FVCS News

By Chuck Hinson
Special to the Turnagain Times

This is my second year as a board member for Four Valleys Community School, and I can say without a doubt, this town is amazing! Thanks in a big way to FVCS for initiating and cultivating programs and events, but also to the members of the community itself. I have never seen such a group of willing participants. People in Girdwood make this place thrive.
In December, FVCS Coordinator Julie Jonas, FVCS Board member Heather Durtschi and Alyeska Resort Ski Area Manager Di Hiibner, worked together to make it possible to offer three downhill season passes as scholarships to students who are “enthusiastic skiers and are in high academic standing.”
The application process was not particularly easy, but students from Girdwood and Indian rose to the challenge. In addition to demonstrating a 3.5 GPA for the last two quarters, each applicant had to submit an essay, get at least one letter of recommendation and attend an interview with 3 FVCS Scholarship Committee members. Obviously a lot of work, especially just before Christmas, but the turnout was great. And even though not everyone could win, it was a perfect growth experience for each student who participated.
I was one of the three interviewers, (along with Rorie Hammel and Liz Dow), and I have to say that my confidence in the promise of the “next generation” was renewed in the finest way. It was difficult to pick just one winner from each of the two categories for each grade grouping level (Grades 4-6, Grades 7-8 and Grades 9-12). The winners were: Dylan Charnon, Samuel Doepken and Oskar Johansson-Theiss (Alpine); and Maya Daniel, Matt Malecha and Trevor Scott (Nordic).
Also in December, FVCS sponsored the first ever community musical, “The Music Man.” It was performed twice at Girdwood School to enthusiastic crowds. Again, what spirit! The play was directed by Erin Wells, who is the music and drama teacher at the school. Assistant Director was Julie Doepken, whose husband Jim played Professor Harold Hill. The cast was awesome and talented, and I had “Wells Fargo Wagon” playing in my mind for weeks after.
FVCS has teamed up/ partnered with Girdwood Rotary to present an online calendar for events, meetings and activities in the Girdwood area. For more information, go to HYPERLINK "http://calendar.girdwoodrotary.org/calendar.aspx" http://calendar.girdwoodrotary.org/calendar.aspx.
Also, it’s time to register for the 2009 Winter/Spring class offerings: Tuesday, January 27 from 7-8:30 pm at Girdwood School gym; and on Wednesday, January 28 from 4:30-6pm at Girdwood School FVCS offices. Program guides will be in PO boxes the week of January 20.
Thanks, Girdwood, for the fantastic community spirit!