The NBC show Smash, which wrapped up on 14 May, centers on the creation of a brand new musical on Broadway.  But staging a production of any kind is an exciting experience at any age, even for middle school students.

To help build musical programs in underserved schools, NBC and the non-profit I-Theatrics launched an initiative called "SMASH: Make A Musical".  20 schools, including one from Washington state, were selected and given the tools to stage their own Broadway Junior musical.  The students from Ford Middle School performed "It's the Hard Knock Life" from their upcoming production of Annie.

Annie debuts at Ford Middle School on Thursday, June 7, at 7pm.  Seating is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.  Admission is free but they'll be accepting donations at the door to help support another musical next year.

Congratulations to Issac Howard and Alex Afuavi being selected and recognized at the 36th Annual Scholar Athlete Banquet hosted by the National Football Foundation on Sunday, May 6. They represent the best respective scholar athletes on last season’s football League Championship team.

Dallas Martin, 8^th grader at Ford Middle School,  won a second photography award for his image of red shoes in a puddle of water.  His first award was a blue ribbon and Best of Category award at the Puyallup Spring Fair.  The Pierce County Library System awarded Dallas a second place in its county-wide photography competition.  The picture was also the People’s Choice at the Ford Middle School Fine Arts Fair.

Principal Heather Renner noted that, “Students are capable of a great deal when they combine enthusiasm with the mastery of basic skills.  Dallas shows that Ford students demonstrate excellence in many ways.”  Photography teacher Bob Klavano commented, “The kids are so creative.  They come up with ideas that I would never think of myself.  It is so great to see their work.”     

Act Six Scholarship

Ali Shams and Spencer Togia were awarded Act Six Scholarships.  Ali will be attending  Northwest University, and Spencer will be attending PLU. Act Six scholarships are full-ride scholarships.

Washington Scholars

Danielle Burch and Katherine Lee recently learned that they were selected as Washington Scholars.  Only two students are selected for this award in each of our state’s legislative districts. The intent of the scholarship is to mirror the cost of resident, undergraduate tuition and service and activity fees charged by Washington public colleges and universities.

United States Air Force Academy

Jasmine Kim and Mi Kyeong Jung recently accepted appointments to the United States Air Force Academy.

Franklin Pierce YOUTH FIRST is hosting its 4th annual Spring into Summer Fun Run & Discovery Fair on Saturday May 19th at Pacific Lutheran University. This family friendly event offers a 5K and 1 mile option in addition to a community fair with vendors and local services. Kids have the chance to play field games and engage in other activities before the event. Registration starts at 9 am with the 5K run at 10 and 1 mile at 10:45. To register go to Franklin Pierce YOUTH FIRST’s website at www.fpyouthfirst.com. For more information contact Sarah Kluesner at (253) 298-4056

The mission of Franklin Pierce YOUTH FIRST is to mobilize community members and resources to support families and provide an environment in which youth will grow up emotionally and physically healthy, safe and alcohol & drug free. FPYF hosts a community coalition once a month and focuses on increasing services to youth and families in the community.

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