The Hood River Valley High School (HRVHS) National Honor Society (NHS) continues to make great strides in enhancing the school courtyard, transforming it into a vibrant and welcoming space for students to gather and connect.

Community Work Day a Huge Success
On April 17, students came together for a highly successful Community Work Day. NHS members and volunteers worked tirelessly to remove five truckloads of overgrown juniper bushes, weeds, and debris. A major highlight included the challenging removal of four large Bradford pear trees using pickaxes, shovels, and a pulley system. After the cleanup, students mulched the area, planted native plants, and installed tables and games. By the end of the day, the courtyard had undergone a dramatic transformation, thanks to HRVHS students' hard work and dedication.

Improvements to Date:

• Removal of old vegetation and leveling of the ground
• Elimination of Bradford pear trees and installation of fragrant flowering trees
• Creation of a native plant garden
• Installation of three picnic tables and 13 benches
• Addition of a giant chess set, cornhole, and two ladder golf sets

These improvements have already given the space new life, with students frequently using the games and seating areas.

What is Next:
Before the school year ends, the team hopes to install an above-ground irrigation system with timers. Next school year, they plan to add more trees, flowers, and shrubs—specifically more rhododendrons—and continue enhancing the courtyard's usability and beauty.

Current Needs:

• Irrigation system (2025)
• Replacement trees and additional shrubs (2025)
• Continued funding for future improvements and maintenance

Funding and Sponsors
The project has been supported by a $1,000 grant from the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), sponsored by the Allstate Foundation. An additional $1,500 has been raised through generous community donations. NHS extends heartfelt thanks to the following sponsors:

Monetary Donations:

• Crestline Construction 
• Best Western Plus 
• Duckwall Fruit
• Interact Club (HRVHS Chapter)
• Mt. Hood Gardens 
• Celilo

In-Kind Donations:

• HRVHS Woodshop
• Hood River Soil & Water Conservation District
• Neal Creek
• Bryant Pipe and Supply
• Gorge Radio

Picnic table plaques will be installed to recognize these contributions.

NHS Welcomes New Members and Officers
On April 3, the NHS chapter inducted 63 new members during a ceremony in the Bowe Theatre. The new officer team for the 2025–26 school year includes:

• Anna Dalbey – President
• Delaney Hackett – Vice President of Service
• Jennica Rigert – Vice President of Scholarship
• Aspen Fridley – Treasurer
• Eva Davis – Secretary

The new leadership is committed to making NHS a welcoming and inclusive space for students of all backgrounds. Priorities for next year include increasing meaningful service opportunities, promoting equity in academic success, and launching a student-based tutoring program.

Thank You to Our Outgoing Officers:

• Anthony Schu – President
• Julia Williams – Vice President of Service
• Olivia Milikin-Spray – Vice President of Scholarship
• Olympia Davis – Treasurer
• Yoselin Sedano – Secretary

These leaders have left a lasting legacy at HRVHS through their leadership and commitment to the courtyard project.

Get Involved
NHS will continue to fundraise to support the courtyard project in the years ahead. Community members and businesses interested in supporting this student-led initiative are encouraged to reach out.

For more information, please contact Amanda Webster at amanda.webster@hoodriver.k12.or.us or Meleah Bauman through meleah.bauman@hoodriver.k12.or.us