One more wonderful tradition started in Coquille! Looking back for this passing year of 2009, we are remembering and thinking about things and events that have happened in our lives, and wishing for the future: there is a lot to remember about this year. On Friday, December 18th, children and parents got together for a party called “Twas the Night before Nutcracker” at the Harmony Dance Studio in Coquille’s downtown.

Young dancers were working hard preparing for the recital: boys performed the Tchaikovsky Russian Dance, and little ballerinas danced parts from the Nutcracker Ballet. Art students worked on decorations and Christmas ornaments, helped with costumes, cut paperangels- garlands and created their Christmas paintings for display. Parents helped with refreshments, homemade cookies, cocoa and arrangements.

We had very special guests visiting the party: Father Christmas with the Snow Queen, and a beautiful Cockatoo Parrot, Chardonnay, with her owner, Debra - greeting people, giving little presents, taking memorable pictures. This family celebration was full of joy and filled with beautiful music of Tchaikovsky and a fairylike and magical atmosphere. We want to thank everybody who participated in this event, and we believe that it is the beginning of a new beautiful TRADITION in Coquille. The Harmony School of Dance and Performing Arts and The Little Owl Art School will meet their students very soon, starting in the new year 2010. East 1st Street, Coquille (541) 290 3311, (541) 824-0079 email: littleowlschool@yahoo.com

Ashlehn Beliveau and Anthony Scott from the Coquille High School Graphic Art Department hang decorations
they recently refurbished for the downtown area.

Harmony Dance Studio hosted a recital on Friday, December 19, featuring an old fashioned Saint Nicholas
and performances by students.

Coquille School District Superintendent, Diann Gillaspie, asked the school board to release her from the last year of her contract, citing personal reasons. The board also has resignations from Business Manager, Eileen Harrington, and Board Secretary, Nana Paluch. Gillaspie says there will be plenty of time for transition as Harrington will be on the job until April and Gillaspie will remain until July

Ivy Hallmark

Ivy Hallmark has been chosen as the Coquille High School Student of Distinction for October 2009. Ivy is a sophomore at Coquille High School this year. She is a great student and a great person who excels academically and models excellent study habits for her fellow students. Ivy is a member of the Coquille Chess Team and is very involved in her church. She cares about other people's needs and is willing to step in and help others out in times of need. Most recently she gave up an entire Saturday to babysit twenty children during a function and then stayed to help clean up afterward. We are pleased to call Ivy a true Red Devil.¤