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….

In this episode of the CCCNews Podcast, we interview Lydia LaDouceur of Dry Hollow Elementary School about her campaign to be Oregon’s Kid Governor in 2024. Lydia’s running on a platform of conservation, kindness, and caring for Oregon’s Natural Resources. Tune in to hear a fresh perspective on conservation from a younger generation.

How can we in good conscience stunt the growth of our youth? These are the people who, if nurtured, can do the most to enable our community to flourish. We ask then, who is going to care for our youth if we voters do not?

At the heart of many college dreams and student aspirations at The Dalles High School is a program that is quite literally, changing lives. ASPIRE stands for "Access to Student Assistance Programs in Reach of Everyone," and it embodies the state of Oregon's official mentoring program. Its mission is simple yet profound: to empower students with the knowledge and support they need to navigate the path toward higher education and future success.

The Dalles High School Athletics shared that seven students have been selected for the 2023 4A All-State Softball Championship 1st and 2nd teams. All-state teams are put together based on nominations from coaches.

In case you missed it: In this report about ADA accessibility in The Dalles High School, CCCNews followed 16-year-old Larkin Hampton as they attempted to access the entire school. Hampton is not disabled, but rather had a temporary ankle injury; however, Larkin’s temporary condition made it possible for CCCNews to get a clearer understanding of the challenges a person with disabilities might encounter while attempting to attend TDHS.  

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.

These are the classes where students get their hands dirty, doing actual jobs that exist outside the classroom and in the real world. Career and Technical Education would be given room to grow in The Dalles if the bond for new high school passes on Nov. 7th. We took a look at nearby Hermiston High School to get a better understanding of the opportunity.

The Dalles High School Graduate Asher Young and a team of nine other individuals including Director Wade Fisher, and Actor Casey Emmerling won Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director at the Portland 2023 48 Hour Film Project. 

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!"

Two local Teachers were recognized this week for going above and beyond in their all-important roles in developing amazing relationships with their students to bring out their student’s best to build strong community. It’s no easy task, but these two are an awesome example to us all of what can be achieved when great ideas follow with hard work! Congratulations!

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.

The free two day workshop was focused on providing a unique hands-on opportunity for 6th-10th graders to dive into science, technology, engineering, and math and enjoy healthy breakfasts, lunchs and snacks catered by Bargeway Pub & Catering.

Art markets, interactive art experiences and demonstrations, dancing, bands, and a splatter tent experience are all on tap as Goldendale celebrates on Sept. 23 to a backdrop of public art that has been part of the revitalization and beautification project at the four corners of its downtown.

Mosier School Board held a special in person board meeting to introduce their new Interim Executive Director Matt Henry, and to provide an update on facilities projects to improve safety and security at the school following threats of gun violence in April of 2023.

Sam Barlow High School shows what could be possible in The Dalles if a $140-million bond is approved by voters this November.

Carmen Esquivias Myers her professional skills in banking, she could live almost anywhere but chooses The Dalles. It’s the sense of community that keeps her here.

People return to The Dalles to reconnect with the community. As he put it, “I want to push the ball forward.” His priority is not pay, it’s people. 

It’s a great reminder for drivers to add a little caution tomorrow morning as some kids will be walking to school and additional bus and car traffic will be on the road and around school drop-off sites. School speed zones are set at 20 miles per hour to ensure students safely make it to their classrooms.