Transcription
Serving Oregon’s South Coast Since 1878Kayak launch opensReedsport expands Bumblebee Dock, A11SUNNY 61 52 FORECAST A14 TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 2021 theworldlink.com 2North Bend council punishes one of its ownNoordhoff removed from role as liasion to committees, boardsBy DAVID RUPKALVISThe WorldThe North Bend City Counciltook a dramatic step Tuesday inan effort to control one of its ownmembers.In a 6-0 vote, the councilremoved Councilor SusannaNoordhoff from all city boards,commissions and lay committees.Noordhoff was not at the meeting.Councilor Larry Garbodenbrought up the topic, saying thecouncil must act to protect itselfand North Bend.“We’ve all witnessed the lack ofdecorum and continued violation ofcouncil rules, seeing the city spendmoney to provide training, legalfees and staff time for the benefitof one councilor,” Garboden said.“Also given the potential grievances this one council member hasdone inside and outside the councilchambers, I think it’s best we severas many ties to this one councilmember as possible.”Garboden then made a motion toremove Noordhoff from her liaisonrole to city committees, boards andcommissions.Each members of the councilthen spoke about their coming vote.“I think we’ve spent an awfullot of time since us new people gotelected on the council and some ofit was time we really didn’t need toPlease see Punishes, Page A3Resilience highlights the Class of 2021 Coos BayCouncilapproveslist ofcity goalsNorth Bendseniors marchthrough rain toreceive diplomasBy JILLIAN WARDFor The WorldNORTH BEND North BendHigh School’s graduating class of2021 overcame the pandemic, ayear of distance learning and eventhe rain.On Friday evening, 170 seniorssat three feet apart in the middle ofthe football field during a rainstorm.Some opened umbrellas, othersdonned ponchos, but all walkedacross the stage to receive theirdiplomas.“In the past year, even today, (wehave been) taught to be resilient,”said Kevin Bogatin, superintendentof the North Bend School District,during the graduation ceremony. Hepointed to the uncertainty broughton by the pandemic and the doubtthat the graduating class would beable to gather for a ceremony at all.In an earlier interview, Bogatinsaid though the ceremony would beoutside it was still more traditionalthan the graduation ceremony from2020.“Last year, we did a drive-thrugraduation,” he recalled, but addedthe only part of last year’s event tobe carried on were the posters of thegraduates along the high school’sfence surrounding the stadium andtrack field. “(But) our graduationis typically in the high school gym.This year, it is outdoors.”The ceremony was held on thefootball field to accommodate current pandemic restrictions.“It’s a step in the right directionto getting back to some normalcy,”he said.This included allowing studentsfour guests to sit in the audienceduring the Friday ceremony, all ofBy DAVID RUPKALVISThe WorldPhotos by Jillian Ward/For The WorldAfter persevering through a global pandemic, a year for distance learning and the death of a classmate, the North Bend High School Classof 2021 had to endure a rainstorm while rececing their diplomas. Despite the difficulties, the 170 students marched through the rain tograduate Friday.Marshfield graduationEditor’s Note: Due to an earlypress deadline, this paper went topress before the Marshfield HighSchool graduation.To see a story and photos fromthe Marshfield graduation, visitwww.theworldlink.com and seeour Friday edition of The Worldnewspaper.whom huddled on the bleachers tostay dry.“This is the first time (a graduation has) been outside since 1975,”said Darrell Johnston, principal atNorth Bend High School, adding hePlease see North Bend, Page A4Ardiana to retire after 33 years in educationBy DAVID RUPKALVISThe WorldDoug Ardiana jokes that he’sspent the last 56 years going toschool. This week, that streak willend.Ardiana, the superintendent ofthe Bandon School District, willclose out a 33-year career in graduation when he does what he alwayshas – greeting every student whoarrives to school and waving at thebuses when they drive away.Ardiana will step into retirementknowing he gave his all to students,the last six years in Bandon aftermore than 26 in Montana. And hewill retire the same way he taught,his own way.For Ardiana, that meant gettingup and personal with students.