 th Place Team: Isabel Velasquez, Luz Vaca, Laura Contreras, Cristal
Paniagua, and Jessica Lesher
DECA Students Fly to Orlando
CHS DECA students Shanice Butts, Jessica Ibarra,
Ashley Good, Deanna Boyle, and Atara Young left
on April 29 th to attend the DECA International Career
Development Conference in Orlando, Florida. The
troupe earned the trip by qualifying at the State DECA
Conference last March.
Shanice, Jessica and Ashley competed in the Chapter
Awards Project while Deanna attended the Chapter
Management Academy and Atara attended the Senior
Management Institute. They were able to interact with
thousands of students from all over the country as well
as other countries in leadership, networking and teambuilding
activities.
Of course what would a trip to Orlando be without visiting
Disney World. It was a trip of a lifetime and one
they soon won’t forget.
1 st Place Team in Wedding Design (left to right): Danielle Cantu, Brenda
Montalvo, Valentina Steyla, and Jessica Farias.
Floral students
participating
in the all-day
floral event
at CBC.
Mission Statement: To ignite world-class learning, resulting in thoughtful and accomplished individuals.

CHS Newsletter Page 13
Who Will Wear the Crown?
Five Chiawana students will be competing this
summer in local pageants. Seniors, Courtney
Campbell, Ashley Davis and Shanice Butts will
compete in the Miss Tri-Cities Pageant on July
23 at Kennewick High School. The Miss Tri-Cities
pageant is a scholarship pageant and also part of the Miss America
Program. Each contestant must present a platform to promote during
their reign. All three girls will be singing for the talent portion of the
pageant.
Shanice Butts will promote “youth enpowerment”. She
plans to get a degree in in business administration.
Ashley Davis will promote “volunteerism”. She plans to
study communications and attend law school.
Courtney Campbell will promote “adoption.” She will attend
Whitworth University and major in pharmacy.
Two other CHS students, Jadelyn Breier (freshman) and Janae
Calaway (sophomore), will be competing in the Miss Tri-Cities Outstanding
Teen Pageant on July 22 at Kennewick High School. This
pageant is part of the Miss America Outstanding Teen program.
Jadelyn will sing and Janae will dance for their talent portion.
Good Luck Girls!
Thank You PEAK! Partners
Curtis & Susan Dahl
(John L. Scott Realty)
Scott Sintay
(State Farm Insurance)
Special thanks to Chiawana’s PEAK! Partners, Curtis and Susan
Dahl (John L. Scott Realty) and Scott Sintay (State Farm Insurance)
for supporting CHS students/staff again this year. We appreciate
all your time, efforts and contributions. Together we can accomplish
more!
May 2-4 was National “Teacher Appreciation Week.” Chiawana
High School is very fortunate to have a talented, dedicated, and qualified
staff of teachers. Our teachers spend countless hours inside and
outside of the classroom during the school year to help our students
achieve their best.
In addition to teaching, teachers are busy planning lessons, grading
papers, chaperoning activities, acting as club advisors, and attending
many meetings, workshops, and conferences. All teachers are lifelong
learners and work diligently to inspire their students. Teachers
do make a difference in students’ lives. Chiawana has some pretty
classy teachers!
Jose Mejia Receives the
North Star Award
Superintendent, Saundra Hill made a surprise announcement on May
26 th during a recent staff meeting. CHS Math teacher, Jose Mejia was
asked to come forward and accept the “North Star Award.” This award
recognizes any PSD staff member
who goes above and beyond.
Nominations can be sent in from
PSD staff members or members of
the community. In this case, a
parent of one of Jose’s students
nominated him for this award. The
nomination letter read, “Mr. Mejia
has shown dedication to his
students‟ success through monitoring
their individual progress,
communicating with students
AAAS Awards
(Afro-American Academics Society)
The 35 th annual AAAS Awards Banquet was held at TRAC on May 22.
Clarence Alford, a long time Pasco educator (retired), was very proud of
this year’s honoree’s. He was instrumental in founding this organization
back in 1976. The goal of the organization is to honor black Tri-City
students academically who have maintained a 3.0 or higher GPA
throughout their high school career. The organization is funded through
donations and this year $30,000 in scholarships was awarded to local
seniors. Over 300 students were recognized. Chiawana had three deserving
seniors receive scholarships:
Shanice Butts
Pilot Lapaya
Jasmine Hicks-Simms
Principal, Teri Kessie congratulates Jose Mejia
for receiving the “North Star Award”
and parents on a regular basis,
and offering his time before
school to help with their struggles.
I am amazed at the effort, care and time he puts forth to help
each student be successful and accountable. He goes above and
beyond for his students.”
Thanks Jose for “being there”
for our kids, congratulations!
Congratulations Riverhawks!
THANK YOU,
CHIAWANA TEACHERS,
YOU MAKE THE
DIFFERENCE!
Mission Statement: To ignite world-class learning, resulting in thoughtful and accomplished individuals.

