This is the time of year that the Valley blossoms, trees turn green and lawns grow a lot faster than homeowners want them to. But more

importantly, it’s time for students to blossom and this week

offers several examples.

First, let’s start off with the Fine Arts Showcase to be held this Friday

at Mount Si. It features student creations in photography, painting, drawing,

literature, poems, pottery and many other artistic venues. The event will be

held in the commons area from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

on Saturday. Having judged this event for several years, I can attest to the

quality workmanship and caliber of the entries. Many of the students entered

could easily sell their work in local galleries. The drawings, photos and creations

all indicate amazing attention to detail, creativity and artistic ability that will

surely amaze any viewer.

Also happening this weekend at Mount Si is the play “Guys and

Dolls.” Showtime is Friday, May 12, at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium. Karen, the

kids and I went to watch this amazing play last Friday night. It is by far one of

the best productions Mount Si has ever put on and showcases some amazing

singing talent. The production is professional, enthusiastic and the characters do

a great job of pulling the audience into the plot. I highly recommend taking

in this performance and also suggest taking the kids.

Finally, the Mount Si Horticulture department is holding their

annual Mother’s Day Sale on Friday from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday from

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. As usual, the student-grown annuals and bonsai are of the

highest quality and are priced competitively. All proceeds will be used to add

landscape enhancements to the high school.

More importantly than these actual events is the continued promotion

of the arts in the Valley. Creativity is alive and well and should be celebrated

as wholeheartedly as any sporting event or other accomplishment.

Jim McKiernan