Black Butte School hosts party

A standing-room-only crowd of friends, proud parents and grandparents attended the Black Butte School's (BBS) annual Christmas show last week.

Held at the Camp Sherman Community Hall, folks were treated to over a dozen holiday songs by the 17 students at BBS. These ranged from "Jingle Bell Rock" to "Joy of Hanukkah" (with flashlights simulating the candle lighting ceremony) to "Silent Night."

One of the evening's outstanding songs was presented using guitars for each student provided by Bend's Breedlove Guitar Company. Students played the guitars for the enthusiastic audience.

"We've been coming for 11 years," said Martha Cathcart, sitting in the front row with her husband Chan Cathcart. "I've enjoyed everything in Camp Sherman, and the Christmas show is particularly outstanding."

Kandia Cross, BBS head teacher, started the festive evening by introducing several successful former students now attending middle and high school in Sisters. Students then paid tribute to those people in the community who had helped at the school during the present year. This included a gift and brief description of the help given by each person.

As evening's songs ended, a surprise visit by Santa Claus with candy bags was welcomed by the children. Santa's arrival was followed by cookies, cakes and other treats for all attending the holiday festivity.

Paula Lovegren directed the evening's songs supported by Nancy Carmichael on keyboard.

"This was a wonderful evening for our community," said BBS School Board President Roger White. "This is a veteran crew, and they did a wonderful job."

Besides White, the four other BBS board members are Laurie Adams, Marti Dale, Karen Harvey and Jon Sheldahl. Melinda Rubado, a new teacher, will be added to the school's staff in January. Leigh-Ann Elizabeth Nisco presently serves as Educational Assistant. Currently the K-8 students include one kindergartner, Lillian Flud, among the 17 students (four boys and 13 girls) at BBS.