October 17, 2025

Food from Around the World: A Culinary Adventure for Students

Food Service Director Jacob Chrisman continues to bring global flavors to our students through the Food from Around the World series. Earlier in the week, students sampled a Bánh Mì Burger, and Jacob shared that he was amazed to see so many students enthusiastically trying it for the first time. These themed meals provide students with an engaging way to explore new foods and cultures, turning lunchtime into a meaningful learning experience.

Destination: Jamaica

Menu: Jerk Chicken with Cilantro Lime Rice

Midweek, students traveled to the island nation of Jamaica, where they enjoyed a taste of authentic jerk cooking. Jerk is a traditional Jamaican method of preparing meat that involves marinating or dry-rubbing with a spice mixture known as jerk seasoning, blending flavors that are smoky, spicy, and aromatic. For students who chose not to sample the meal, an accompanying cultural activity was offered so they could still receive their “passport punch” and participate in the day’s theme.

Destination: Japan

Menu: Chicken Teriyaki with Rice, Egg Roll, and Fortune Cookie

Later in the week, students journeyed to Japan, often called “The Land of the Rising Sun.” The featured meal of Chicken Teriyaki offered a flavorful introduction to a classic Japanese dish. The word teriyaki combines teri (meaning “shine” or “luster,” referring to the glossy sauce) and yaki (meaning “to grill” or “to broil”). This style of cooking dates back to the 1600s and remains a hallmark of Japanese cuisine today.

A Taste of Learning

The Food from Around the World program continues to provide a creative and enjoyable way for students to experience cultural diversity through food. It encourages curiosity, cultural appreciation, and a sense of adventure. Special thanks to Jacob Chrisman and the Food Service team for their creativity, dedication, and commitment to enriching the student experience through these global culinary journeys.

Culinary Arts Students Serve Up Success

The White Swan Community Coalition enjoyed a special treat at its October meeting, thanks to the talented Culinary Arts students in Ms. Keely Royce’s class. The students prepared and served a full lasagna feast for community leaders — and it was a tremendous success. Yes, that’s right — our students cooked and hosted the meal themselves, showcasing their growing culinary skills and hospitality. The menu featured homemade lasagna, freshly baked rolls, a crisp garden salad, two varieties of homemade cookies, and raspberry-infused water to complete the experience. Among those in attendance were Yakima County Commissioner LaDon Linde and Elder Jerry Peters, who joined other coalition members in expressing appreciation for the students’ hard work and delicious creations. This event not only provided an outstanding meal but also demonstrated the meaningful connections being built between our schools and the community. Congratulations to Ms. Royce and her students for their professionalism, teamwork, and excellence. Job well done!

Learning the Facts: White Swan Students Take a Stand on Substance Awareness

At the same White Swan Community Coalition meeting, participants took part in an interactive survey on substance awareness and learned some eye-opening facts about what is true and what is myth regarding student substance use at White Swan High School. The activity helped shine a light on the real habits and choices of our students—challenging common misconceptions and highlighting the positive decisions many are making every day. To learn more,  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LPOvX4qsiA where she explains what the data reveals about our students’ choices and how we can all continue to support healthy, informed lifestyles at White Swan High School.  

College Exploration Trip Inspires Our Seniors

We’re excited to share some great news! Yesterday, seven of our seniors returned from an inspiring college exploration trip that took them to Western Washington University, UW Tacoma, and The Evergreen State College. The trip gave students the opportunity to explore campuses, connect with college staff, and envision their future beyond graduation. It was an incredible experience that sparked excitement and motivation for the next chapter in their educational journeys. Here’s a photo of one of our seniors, Feather, proudly showing off some of the college swag she picked up along the way — a perfect reminder of the possibilities that await!

Exploring Latino History Through  Dioramas – A Hands-On Learning Experience!

Students in Mrs. Sauceda’s class have been diving deep into Latino history and culture through a unique project-based learning activity. Each student selected an influential Latin American historical figure or role model and brought their story to life by creating detailed dioramas. From  leaders to cultural icons, these creative projects reflect thoughtful research, artistic expression, and a strong connection to heritage.

Cougars Strike Back! WSHS Defeats LaSalle 30–26

The Cougars roared to victory in a thrilling showdown against the LaSalle Lightning, clinching a 30–26 win that had fans on the edge of their seats. From the first whistle to the final drive, WSHS showed heart, hustle, and Cougar pride. LaSalle’s offense brought the thunder, but our Cougars proved they can handle the storm turning every spark of Lightning into a chance to shine. Key plays, fierce defense, and unstoppable teamwork powered WSHS to a well-earned triumph. Congratulations to our players, coaches, and fans for an electrifying win! The Cougar spirit is alive and crackling onward to the next challenge! 

The White Swan High School Cougars gave an outstanding performance at the Richland track meet this past Saturday. Our athletes showed grit, focus, and Cougar pride in every event, racing hard, pushing personal bests, and supporting one another all day long. From strong finishes on the track to impressive results in the field events, the Cougars proved that dedication and teamwork lead the way to success. Congratulations to all our student-athletes and coaches for representing White Swan with heart and determination. 