“One of my hallmark Mr. Ardiana things is to be at the busesevery morning and greet everystudent with a smile,” Ardiana said.“I’ve done that everywhere. As aclassroom teacher, I stood at mydoor and greeted students. As aPlease see Ardiana, Page A2Photo by David Rupkalvis/The WorldBandon School District Superintendent Doug Ardiana gets emotional while reading cards sent to him by a fifth-grade art class. Ardianataught the class earlier in the year, and several students used the technique he taught when making the cards.Photo gallery: Bandon honors those who gave their allPhoto gallery: Yokum Point a surprising findAT THEWORLDLINK.COMD Serving Oregon’s South Coast since 1878 A Country Media Newspaper Copyright 2020 Follow us online:OPINION A5OBITUARIES A6WEATHER A14facebook.com/theworldnewspaperEarlier this month, the CoosBay City Council unanimouslyapproved their city goals for thenext two years.The goals highlight issues andprojects the city council hopesto prioritize over the next twoyears.Some of the goals includefinding funding to build a newlibrary at John Topits Park. Thegoal includes finding fundingfrom federal, state, granting organizations and donations alongwith asking voters to approve abond issue.The city also hopes to beginplanning to move the city shopsfacility our of the tsunami zoneas well as planning to build anew fire station in Empire.Among other goals, the cityhopes to complete roadwork on4th Street downtown, stabilizethe slope on Koosbay Boulevardand develop design plans toimprove the Newmark Avenueintersection with Empire Boulevard. The goals include streetrepairs, more sidewalks aroundthe city and developing severalparking lots.One of the big challenges inthe list of goals is the city takingover its wastewater plant, whichis happening in the comingweeks. The city also hopes toreplace two pump stations andupgrade two more.Increasing housing and mitigating homelessness is anotherkey goal, with a specific goal ofcleaning up the former Englewood School property so it canbe turned into housing.The council is also hoping tocreate a smart phone app to better communicate with citizens aswell as update the city’s website.In parks, the council is planning to resurface the MingusPark Pool, install fishing piers atMingus Park, creating a community park on Fulton Avenue andadd athletic and sports fields.In the city’s Friday update,Mayor Joe Benetti said he believes the goals can be accomplished.“It is a lofty list, but definitelynot outside of the possibility tocomplete,” Benetti wrote. “Aswe have found with past biennialgoal lists, the lists are ‘live’ andoften ebb and flow with necessity of change. We will remainflexible to ensure we are focusedon the needs of the communityand the responsibility entrustedto maintain the city’s assets ingood working order.”The complete list of councilgoals can be seen at http://coosbay.org/government#city-goals.SPORTS A12CLASSIFIEDS A9COMICS nk
A2 TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 2021 The WorldLocal BriefsSouthwestern offersfree English languageclasses this summerSouthwestern is offeringfree day and evening Englishlanguage classes this summer. All classes take place onZoom at the designated time.Day time English languageclass will take place on Mondays and Wednesdays from10 to 11 a.m. Practice activities will be posted onlineto do throughout the week.In this class, you will learnhow to have conversations,spell and pronounce wordscorrectly, listen for importantinformation, use advancedgrammar and have fun —all in English. This coursebegins Monday, June 14, andends August 12.The college offers twoEnglish language classes inthe evening. The first classis “Introduction to English”from 5 to 5:45 p.m., Monday,Tuesday, and Wednesday.This is for students justbeginning to learn English.The class will be practicinglistening, speaking and reading skills.The second class is “LearnEnglish” for students whohave studied English previously or feel they have someEnglish skills. This class isfrom 6 to 7:30 p.m., Monday,Tuesday and Wednesday.Enjoy learning and makingfriends with other students.They have breakout roomswhere students practice asking and answering questions.The class uses fun grouplearning