CHS Newsletter Page 14
National Nurses Week
Erin Hultgrenn
“FISH” Philosophy
Be There
Choose Your Attitude
Play
Make Their Day
Carolyn Chapman
National Nurses Week was recognized the week of May 6-12.
The week honors the nursing profession and recognizes the
dedication and hard work that nurses do on a daily basis caring
for their patients.
Chiawana has two outstanding nurses, Erin Hultgrenn and
Carolyn Chapman. These ladies take their job very seriously,
making sure students take their prescribed medicines, helping
with medical emergencies that arise (which is often in a school
this size), instructs students in health care and keeps student
health records up to date. Health aide, Lynn Urbach, also
plays an important role here at CHS.
Erin Hultgrenn was born and raised in Pasco, graduating from
Pasco High in 1998. She received her nursing degree from
Washington State University. In 2004 she started working in
the Pasco School District after working several years at a local
clinic. Her first assignment was Pasco High School and then
transferred to Chiawana when it opened. She also has a master’s
degree in Public Health. Erin is married to Brian Hultgrenn,
another PHS graduate, and mother to 2 boys, Cole (2
yrs.) and Vincent (8 mos).
Carolyn Chapman was born in Spokane, graduating from John
Rodgers High School. She then attended Spokane Community
college and graduated with a medical assistant certificate.
She spent the next several years working in various doctor’s
offices. She also worked for several doctors in the Tri-Cities
after moving here. She took some time off and then in 1993
she went to CBC to earn her R.N. degree. With degree in hand
she began working for the Pasco School District as Mark
Twain’s nurse. She retired in 2009, at least she thought she
retired. She is working at CHS two days a week and two days
at Rowena Chess. Carolyn said, “I‟ve never worked with
older kids and when asked to work at Chiawana, I wasn‟t
sure I would like it, but I have really enjoyed being here. I
have enjoyed job sharing with Erin. She is great to work
with as well as everyone else here.”
Delia Santillan Is All About Helping Families
CHS Home Visitor, Delia
Santillan is an energetic
personality at CHS that
has a heart and a passion
for our kids. She is the
liaison or communicator
between the school and
parents. “My job isn‟t
easy, but I love it,” says
Delia. To stay so enthusiastic
after more than 10
years on the job says a lot
about her.
Delia seems to have a nose for finding
out the needs of our students. For
example, she was instrumental in gathering
donations from staff when one of
our student’s home burned down last
fall. She collected all the donations
and delivered them herself.
Her official job description is helping
migrant families fill out paperwork such
as free and reduced lunch forms, registration
packets for new migrant students,
and eligibility forms for the migrant
program. Finding resources for
personal needs like clothing, school
supplies, even personal hygiene products
is also part of her job. She directs
families to other Tri-City agencies for
assistance when needed. Being a
CHS Principal on Special Assignment,
Robert Elizondo has announced
that he is leaving Chiawana
after accepting a new position as principal
of Riverside High School in
Boardman, Oregon. He will end his
duties here at the end of June and
begin his new post on August 1, 2011.
Elizondo has been with the district
since 2002 at various posts; Dean of
Students (Pasco High), Vice Principal
(McLoughlin), Principal (Stevens) before
coming to Chiawana as a Principal
on Special Assignment. He has been
a great advocate for students and has
worked closely with parents and the
community as well as being an avid
supporter of Chiawana’s mission and
vision. “It has been a pleasure and
an honor to have served and represented
you in our community. We
have a wonderful school with great
CHS Home Visitor-
Delia Santillan
families.
home visitor means that
she personally visits the
homes of many of our
students. She goes the
extra mile for our kids and
always with a smile. Being
a child of migrant parents
growing up, she
knows firsthand
the
needs of
these
“My job isn’t
easy, but I
love it.”
She started working for
the Pasco School District in
1981 as a home visitor, took a break to
raise her family and then returned in
2002 as a home visitor again. She has
five sons, one who will be graduating
from CHS this year (Rico Santillan).
What does she like about CHS? “I
love the warm friendly smiles from
students and staff, everyone is so
eager to help one another (students
and staff alike). My favorite part of
my job is being able to help others
in need. We have a great leader, Teri
Kessie, and staff. Chiawana rocks,”
says Delia.
Robert Elizondo Takes New Post
people, where we push, stretch and
challenge our students as we ignite
world class learning. Keep up the
good work, stay the course, keep
loving kids, and most of all, have
fun and enjoy making a difference in
the lives of our students,” says
Elizondo. CHS staff wish you much
success in your future endeavor.
Mission Statement: To ignite world-class learning, resulting in thoughtful and accomplished individuals.