The White Swan High School Cross Country team continues to impress with their determination, teamwork, and Cougar pride. Our runners have been tackling challenging courses across the region showing endurance, focus, and heart every step of the way. Whether charging up hills or sprinting to the finish, the Cougars never back down from the competition. Their dedication in practice and perseverance on race day truly reflect the spirit of White Swan athletics. Congratulations to all our runners and coaches for representing WSHS with strength and pride. The Cougars are on the run and going strong! 

Dr. Patsey Whitefoot Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award

Elder Dr. Patsey Whitefoot was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Indian Education Conference and Tradeshow, recognizing her decades of dedication and leadership in advancing Native education. Board members Larry Garcia, Jill Delany, and Dolores Martinez joined many members of our community to celebrate this remarkable honor. This award is deeply deserved, and Dr. Whitefoot’s recognition brings pride to the entire Mt. Adams School District and Yakama Nation community. In addition to the awards ceremony, Dr. Elese Washines, Rose Butterfly, J’Shon Reed, Dr. Julie Schillreff, and Dr. Curt Guaglianone was invited to present a session entitled “Empowering Sovereignty: Yakama Education Initiatives with Mt. Adams School District Implementation.” The session was well attended and provided an opportunity to share the collaborative efforts between the Yakama Nation and Mt. Adams School District supports the educational success of students and families. It was an honor for the team to highlight the strength of this partnership and the positive impact it continues to make on our community.

Tooth Savers Partnership Keeps Our Students Smiling!

For the third consecutive year, the Harrah Campus schools have proudly partnered with Tooth Savers to provide students with access to quality dental care right on campus. This ongoing collaboration continues to make a lasting impact on student health and well-being. During their most recent visit, 35 students received dental care, 18 referrals were made for additional services, and an incredible 147 dental sealants were applied to help protect our students’ teeth. We are so thankful for our continued partnership with Tooth Savers and their dedication to supporting our students’ overall health. The team will be returning in December to provide even more services and ensure our students maintain their healthy, confident smiles!

Kind Hearts, Bright Futures: A New Leadership Campaign!

If you’ve noticed new signs around the Harrah Campus, they’re part of a new Leadership class’s exciting new Spread Kindness Campaign! The goal is simple yet powerful—to inspire every student and staff member to make kindness a daily habit, creating a school where everyone feels valued, included, and connected. Over the next few weeks, several leadership students will launch a short video introducing the campaign, organize weekly kindness challenges, and set up compliment boxes for both students and staff. These activities are designed to celebrate positivity, build community, and remind us that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference. Their campaign slogan says it all: “Kind Hearts, Bright Futures.” Together, we’re building a culture of care—one kind act at a time!

A Global Lunch Adventure at Harrah takes the challenge to a new level with a Passport Punch!

In celebration of National School Lunch Week (October 13–17), Assistant Principal Navarro stated, “Our incredible Nutrition Services Team is taking students on a culinary journey around the world! Each day has featured a themed meal inspired by a different region — from Asia to Latin America — giving students the chance to explore new flavors and cultures from around the world!” Students received a special “Lunch Passport” to track their adventure! Each day they tried a meal or completed the cafeteria activity, and earned a passport punch — and those who collected all five punches won a fun prize at the end of the week. We’re so proud of our lunch staff for turning mealtime into an exciting, educational, and delicious experience for all!

Family Night Brings Culture, Learning, and Community Together

Harrah Elementary School hosted a wonderful Family Night that brought together students, families, and community members for an evening filled with culture, learning, and connection. A special thank-you goes to Marcus Wallahee, a respected community member and 2016 White Swan High School graduate, who guided participants through the hands-on process of making traditional hand drums. We also extend our gratitude to Zelda Winnier from the Yakama Nation Language Program, who shared her expertise and helped bring the Yakama language to life through interactive storytelling and instruction. The evening was a meaningful celebration of heritage, creativity, and community partnership, showcasing the strong relationships that make the Mt. Adams School District is such a special place. “It was incredible to see families working side by side, learning and creating together,” said Principal Widener. “Events like this strengthen our sense of belonging and remind us that our school is truly the heart of the community.” Assistant Principal Hernandez added, “Watching our students take pride in their culture and share that experience with their families was inspiring. The joy and connection in the room were unforgettable.” A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who made this event possible and to the families who continue to support our students through participation, pride, and presence.

Thanks to our GEAR UP program, our 8th graders had an amazing opportunity to learn from experts at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)! The PNNL STEM Outreach team led students through a series of engaging, small-group activities right here at school.

What they experienced:

• Energy Grid Management through a collaborative card game.

• STEM Career Exploration by debating the features of different tech jobs.

• Coding & Drones to solve an environmental science challenge.

It was a fantastic day of real-world learning and innovation. Way to go, 8th graders! Again, thank you to GEAR UP for making this partnership possible.