If you noticed a gaggle of teens wearing robes this weekend, it wasn’t a Harry Potter convention, it was the graduating classes of 2010.

By Tommi Halvorsen Gatlin
Vidette Reporter

ELMA — Two of this year’s top 10 Elma High School seniors who graduated last Saturday had a perfect 4.0 grade point average. And the other eight weren’t far behind.

Alphabetically first is Alyssa Arnold, 18, of Elma who attended Elma schools since kindergarten.

Daughter of Shelly and Valerie Arnold, she earned a 4.0 grade point average.

Elma’s “Top 10” graduates get ready last week for graduation June 12. In front, from left, are Mackenzie Cox, Bryce Boyer and Jeremy Sherman. In back, from left, are Kailene Spence, Tyrel Rothell, Joshua Riedel, Kody Bensinger, Cory Roberts, Lindsey Levanen and Alyssa Arnold. (Photo by Tommi Halvorsen Gatlin)

Also participating in volleyball, Knowledge Bowl, Drama Club, Food Bowl, Honor Society, Rooters Roost, E-Club, Leadership, Bash-on-Trash, Rake-n-Take and Forensics, she was an elementary mentor, homecoming director, AWANA children’s club assistant, Canvas the Town Boot Drive coordinator, Book Fair assistant, Santa’s Workshop helper and worked with Bingo Night and Elma Elementary PTA. She likes reading and baking and plans to enter the elementary education program at Saint Martin’s University at Lacey in the fall to become a kindergarten teacher. She’s thankful to her parents, family and friends for all their support.

Firefighters honor local workers and family

By The Vidette Staff

WENATCHEE — The Washington State Firefighters Association honored two Grays Harbor Fire District 2 volunteers June 12 at its annual Fire School Banquet in Wenatchee.
Brad Shumate, a volunteer at the Brady station, was named the 2009 Emergency Medical Services Responder of the Year.

Shumate, who has been with District 2 for about three years, “has done an outstanding job in so many ways,” said the district’s chief, Dan Prater.

Brad Shumate, left, of Grays Harbor Fire District 2 is named Washington State Firefighters Association EMS Responder of the Year on June 12. The family of the late Lester Willis also of District 2, from left, Darla Sauer, Debi Brogan and Larry Willis, accepted his award as the association’s Support Person of the Year. (Contributed Photo)

“He is one of the top responders in the district no matter where the call is at. He pulls many volunteer shifts in addition to many special tasks he takes on to help improve the level of service we provide to all the people that call on us.”

Sunny skies help bring out young anglers to Lake Sylvia

By Jerrad Kellogg
Vidette Reporter

MONTESANO — For the first time in three years, tarps and umbrellas were not part of the standard tackle box accessories for patrons of the annual Moose Lodge Kids Fishing Derby.
Instead, under clear skies, sunglasses and shorts seemed to fit the bill — as record numbers of the area’s youth flocked to Montesano’s Lake Sylvia to try their hand at landing the big one on Saturday, June 12.