games. Eveningclasses start June 21.All classes are free andlearning books are provid-ed free of charge. To enrollemail llcinfo@socc.edu.Epic implementationgives patients easyaccess to health recordsBay Area Hospital, NorthBend Medical Center, BayClinic and Advanced Healthofficially go live with Epic,an electronic health recordsystem, June 19. Using onecommon EHR allows CoosCounty’s major healthcareproviders to standardize practices, support care coordination, improve evidence-basedcare and make a patient’shealthcare experience moreefficient from start to finish.Used by more than 250healthcare organizationsnationwide, Epic providesalmost half the U.S. population access to their medicalrecords through online andmobile. Patients can take better charge of their own healthwith easy access to medicalrecords and have continuityof care across Epic-supportedhealthcare organizations.To ensure a seamlesstransition to the new EHRplatform, the local healthcareorganizations are working with their CommunityConnect partner, St. CharlesHealth System in Bend.“With Epic we are thrilledto be able to provide patients with a secure platformto broaden their access tohealthcare. MyChart is a convenient way for patients tointeract with their health information, and ultimately bemore informed when it comesto their healthcare plans andoptions,” said Brian Moore,president and CEO.BACKED BY A YEAR-ROUNDCLOG-FREE GUARANTEECALL US TODAY FORA FREE ESTIMATE15 %OFFYOUR ENTIREPURCHASE* 1-855-536-883810 %OFFSENIOR & MILITARYDISCOUNTSMon-Thurs: 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 8am-5pm,Sun: 2pm-8pm EST 5%OFFTO THE FIRST50 CALLERS!** Promo Number: 285*For those who qualify. One coupon per household. No obligation estimate valid for 1 year. ** Offer valid at estimate only. CSLB#1035795 DOPL #10783658-5501 License# 7656 License# 50145 License# 41354 License# 99338 License# 128344 License# 218294License# 603 233 977 License# 2102212986 License# 2106212946 License# 2705132153A License# LEAFFNW822JZ License#WV056912 License# WC-29998-H17 Nassau HIC License# H01067000 Registration# 176447 Registration# HIC.0649905 Registration#C127229 Registration# C127230 Registration# 366920918 Registration# PC6475 Registration# IR731804 Registration# 13VH09953900Registration# PA069383 Suffolk HIC License# 52229-H License# 2705169445 License# 262000022 License# 262000403 License#0086990 Registration# H-19114File photoBandon Schools Superintendent Doug Ardiana greets a student as he heads to the cafeteria for breakfast on a recent morning. Ardiana makes a point ofknowing each student by name and checking in with them regularly.ArdianaFrom A1principal, I stood at the frontdoor. As superintendent, Imet the buses.”Ardiana said he believesknowing every student is avital part of doing his job.“It’s huge the impact,” hesaid. “I can turn a frown intoa smile. I have my notebookand students can tell methings.”Ardiana recalled onestudent this year who startedcoming to school without hisglasses. After a few days, Ardiana asked the student aboutit and learned the glasseswere broken. So, the superintendent set up an exam with alocal optometrist and helpedthe student get new glasses.“Greeting students everymorning is huge as far asbuilding relationships andletting them see I care,” hesaid.And Ardiana cares deeply.He knows the students, heknows their families and heknows their strengths andweaknesses. As he wrappedup his day Thursday, he spenttime looking over handmadecards fifth-grade art studentsgave him after he taughttheir class earlier this year.Reading the cards, Ardianabecame visibly emotionalabout the handwritten notesinside.Ardiana began his career33 years ago as a high schoolart teacher in Glendive,Montana. He taught art foreight years before servingas an elementary principal,high school principal, athleticdirector, middle school principal and the last 22 years assuperintendent.Ardiana spent his career inMontana until he got the opportunity to come to Bandonsix years ago. Ardiana saidhis view on education wasformed largely from what heexperienced.