Students at Ferris High School are using theater to raise awareness about the negative impact of bullying. Project Hope: Stop the Bullying is a presentation of three one act plays all with the theme of bullying, the proceeds of their performances will benefit local charity S.M.I.L.E.

Theater teacher, Mary Cooper, started Project Hope seven years ago after taking a course in service and learning at Gonzaga University. Cooper realized that she could use drama as a means to raise awareness and funds for local issues and charities. In the past, Project Hope has benefited the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery, Catholic Charities and last year the proceeds went to Youth Suicide Prevention Program.

Each year, theater students pick not only the charity, but also the topic of the production. Students start their research in the fall and work all year to bring the project to life on stage.

Students in the Pathways Program at Cheney Middle School started a school recycling program last fall. Yesterday they were excited to receive Level I Green Certification from Washington Green Schools.

Washington Green Schools is a nonprofit organization designed to help schools go green. They provide educational material and certifications with the hope that every school in Washington will help create a sustainable region by transforming their school environments. There are currently 234 participating schools. Right now only 10 schools in Spokane County are involved.

Cheney Middle School is one of only three schools that have certification in Spokane County. Joni Kent, the Pathways teacher, started the recycling program as an extension of the life skills training they do in class. Pathways focuses on teaching the students not only general academics, but also life skills that will help them succeed outside of school later on.