October 24, 2025

Honoring the Land We Serve

The Mt. Adams School District proudly and honorably recognizes the sacred land upon which our schools reside. In a continued effort to show respect and unity, the district has recently upgraded our flagpoles, pole lighting, and flag placements at each campus.

Today, the American flag, the Washington State flag, and the Yakama Nation flag stand together—each representing a vital part of who we are as a community. These flags serve as daily reminders of our shared history, mutual respect, and enduring partnership Mt. Adams is the only school district in Washington State located 100% within the boundaries of the Yakama Nation’s homeland, a distinction we hold with deep gratitude and pride.

We are honored to serve the students and families of this remarkable community and deeply value our partnership with Yakama Nation leaders—along with the parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, and elders who play such an essential role in educating and guiding our children.

Together, we continue to build a future grounded in respect, culture, and unity.

There’s something new lighting up the fields at Mt. Adams Middle School 

The stunning Charger Blue scoreboard proudly showcasing our school spirit! Thanks to the hard work and coordination of Joe Garza and his facilities team, the new scoreboard is now fully installed and ready for action. More than just an upgrade, the scoreboard represents the pride and unity of our school community. With bright displays and bold logos, it shouts one message loud and clear: The Chargers are on the loose!

“The new scoreboard is more than equipment — they’re a symbol of pride for our students, staff, and community,” said Vice Principal and Athletic Director Cesar Hernandez. “When our athletes see their name and score up there, it reminds them that their hard work, teamwork, and school spirit matter. This is what being a Charger is all about.”

Students, families, and community members will enjoy these additions for years to come as we celebrate athletic achievement, teamwork, and memorable moments on the field.  A huge thank-you to everyone who helped bring this vision to life — and to all our fans who make every game day a celebration of Charger pride!

Mt. Adams Middle School 7th & 8th Graders Take Flight!

Mt. Adams Middle School 7th and 8th graders are soaring into STEM learning—literally! This week, students have been hard at work mastering drone navigation in preparation for next week’s competition. Their challenge: to skillfully guide their drones through a complex obstacle course that tests precision, teamwork, and perseverance. This engaging project is made possible through a powerful collaboration between the school’s STEM teacher and the GEAR UP program. Together, they are providing students with hands-on opportunities to explore technology and innovation in motion—bringing science and problem-solving to life in exciting new ways.

“It’s incredible to see our students so engaged and determined,” said Assistant Principal Navarro. “They’re not just learning how to fly drones—they’re learning how to think critically, collaborate effectively, and overcome challenges. That’s the kind of learning that stays with them.”

Through innovation, collaboration, and a spirit of exploration, Mt. Adams Middle School students are truly taking flight toward a future filled with limitless possibilities.

Celebrating Christopher Yates — Our Statewide Design Winner!

White Swan, WA — Mt. Adams Middle School is bursting with pride as we celebrate 8th grader Christopher Yates, whose artwork was selected as the statewide winner of the Better Together T-Shirt Design Contest for Communities In Schools! Christopher’s creative design stood out among entries from students across Washington, capturing the heart of this year’s theme — what it truly means to be “better together.” His artwork reflects teamwork, unity, and the power of collaboration — values that shine brightly in both his design and his character.

When asked about the inspiration behind his winning design, Christopher shared,

“Being better together is like playing football — you have to work together as a team and communicate. Communication is key.”

Principal Gloria Widener expressed her admiration for Christopher’s accomplishment, saying,

“We are incredibly proud of Christopher. His design and message remind us that success in school and in life comes from lifting each other up. He’s an example of what it means to use your gifts to inspire others.”

Christopher’s creativity and insight remind us all that great things happen when we work as one community — because we are truly better together.

 Homecoming Spirit Assembly Showdown!

Last Friday, the White Swan High School Leadership class hosted an exciting Macho Volleyball game, where staff took on the reigning student champions during the Homecoming Spirit Assembly. The crowd was full of energy as both teams brought their A-game, but in the end, the students proved unstoppable claiming victory once again! Athletic Director and Assistant Principal Felix Deleon would like to thank everyone who came out to cheer and show their school spirit! 

Homecoming Pep Assembly Highlights!
The gym was buzzing with excitement during the Homecoming Pep Assembly as this year’s Homecoming Court was introduced to thunderous applause! Students showed off their Cougar pride through cheers, games, and tons of energy but it was the seniors who stole the show. With unmatched enthusiasm and spirit, the Class of 2025 claimed the coveted School Spirit Stick! Way to lead the charge, seniors. Cougar pride at its finest!

Cougars Claim Homecoming Victory!
The White Swan Cougars lit up the field Friday night with another thrilling win this time for Homecoming! The Cougars battled hard against Highland and came out on top with a 22–15 victory. The stands were roaring as fans cheered on every play, showing true Cougar pride. Congratulations to Coach Bush and our dedicated team for defending the home turf and keeping the Homecoming spirit alive with another big win! 

Inspiring Sounds from the Harvest Band Festival
White Swan Band students under the direction of Mr. Dean Johnson recently attended the Harvest Band Festival, an exciting event that brought together talented musicians from across the region. The students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in a world of music, watching performances, learning new techniques, and gaining inspiration from other marching bands. They also connected with fellow musicians from different schools, exchanging ideas and experiences that can help them grow in their own musical journey. Events like this spark creativity, build confidence, and remind our Cougars of the joy and teamwork that music brings. Keep the rhythm going, Cougars—this is just the beginning of an exciting musical adventure.

White Swan Students Explore Eastern Washington University!
As part of the Limitless WAGAP series, White Swan High School students recently visited Eastern Washington University for an exciting and educational experience. The trip included a campus tour, a meal in the dining center, and presentations from the Multicultural Center, giving students a closer look at college life and opportunities. This marked the final stop in the current WAGAP series, but the journey continues next up, Washington State University!