“When I was working onthe Crow reservation, a lotof the time they didn’t havephones, so I did a lot of homevisits,” he said. “I learnedconversational Crow becausethat’s what my communityspoke. I learned from the kidsand checked it with elders. Itwas a great way to integrate.Because I learned Crow, Ihad a lot more respect in thecommunity.”Six years ago, Ardianamade the biggest leap of hiscareer when he took the jobas superintendent in Bandon.He said the opportunity wasexactly what he was lookingfor at the time.“I moved to Oregon for theopportunity to be superintendent, because of the sizeof the community and theOfficequality of the community,”he said. “I was not interestedin a big community. All ofmy career has been in smallschools.”Ardiana said he intendedto stay in Bandon longer,but personal tragedy in thelast year led to his decisionto retire. He explained thathis sister died in July andhis mom died of Parkinson’sdisease. With his dad needingmore care, Ardiana said itwas time to retire and tend tohis family.While the COVID-19pandemic has led to a lot ofstress, Ardiana said it did notplay a role in his decision toretire.“It’s been overwhelmingin government paperwork,regulations, protocols thathave been rapidly changing,”he said. “It was really hardsaying you could be on a busat three feet but the secondyou got off, it was six feet.COVID had nothing to dowith my decision to makea change. It was clearlybecause of family.”As he prepares to stepaway, Ardiana admits it willbe difficult.“This has been a tremendous experience beinginvolved with a very supportive and educationally focusedcommunity,” he said. “We asa community and a schooldistrict have done some great350 Commercial Avenue, Coos BayP.O. Box 1840, Coos Bay, OR 97420 2020 Country Media, Inc.541-266-6047NEWS DEPARTMENTPublisher — Ben KenfieldEditor — David RupkalvisSports — John or@countrymedia.netAdvertisingClassifieds, Customer Service & Coffee BreakKari SholterLegal egals@countrymedia.netPostmaster: Send address changes to:The World, P.O. Box 1840,Coos Bay, OR 97420-2269.The World (ssn 1062-8495) is publishedTuesday and Friday,by Country Media, Inc.SUBSCRIBER SERVICESSubscription rates: EZ Pay: 24.00 per month or 52 weeks 192.00.Billing will continue beyond the initial order period unless youcontact The World Newspaper by calling 541-266-6047. Rates maychange after any introductory offer period.Tuesday’s issueApproved and paid for by:Classifieds Thursday 11 amLegals Thursday 11 amObituaries Friday 11 amFriday’s issueApproved and paid for by:Classifieds Wednesday 11 amObituaries Wednesday 11 amLegals Wednesday 11 amthings to impact our system,from updating our curriculumto the proactive maintenanceof our buildings and passingthe recent bond issue.“It will be sad. Beginningsare scary and endings aresaid. You can’t put your heartand soul into a communityfor six years and not feel sadwhen it’s over. I know I’vemade a difference in our kids’lives.”The students in Bandonagree.Eighth-grader Nena Minkler said she has grown tolike Ardiana, who has twiceserved as middle schoolprincipal during her term assuperintendent.“I think he’s stood in tobe principal twice since I’vebeen here,” Minkler said.“He has a really good wayof getting stuff done and notbeing too strict and makingthem fun. I really like Mr.Ardiana. I know he reallywants to get us in school andhe wants us to have the bestlearning environment, whichwas really nice because theyear was so strange.”Andrew Robertson, ajunior at Bandon HighSchool, said Ardiana wasalways around, which made adifference.“I think he did a good jobwhen he was here,” Robertson said. “Every morning,he was out front of the lunchroom, and he’s always at thegames for basketball.”Sophomore Daniel Cabrera had similar thoughts.“Really great guy,” hesaid. “I was school presidentin middle school and at thetime he was principal, so Igot to work a lot with him.He was really helpful. Hereally made it a fun year forstudents on the council and inschool.”As Ardiana steps away,he said it might not sink infully until September, whenhe won’t go to school for thefirst time in decades.“I’m 56. You start kindergarten when you’re 5,”he said. “I’ve been goingto school for 51 years. ThisSeptember will be the firsttime in 51 years I’m notgoing to school.”To honor Ardiana andwelcome new Superintendent Shauna Schmerer, theBandon School District isinviting the community toa meet and greet from 10 to11 a.m. Wednesday at theBandon Cafeteria. PROTECTONLY59PER YEARCovers HouseholdYOUR FAMILY FROMUNEXPECTEDAMBULANCE COSTS.** 124 for air and groundemergency for the yearSign Up Today Offer Ends June 30!Visit: www.AmbulanceMembership.com/BayCities
