Education Briefs

Hood Canal basketball team is undefeated champ

The Hood Canal Schools boys basketball team Jan. 10 placed first at the fourth annual Evergreen Classic Tournament, capping off an undefeated season.

Tommy Gouley was named the tournament's most valuable player. Teammate Tiger Tinaza was named one of the top five players. Brian Howell and Patty Gouley coach the team.

A news release from the school stated the undefeated season "showcased the team's relentless defense, swift transitions and precision shooting, which consistently outmatched their opponents. Their victories have galvanized school spirit and fostered pride throughout the local community."

The school credits its robust athletic and extracurricular programs to the "vital support" provided by the educational programs and operations levy, which funds all athletics, activities and clubs.

"The support of our community makes all the difference," Superintendent Lance Gibbon said in the news release. "Because of your continued investment, our students have access to transformative experiences that shape their futures."

The district has two levy measures on the Feb. 11 ballot.

One proposal is a six-year capital levy to pay for infrastructure and technology upgrades that would include replacing an aging transportation center and creating spaces for art, music and pre-kindergarten. The other is a four-year replacement Educational Programs Levy to sustain programs and services the district calls critical.

The renewal of an EP&O levy passed by voters four years ago would not increase the current tax, the district states. The district states that the levy is crucial for sustaining programs that are not fully funded by the state, including smaller tax sizes, special education, arts and electives, athletics, activities, field trips, nursing services and food programs.

If passed, the levy will cost homeowners a maximum $1.15 per $1,000 of assessed property value. For a home valued at $300,000, that would mean $345 annually. If that levy passes, the district will also receive $6.5 million in state matching money.

Shelton School Board selects leaders

Matt Welander and Keri Davidson were re-elected chair and vice chair of the Shelton School Board.

Their fellow board members selected them at the board's Jan. 14 meeting in the Mountain View Elementary School gym.

Davidson nominated Welander to continue in his position. Welander abstained from voting. He was selected in a 3-1 vote, with Becky Cronquist casting the "no" vote. Davidson was elected vice chair with a 4-0 vote, with Davidson abstaining.

Loren Gilmore was re-elected as the board's legislative liaison.

Local students excelling at New Hampshire college

Ten students from Mason County are making the grade at Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, New Hampshire.

Austin Brower of Shelton earned a spot on the fall 2024 dean's list. To qualify, a full-time undergraduate student must earn a GPA of 3.5 to 3.69 while earning at least 12 credits.

Nine students from Mason County were named to the president's list for fall. They earned a GPA of 3.7 or better while earning at least 12 credits. The students are Serena Jaramillo of Union, Omero Garcia of Shelton, Reiley Christensen of Shelton, Garrett Robinson of Shelton, Mariyah Derby of Shelton, Tanner Slauson of Hoodsport, Jon Babiak of Belfair, Richard Buckner of Belfair, and Claire Hackett of Belfair.

Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit accredited institution with a 92-year history of educating students.

Johnson on dean's list at UW

Mason County native Rizalina Kate Johnson earned a spot on the dean's list at the University of Washington. Johnson wants to be an anesthesiologist. Her parents are Larry and Sally Johnson.

North Dakota college honors Shelton students

Dillon Walker and Casey Reyna of Shelton earned spots on the president's honor roll for the fall 2024 semester at Bismarck State College.

To qualify, a student must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or better while enrolled in at least 12 semester hours.

Bismarck State College is North Dakota's Polytechnic Institution and offers more than 100 career pathways.