Clarkston FFA To Host Annual Stock The Trailer Food Drive And Christmas Gift Drive Benefiting Local Families And Foster Children (Photo) - 11/10/26

CLARKSTON, WA — November 10, 2026 — The Clarkston FFA Chapter invites community members to help make a difference this holiday season by participating in its annual Stock the Trailer food drive and Christmas gift collection on Sunday, November 15, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Clarkston Walmart.

This year, Clarkston FFA members are collecting donations for two important local causes: the Asotin County Food Bank and Homes of Hope, which supports local foster children.

Throughout the event, Clarkston FFA members will be stationed outside Walmart collecting nonperishable food and personal care items donations to benefit the Asotin County Food Bank, helping provide food assistance to individuals and families facing food insecurity in the local community. The chapter’s goal is simple: fill the trailer with as many donations as possible while bringing the community together to support neighbors in need.

In addition to the food drive, Clarkston FFA will be collecting Christmas gifts for local foster children ranging in age from newborn to 17 years old. All gifts collected will be donated to Homes of Hope to help make the holiday season a little brighter for children in foster care. Community members are encouraged to consider picking up an extra toy, gift, or item for a child while shopping and dropping it off with FFA members.

Community members are encouraged to stop by, purchase a few extra nonperishable food items or a Christmas gift, and donate them to the FFA members stationed outside the store. All collected food items will be donated to the Asotin County Food Bank, and all Christmas gifts will be given to Homes of Hope. Every donation, no matter how large or small, helps make a difference.

These projects are more than just donation drives. They provide Clarkston FFA members with an opportunity to put the organization’s values of leadership, service, and community involvement into action. Through these events, students gain hands-on experience organizing community service initiatives while helping address real needs in their community.

The Clarkston FFA Chapter encourages residents, businesses, and community organizations throughout the Lewis-Clark Valley to come together and support these important causes. With the holiday season approaching, community generosity can help ensure local families have access to food and local foster children experience the joy of receiving a Christmas gift.

Event Details

• Event: Clarkston FFA Stock the Trailer Food Drive and Christmas Gift Collection
• Date: Sunday, November 15, 2026
• Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Location: Walmart, Clarkston, Washington
• Food Donations: Nonperishable food items
• Gift Donations: Christmas gifts for foster children, newborn to age 17
• Beneficiaries: Asotin County Food Bank and Homes of Hope

About Clarkston FFA

Clarkston FFA is a student-led chapter of the National FFA Organization dedicated to developing premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. Through leadership development, competitive events, and community service projects, Clarkston FFA members work to make a positive impact on their school and community.


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Clarkston High School DECA Hosts “Tastes From Around The World” Fundraiser (Photo) - 10/26/26

CLARKSTON, WA — Enjoy an evening of international flavors while supporting local students at Clarkston High School DECA’s “Tastes From Around the World” dinner fundraiser on November 8, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. The event will be hosted by Bravas in downtown Lewiston.
 

Guests will embark on a culinary journey featuring six courses inspired by destinations around the globe. Clarkston DECA students will guide guests through flavors from Brazil, Jamaica, Japan, Italy, France, Russia and more.

All proceeds will help students cover transportation costs to attend DECA competitions and activities. These experiences allow students to develop valuable skills, explore career paths and compete at the state and international levels. The fundraiser helps make these opportunities accessible to students as travel costs continue to rise.

Tickets are $60 per person and can be purchased at https://wa-clarkston-lite.intouchreceipting.com/DiningDECAdes. Ticket links are also available on Clarkston DECA’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

Community members are invited to enjoy a taste of the world while helping Clarkston students take their next step toward future careers.


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Clarkston High School ASB Announces Twin County United Way As 2026-2027 Golden Throne Charity - 10/21/26

CLARKSTON, WA – The Associated Student Body of Clarkston High School is excited to announce that Twin County United Way has officially been selected as Clarkston High School's charity for the 2026–2027 Golden Throne!

Golden Throne is an annual fundraising competition between Clarkston High School and Lewiston High School, bringing students, staff, local businesses, and community members together to raise money for deserving organizations throughout the Lewis-Clark Valley. While the two schools compete to see who can raise the most money, the ultimate goal is to give back to the community that continuously supports our students and schools.

This year, Clarkston High School ASB is proud to support Twin County United Way, an organization dedicated to strengthening our community by supporting local individuals, families, and programs. Through this partnership, CHS students hope to make a meaningful contribution to the organization's continued efforts throughout the Lewis-Clark Valley.

Each year, Clarkston and Lewiston High Schools work together to raise more than $25,000 for local charities through various fundraisers, community events, and donations. Golden Throne has become a tradition that both schools take tremendous pride in, allowing students to develop leadership skills, build school spirit, and experience firsthand the importance of community service.

Throughout this year's Golden Throne, Clarkston ASB will organize several fundraising opportunities and encourage students, families, businesses, and community members to get involved. Additional information regarding fundraising events and opportunities to donate will be shared as Golden Throne approaches.

Clarkston ASB would like to congratulate Twin County United Way on being selected as this year's charity and express our excitement for the opportunity to support an organization that makes such a positive impact on our community.

CHS ASB would also like to thank the Lewis-Clark Valley community and local businesses for their continued generosity and support. Golden Throne would not be possible without the countless individuals and organizations who contribute each year. We look forward to another successful Golden Throne and hope our community will join us in making this year's event one to remember!

Any questions, comments, or requests for additional information can be sent to Nathan Whittle, Clarkston High School's ASB Advisor, at [email protected].


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Clarkston Superintendent Thaynan Knowlton Announces Retirement After 31 Years In Education (Photo) - 10/12/26

CLARKSTON, WA — Clarkston School District Superintendent Thaynan Knowlton has announced plans to retire effective June 30, 2027, concluding 31 years of service in education.

Knowlton formally shared his retirement plans during the October 12 school board meeting, where the Board of Directors approved his retirement. Announcing his plans well in advance gives the Board time to consider leadership transition options and prepare for the district’s next superintendent.

Throughout his tenure in Clarkston, Knowlton has worked alongside educators, families and community partners to expand learning opportunities and strengthen support for students.

He guided the district through the challenges of the COVID pandemic, overseeing the transition to remote learning while keeping student learning and well-being at the center of the district’s response. As families’ educational needs evolved, he also helped establish Discovery Virtual School, providing an online learning option for students throughout Washington.

Knowlton also played a leadership role in advancing the School-Based Health Center at Clarkston High School through a partnership with TriState Health. The center is designed to reduce barriers to care by bringing physical, mental and behavioral health services directly to the school campus.

More recently, he guided the development of the district’s strategic plan for 2026 through 2032. Built with input from the Board, staff, students and community, the plan establishes shared priorities for academic achievement, community engagement, school culture and district stability.

Reflecting on his career, Knowlton expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve students and work alongside dedicated educators and community members. “The Clarkston community and school district has been nothing but wonderful to me and my family. I want to thank the many educators and friends I have made here. This a very special place."

The Board will consider options for selecting the district’s next superintendent and share updates with staff, families and the community as the process develops. Knowlton will continue leading the district through his retirement date and work with the Board and administrative team to support a smooth transition.


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