The World TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 2021 A3Medford tech entrepreneur announces run for governorLast week, Jessica Gomezofficially announced hercandidacy to be the nextgovernor of Oregon.“It is time for Oregoniansto work together to build afuture in which we can all beproud,” said Gomez.“I firmly believe thestrength of our state lies inour differences.”Gomez believes that Oregon is overdue for a policyre-boot and will regain itsproper footing only throughstrategic planning and investing.“We’ve been throughtough times, endured devastating wildfires, a globalpandemic and continuousrioting. It is easy to pointfingers and complain aboutfailed leadership, but thataccomplishes nothing,” saidGomez.“The negative impact toour communities is painfullyclear. What is crucial is thatwe make the best decisionsmoving forward.”Gomez, a small businessowner, believes Oregon’srecovery depends on creating an attractive businessclimate with more jobs andopportunities across the state.She wants to build strongregional economies, notpile on relentless taxes andregulations.Gomez will encouragetargeted investments inbroadband, water and transportation infrastructure soboth urban and rural communities can support growthin industries such as biotech,advanced manufacturing,value added agriculture andwood products.To help attract morewomen into the workforce,Gomez said she wouldencourage employers to offerat-work childcare and classify employer-based childcareas a non-taxable benefit forboth employer and employee.Gomez also wants torestructure Oregon’s socialsafety net so that participation in Oregon’s workforce isalways financially rewarding.Giving Oregon studentsgreater opportunities to buildacademic skills is also ofparamount importance toGomez - who despite notbeing able to read at age 9,ultimately went on to collegeand, at age 26, built the firststate-of-the-art microchipmanufacturing facility inSouthern Oregon.“Higher education, and especially community colleges,are underfunded in Oregon –this must change so skyrocketing tuition and student debtdoes not prevent all Oregonians from reaching their fullpotential,” she said.Gomez would push forimplementation of a Universal College Credit Programwhere all college creditsearned at any apprenticeship,community college or publicuniversity in Oregon canbe transferred to any otherOregon university.Gomez’s experiences asa homeless teen also taughther the complexities of unsheltered homelessness andunsafe streets.She says that law enforcement is essential to improving safety in all communities,and statewide training andeducation standards for lawenforcement personnel mustbe implemented.The homelessness problem needs a comprehensivesolution, funded by reallocating existing dollars towarda coordinated mental healthand public safety infrastructure, she said.“Learningto survive,thenTHISFRIDAY,striving, and finally thriving, is how I describe mypersonal journey. Oregon canagain truly thrive with all ofus striving together,” saidGomez.To learn more visit: AY & SUNDAYJessica GomezBill to lower costs for cold medicine passes SenateA proposal from Representative Bill Post (R-Keizer)to allow the sale of pseudoephedrine products without aprescription passed out of theSenate today and will be sentto the governor’s desk.This is the third attemptfrom Post to remove anunnecessary barrier forOregonians that will lowertheir health care costs whenpurchasing pseudoephedrineproducts.Sudafed and other similardrugs will still be restrictedto people who are at least 18years of age with a valid IDunder the proposal.Currently, purchasing apseudoephedrine productrequires a visit to your doctorto receive a prescription,which comes with an expensive bill.