Indian Valley Academy hosts student showcase
By Rachel Goings
Community members and parents gathered in Taylorsville on Wednesday, April 27, to view student projects and enjoy a tri-tip dinner. Showcase is an annual event for Plumas Charter School’s Indian Valley Academy and highlights projects from seventh- through 12th-graders.
Outside of the Historic Taylorsville Hall, 12th-grader, Kaidyn Holand greeted guests on her horse and ninth-grader, Liam Carmichael showed off the custom headache rack he welded for his pickup. Inside, tri-fold project boards lined the walls and center isle and students were eager to answer questions and demonstrate their projects.
Projects included custom furniture, photography, dog training, growing bioluminescent algae and many other areas of interest. Showcase projects are a requirement for seventh- through 12th-grade students at IVA. Parents commented that it is fun to see the progression of projects each year.
“Sometimes students choose projects that are bigger than they can handle, but that’s part of the lesson. Things don’t always go the way you want them to — just look across the valley. It’s about perseverance and moving forward,” said IVA Site Director, Ryan Schramel.
The evening also included live performances and a lawnmower race. Attendees were given a ballot to cast their vote for their favorite project. Schramel presented gift-certificate prizes to the winners in each category. Kenny Malat won the race. Mallory and Morgan Tyler won student’s choice for their custom jewelry. Jenessa and Jenae Jaimes won people’s choice for their native beading. Daisy Neer won teacher’s choice for her custom gun case. Carson Goss won honorable mention for his epoxy river countertop.
This year, IVA’s Mountain Valley Parent’s Club sponsored a tri-tip fundraiser dinner during the event. Money raised will support the IVA kindergarten through sixth grade activities and go towards the purchase of interactive play equipment.
Plumas Charter School operates learning centers in Quincy, Chester and Taylorsville. Learn more at plumascharterschool.org
Rachel Goings is the public relations specialist for Plumas Charter School
Lawnmower race line up. Far right: Kenny Malat (8th grade) won the race. Photo by Rachel Goings
People’s choice winners, Jenessa Jaimes (12th grade) and Jenae Jaimes (10th grade) showcase their native beading project. Photo by Rachel Goings
Student’s choice winners, Mallory Tyler (9th grade) and Morgan Tyler (11th grade) show off their custom jewelry. Photo by Rachel Goings
