Columbia Community Connection was established in 2020 as a local, honest and digital news source providing meaningful stories and articles. CCC News’ primary goal is to inform and elevate all the residents and businesses of the Mid-Columbia Region. A rising tide lifts all boats, hop in!
All tagged Local Grads Make the World A Better Place
Besides his wife, Jennifer, there were others who had a significant influence on Russell Spino’s life at TDHS. Mr. Rolen, Mr. Radford, and Mr. Kramer were always there for him. He’s grateful they encouraged him to finish high school. These men all believed in him and that made him believe in himself.
It takes family and good schools - A major factor in Jorge Barragan’s success is that people in The Dalles know and trust him. The 2010 TDW High School grad is big on giving back to our community. He is one of the few Spanish-speaking realtors in the gorge. He’s also a member of Rotary and the MCMC Health Foundation. His Wife, Chelsea coaches soccer and Jorge helps out. Win, Win, Win, Win….
Sometimes kids need a helping hand. When Rachel Cole Miller, a local successful restauranteur, was a sophomore at The Dalles High School, she had a baby. Rather than be shunned and kicked out of school, she was able to attend a childcare program provided by the school district. She was able to continue her studies. Without that support, she doesn’t think she would have graduated. She and her husband Jason are now owner-operators of Zim’s.
Gabriel Prado has made a career of serving others both in his service in the Marine Corps and now as a nurse. The lifelong learner spent his seminal years in The Dalles Schools and graduated from TDHS in 2000. It was from this foundation he developed compassion for others and decided The Dalles was a great place to call home.
When describing The Dalles, and why she has stayed after considering opportunities to go elsewhere, Gretchen says our town stands out as a friendly and helpful, welcoming community, with an independent pioneer spirit. "It will always be home!"
Her family didn’t have the financial resources to pay for college. But when she was sixteen, one of her teachers recognized her intelligence and made an effort to make sure Laura recognized it as well. This teacher’s belief in her gave Laura the confidence needed to find ways to make a college education attainable.