“Third time is the charm topass this common-sense billwhich will help Oregonianslooking for a quick and affordable remedy for allergiesand head colds,” said Rep.Post. “People shouldn’t beasked to visit a doctor toobtain a prescription for common cold medicine, especially when Oregon is the ONLYstate requiring a prescription.We can trust Oregoniansmore than that.”HB 2648 passed out ofthe Senate with bipartisansupport.Punishesspent an inordinate amount oftime going through parks.”Tensions between Noordhoff and the council as awhole have been simmeringfor a while, but the tensionsboiled over during a councilwork session Monday.During a discussion itemabout placing benches inthe maple groves at FerryRoad Park, Noordhoff tooka decidedly different viewthan the council as a whole.Noordhoff told the councilthe project could move forward immediately, while theremaining six members askedher to wait for an archeological study, a parks master planupdate and formal approvalfrom the Affiliated Tribes.City Administrator DavidMilliron said the city notonly should wait but mustwait for tribe approval. Hesaid a prior approval hadbeen removed from the tribe,and the city is required towork with the tribe whenmaking any changes to thepark.During the discussion,Mayor Jessica Engelke repeatedly ignored Noordhoff’scalls to be heard, one timeusing the gavel to shut herdown.When Noordhoff was giv-en the chance to speak, sheslammed her papers on herdesk, sending them scatteringon the floor.Engelke said that kindof behavior is somethingthat left council little choicebut to take the move it didTuesday.“It’s very frustrating thatwe’ve got to this position,”the mayor said. “I know theother councilors and myself,we’ve taken steps to try toget to the point of not removing another councilor fromcommittees. But this is whatwe need to do, what’s bestfor the city. Because of theparticipation of this particularcouncilor on committees,that’s not happening. In oneof the trainings we’ve hadnow twice, you have to dothings differently.”Slater ended the discussionby saying he hopes thingsturn around.“I think it’s a very necessary step, but I want thiscouncilor to know we’reinterested in her success,”Slater said. “We’re here tohelp you, but we’re not goingto stay here.”After the discussion, thecouncil voted 6-0 to removeNoordhoff from her committee liaison appointments.From A1spend,” Councilor Pat Gollsaid. “Something’s got tochange or I’m gonna change,one of the two.”Councilman Eric Gleason, who was elected withNoodhoff and Goll last year,had similar feelings.“It’s not a step I wanted oranticipated we’d have to takewhen this whole thing camewhen we first got elected,”Gleason said. “There’sgrowing pains, but thelearning curve, it’s not thatsteep. We’ve had the trainingon more than one occasion.There have been warnings,recommendations, and at acertain point, you have tobe held accountable for thethings you continuously do. Idon’t feel we have a choice atthe moment.”Councilman Bill Richardson echoed the sentiments.“I feel the same way,” hesaid. “We’ve had severaltrainings. This is the firstand hopefully the last stepwe have to take with thisperson.”Councilman Timm Slatersaid Noordhoff’s passiontoward city parks is good butsaid the council must be ableto focus on other issues, aswell.“The parks of North Bendare important, and we allappreciate them,” he said.“Looking beyond them, I’minterested in road repairs andeconomic development ofour area and all the opportunities out there. We need tofocus our time and efforts onthat. It’s been obvious we’vePrepare for unexpectedpower outages with aGenerac home standbygeneratorWEEKENDPRODUCESALE!THIS FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAYJUNE 18TH, 19TH & 20TH, UEST A FREE QUOTE!1 lb. container877-557-1912FREE3-DAYSpecial Financing AvailableSubject to Credit ApprovalStainless Steel Travel Mug, Laird Coffee with Mushrooms, Righteous Felon Jerky& Biltong, Local Womens Handicrafts & 7 Devils Stanton St. Lager.Stainless Steel Laid Coffee with Righteous FelonTravel MugMushrooms Jerky & BiltongLocal WomansHandicrafts Longsleeve Cotton KurtaReg. 899Reg. 26997 99Sale12997 5for299CaliforniaCantaloupeea*To qualify, consumers must request a quote, purchase,install and activate the generator with a participatingdealer. Call for a full list of terms and conditions.With Father’s Day right around thecorner, your local Coos Head Co-ophas you covered with a wide range ofgiftable items. eaSweet Whiteor YellowCornLimited Time Offer - Call for Details18 oz. containerSale2997-Year Extended Warranty*A 695 Value!FreshBlueberriesReg. 1399eaReg. 669Sale5 99Sale24 99MiniPeppers1 lb. bag499HassAvocados3FreshArtichokesea99ea3 5for299eaLargeMangoes6 oz. containerReg. 2499Sale2299GrapeTomatoes10 oz. containerforDriscoll’sRaspberriesCotton Shorts &Pants 3 5299ea399eaTastefulSelectionsRubySensations orHoney GoldPotatoes24 oz. bag299eaCOOS HEAD FOOD CO-OPWHILE SUPPLIES LAST LIMITED TO STOCK ON HAND NO RAIN CHECKSFresh. LocaL. community-owned.RAY’S FOOD PLACE“Specializing in Bulk Foods, Local Goods, and Grab & Go Deli”66 Michigan Avenue, Bandon 541-347-2223353 S. 2nd St., Coos Bay Open Daily 541-756-7264
