More Than 250 Pieces Of Student Created Art On Display Now At Richland Public Library (Photo) - 03/03/26

PASCO, WA– The 2026 Annual Regional High School Art Show is now on display at its new home inside the Richland Public Library, showcasing more than 250 works of art created by talented high school students from 13 schools across five Southeastern Washington school districts. Coordinated by Educational Service District 123, the exhibit will be open to the public March 3–12.

This year’s juried show features artwork from the Finley, Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, and Walla Walla school districts. Fifteen Judges Choice awards, 10 Honorable Mentions, and six Superintendent’s Choice awards will be presented, celebrating exceptional creativity and craftsmanship. In addition, Central Washington University (CWU) will award scholarships to selected student artists in recognition of their outstanding work.

Students will be recognized during a public awards ceremony on Thursday, March 12 at 5:30 p.m. in the Richland High School cafeteria. Prior to the ceremony, students, families, and community members are invited to attend an Artists’ Open House from 4:00–5:15 p.m. at the Richland Public Library, where they can view the exhibit and celebrate the creativity and talent of student artists from across the region. Judge’s Choice recipients from the ESD 123 Regional High School Art Show will advance to represent our region at the State Superintendent’s Art Show, hosted this spring in Olympia by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

The public is encouraged to visit the Richland Public Library during lobby hours to explore a vibrant collection of student artwork representing schools from across the region.

2026 Participating High Schools: 

1. Chiawana High School (Pasco)

2. Hanford High School (Richland)

3. Kamiakin High School (Kennewick)

4. Kennewick High School

5. Lincoln High School (Walla Walla)

6. Pacific Crest Online Academy (Richland)

7. Pasco High School

8. Richland High School

9. River View High School (Finley)

10. Sageview High School (Pasco)

11. Southridge High School (Kennewick)

12. Three Rivers HomeLink (Richland)

13. Walla Walla High School

Nine Regional Educators Honored With 2026 Crystal Apple Awards - 02/17/26

Pasco WA - For the 28th year, nine exceptional educators from across the Mid-Columbia region are being recognized for the difference they make in the lives of students every day. The Dream Builders Educational Foundation has announced the 2026 Crystal Apple Award honorees, who will be celebrated during a community ceremony from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, at Educational Service District 123 (ESD 123) in Pasco.

The Crystal Apple Awards celebrate outstanding educators from nine local school districts, honoring those who inspire learning, build strong classroom communities, and create meaningful opportunities for students to succeed. The annual program highlights the power of public education and the lasting impact educators have across our region.

This year’s honorees are:

• Angie Boothe, 6th–8th grade interventionist for math and English language arts, Columbia Middle School, Burbank School District

• Sydney Freitag, 6th and 7th grade English language arts and STEM teacher, Finley Middle School, Finley School District

• Kori Cannon, kindergarten teacher, Westgate Elementary School, Kennewick School District

• Beth Kalinga, 8th grade physical science teacher, Kiona-Benton City Middle School, Kiona-Benton City School District

• Charlie N. Dansie, 7th–12th grade agriculture science, mechanics and CDL teacher, Connell High School, North Franklin School District

• Tonya Lewis, secondary math teacher, Othello High School, Othello School District

• Elizabeth Copsey, self-contained special education teacher for grades K-4 and structured learning classroom teacher for grades 2-5, Maya Angelou Elementary School, Pasco School District

• Sydney Charvet, 5th grade teacher, Heights Elementary School, Prosser School District

• Nicole Tamura, high school life skills teacher, Richland High School, Richland School District

Founded in 1999 by Dr. John Umbarger, the Crystal Apple Awards were created to honor the education profession by recognizing individuals who make a lasting and positive impact on students’ lives. Since its inception, the program has celebrated more than 300 educators across the region and continues to be supported by community service groups, local businesses, and individuals who believe in recognizing excellence in public education.

During the ceremony, superintendents from the participating districts - Burbank, Finley, Kennewick, Kiona-Benton City, North Franklin, Othello, Pasco, Prosser, and Richland - will present each honoree with a $1,500 cash award, a crystal apple and a certificate.

Community members are encouraged to attend the celebration, which begins promptly at 4:30 p.m. in the Cascade rooms at ESD 123 in Pasco.

Lower Columbia Basin FFA Jamboree To Bring Together 170+ Members For Career And Leadership Development - 02/09/26

Kennewick WA - In celebration of National FFA Week, the 2026 Lower Columbia Basin FFA Jamboree will be held on Friday, Feb. 27, at River View High School CTE Center in Finley, welcoming more than 170 FFA members from 13 chapters across the region.
 

FFA members will converge to compete in 15 Career Development Events (CDEs) and Leadership Development Events (LDEs), providing students with hands-on opportunities to build real-world skills, strengthen leadership abilities, and prepare for advancement toward the Washington State FFA Convention in Pullman this May.
 

Participating chapters include Columbia Burbank, Chiawana, Connell, Finley, Kiona-Benton, Pasco, Richland, Selah, Grandview, Sageview, Touchet, Kittitas, and New Horizons.

Career Development Events offered at the jamboree include horse evaluation, tractor driving, veterinary science, agricultural sales, middle school food science and technology, introduction to horticulture, agricultural mechanics, and food science. Leadership Development Events will feature employment skills, creed speaking, prepared public speaking, first-year member team, extemporaneous public speaking, and conduct of meetings.

The Lower Columbia Basin FFA Jamboree plays a vital role in helping students refine technical knowledge, communication skills, and teamwork while receiving valuable feedback prior to district and state-level competitions.

This event would not be possible without the generous support of community and industry partners. Sponsors for the 2026 jamboree include Franklin County Farm Bureau, Pepsi Cola, RDO Equipment, AgWest Farm Credit Services, Knutzen Engineering, S&S Equipment, Irrigation Specialist, Connell FFA, Finley FFA, Lamb Weston, and Knotts and Grounds Espresso.  FFA advisors and event organizers extend their appreciation to these sponsors for their continued commitment to agricultural education and student leadership development.