CHS Newsletter Page 15
Most Inspirational Teacher
Each year, Kiwanis honors seniors along with
an inspirational teacher voted on by the seniors
themselves. This year CHS seniors voted
history teacher, Heather Axel, as their most
inspirational teacher.
Principal, Teri Kessie, was all smiles as she
announced Heather’s name, “I am thrilled to
introduce to you a teacher who inspires kids
to push themselves beyond what some have
ever imagined they can do. If you ask students
who have had her as a teacher they
would say something like: Wow! She has a
lot of energy! She makes learning interesting
and fun all the time. She never gives up
on us, even when, at times, we are—in her
words—naughty. Not only is she a motivator
for students, but also for teachers. She
was an instrumental part of developing the
foundational structures of Chiawana that
have helped us to increase learning for all
kids. She welcomes teachers who are
struggling into her room to observe what
she does, and will mentor new teachers
without ever asking a penny for it. You exemplify
the Pasco School District mission
by always putting students first to make
learning last a lifetime.”
History Teacher, Heather Axel—Kiwanis
Most Inspirational Teacher
This energetic teacher is a Pasco girl through
and through, graduating from Pasco High in
1993. She received her BA in social studies
from Washington State University in 1997 and
obtained her master’s degree in education from
Washington State University Tri-Cities in 2002.
She returned to her alma mater, Pasco High
School in 1998 as a history teacher, then transferred
to Chiawana when it opened.
She is never without a smile and says her mission
to students is, “Educating students
about social sciences is essential to them
developing into a productive, knowledgeable
citizen. I get to be a part of this development.
It is amazing to see my students
grow in their understanding of their nation
and world,” says Heather.
What does Heather like the most about CHS?
“The things I love most about CHS are the
staff and students. I love the people I work
with here at CHS. I especially love working
in my PLC. I feel like what we are doing
makes a difference in what we are teaching
and what students are learning,” says
Heather.
When Heather isn’t working, she is home enjoying
her family. She and her husband, Gordon,
have two sons, Drew (7 yrs) and Tyler (4 yrs).
Thank you Heather for being an
inspiration to our kids!
Sadie Sparks Wins State Title
Junior-Sadie Sparks
Sadie!
Other CHS track winners at state are:
Junior, Sadie Sparks, takes the state title in the
4A/100 meter hurdles at Tacoma this past weekend!
Her winning time was 14.77. The rest is history,
and history making it is, as she will go down as
“Chiawana‟s first athlete to win a 1 st place state
title.” Sadie said, “I was seeded No. 2 going in to
the meet and wasn‟t expecting to win, but, I was
the first one over the hurdles, so I just kept going.
I also beat my personal record so that was even
more exciting.”
Sadie has been running track and field events since
middle school at McLoughlin. She’s an all around
athlete, playing volleyball and basketball for CHS
(she likes being competitive). Congratulations
7 th place/4 x 100 meter relay—Alyssa Conger, Sarah
Pierce, Shelby Ellsworth, and Sadie Sparks
5 th in shot put—Daniel Hughes
2 nd place in javelin—Shelby Ellsworth
Congratulations to all athletes
for an outstanding spring
sports season!
Riverhawks are Awesome!
Softball Fans
Seniors vs. Staff Ballgame
Thursday—June 2
4:00 pm @ CHS ball field
Come support your favorite team!
(staff probably needs the most support)

CHS Newsletter Page 16
Chiawana‟s DECA Chapter and FCCLA Club competed May 18 in
“Project Goodwill,” a fashion show, at Tri-Tech Skills Center. Competition
included Pasco, Kennewick, Hanford and Southridge High
Schools. Students were challenged to produce clothing outfits designed
from items donated from Goodwill. Creativity was the key to
the competition. It was great fun seeing all the fashions that were
created. Each team was judged in seven categories; Best Overall,
Peoples Choice, Best Denim Outfit, Best Literacy Outfit, Best Donation
Box, Best Portfolio, and Best Market. Chiawana won two categories
out of the seven; Peoples Choice (DECA) and Best Literacy
Outfit (FCCLA).
1 st Place Best Literacy Outfit (FCCLA) won $200. Karina
Johnson was leader and model. Dionicio “Muffin” Delgado
and Roxie Toban was also part of the team. The dress was
made out of books provided by Goodwill.
People‟s Choice Award (CHS DECA) was awarded by the audience.
Team was Tori Banks and Deanna Boyle.
1st People‟s Choice
Tori Banks & Deanna Boyle
1st Place Literacy Outfit
Karina Johnson

CHS Newsletter Page 18
June 1
June 2
June 3
June 4
June Dates to Remember
Senior Finals (3 rd -4 th periods)
Graduation Practice @ 8:45 am—Auditorium
Senior Finals (5 th -6 th periods)
Graduation Practice @ 8:45 am—Auditorium
Baccalaureate for Seniors @ 7:00—Theatre
Senior Fest Assembly @ 9:13-10:48 am—Gym
Senior BBQ @ 11:30 am—Edgar Brown Stadium
Graduation Practice @ 12:30 pm—Edgar Brown
Stadium
Graduation @ 10:00 am @ Edgar Brown Stadium
June 9 Finals (Grades 9-11)
June 10 Finals (Grades 9-11)
June 13 Finals (Grades 9-11)
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL—Dismissal @ 10:30 am
June 19
Father’s Day
June 20 Summer School Starts (June 20-July 15)
July 4
NO SUMMER SCHOOL—4 th of July
Scenes Around CHS