Three students in Eastern Washington are receiving a $2,000 scholarship each for excelling in career oriented and technical education. STCU has funded the “Focus Awards” scholarship since 2006.

One student from Central Valley High School, Leah Amsden, has a 3.9 GPA and plans on attending Eastern Washington University to become an elementary school teacher. She’s participated in teaching academies and has been to Guatemala on a mission. She’s also a four-year letterman in cross country.

Taylor Lewis is Newport High School’s senior class president. She a member of their honor society and has been captain of the school’s soccer and basketball teams. She plans on becoming a phsyician.

Mariah Nepean is a DECA finalist at nationals representing North Central High School. She’s also the recipient of the Outstanding Achievement in Career and Technical Education award. She plans on attending Portland State University to become a business owner.

The three students were honored last week at an STCU event were 23 students were also honored.

Children at University Elementary School are earning their green thumbs this week with the arrival of their new greenhouse. Thanks to a grant from Washington State Potatoes, 1st graders got to spend their morning planting their favorite vegetables from tomatoes to yellow peppers.

The Graffmiller Greenhouse, named after a retired head custodian, will become a weekly part of student curriculum. From science to art, school principal Sue Lennick says every student gets to play a part.

“It’s more than just plants. We’ll do some work with ecosystems, maybe get some worms in there and do observations and science journaling. It will extend into many academic subjects, maybe even art projects,” Lennick said.

The greenhouse will help grow plants for Mother’s Day. Seeds donated to the school have now been planted and with the warmth of the sun, they’ll grow into sprouts perfect for gifts.

The staff and students of Stepping Stone Christian School are helping out a member of the community. A teacher's sister lost her home and belongings in the fire. The woman, her husband and three young children were not home at the time of the fire thankfully, but they still lost everything.

Students are helping collect household items for them to get them back on their feet. The children are home schooled so they need many school supplies to continue their education.

• For the children: Pencil sharpeners, scissors, 3-ring binders, markers, coloring books, glue sticks, flash cards (presidents, land marks), easy reader books, white board/markers, calendar, Legos, dress-up clothes.

• For the home: Large crockpot, electric skillet, Rubbermaid bins, cookie sheets, mixer, Pyrex dishes, digital camera, children's DVDs, large dog food, large dresser, ironing board, cleaning products, diapers, gift cards.

Donations can be taken to Stepping Stone Christian School, located at 23306 E. Mission in Liberty Lake. You can call them at (509) 924-0776 or email angela@steppingstonechristian.com.