A4 TUESDAY, JUNE 15, 2021 North BendFrom A1is excited the class and staffget to celebrate together. “Somany have already movedon with adult responsibilities with taking on collegeclasses, having jobs, so thisreally is a closure to theirchildhood and celebration oftheir success.”Bogatin acknowledgedall the hardships faced bythe graduating class whichstretched beyond the pandemic and distance learning.It also included the loss offellow classmate Ian Spalding, who passed away a yearago and sent a shockwavethrough the community.“ This is a group thatis too familiar with tragedy,and it can be difficult to seeanything positive from thoseexperiences,” Bogatin saidduring the ceremony. “If youcan learn to be reflective youcan learn to see how pain andsorrow and despair can provide you with opportunities.”He encouraged the classThe Worldto seize those opportunitiesby making more friends andembracing new adventures.Graduating senior DakotaGaul said he knew Spaldingfrom their days in elementaryschool together and the lossof his close friend was thebiggest challenge he faced inthe past year. He explainedhe had to decide what to donext, questioning if he wanted to go back to school.“ I had to deal with whatto do,” Gaul said. “(Did) Iwant to play sports, comeback to school? Because itwas so hard for me to evenlook at a North Bend HighSchool symbol. But I gotto think of what (Spalding)would want for me. He’dwant me to play sports andfinish high school just like hewould have.”Gaul stood beside a bannerhonoring Spalding, whichwas displayed alongside thefootball field.He said that after graduation, he plans to attendLane Community College,play soccer and step into themodeling business.“I see myself playingPhotos by Jillian Ward/For The WorldStudents wait in line to walk onto the field moments before the North Bend High School graduation ceremony begins. Left, graduate Dakota Gaul standsbeside banner honoring late classmate Ian Spalding. Below middle, North Bend High School’s band and choir perform “Baba Yetu.” Bottom, culinary instructorFrank Murphy (middle) sets up a hot chocolate booth for students before the ceremony begins.Major League Soccer in theUnited States and dedicatingit all to my best friend ,”Gaul said. “ I would liketo say rest in paradise to IanSpalding. I did it for him.”Though students andadministration reflected onthe hardships of the pastyear, there was also laughteras some valedictorians madeinside jokes during theirspeeches and as commencement speaker Jarrett Goldstein recounted stories of theclass over the years.The 11 valedictoriansincluded Eli Bogatin, JaredBower Solomon, NatalieCheal, Ayako Harper, Jedidiah Londagin, Brady Messner,Moira O’Bryan, Dale Schandelmeier-Lynch, MirandaSeldon, Celeste Sinko, andDylan Walling. Tyler Hillwas the salutatorian.“It seems like it’s been along time coming to get tothis point,” Bogatin said.“It feels really uplifting andpositive as we finish thischallenging year.”Qualified low-income residents ofOregon may receive discountedservice from AT&T under the Lifelineprogram. Customers must meetcertain eligibility criteria based onincome level or current participationin financial assistance programs.FREEwith Lifeline activation,while supplies last.AT&T Cingular Flip IVCALL 1-800-377-9450OR VISIT ATT.COM/WIRELESSLIFELINE.SAVE UP TO 17 .25SERVICE AVAILABLE FOR 7.74after Lifeline discounts are applied.ON SELECT PLANS!Discounts at 17.25 per month.For qualified recipients.Includes 1,000 Anytime minutes, nat
glasses. After a few days, Ar-diana asked the student about it and learned the glasses were broken. So, the superin-tendent set up an exam with a local optometrist and helped the student get new glasses. "Greeting students every . morning is huge as far as . building relationships and letting them see I care," he said. And Ardiana cares deeply.
