Graduates reflect the strength of founders

This year’s high school graduation coincided with the centennial celebration of the birth of Longview. In commemoration, each graduating senior was gifted a copy of “Empire of Trees, America’s Planned City and the Last Frontier” written by R.A. Long graduate Hal Calbom. This book is published by the Columbia River Reader and funded by the Friends of Longview, a group made up of local citizens and businesses committed to the continued success of our community. “Empire of Trees” provides a “then and now” look at the 100-year history of the City of Longview.

The class of 2023 demonstrated grit and perseverance through a difficult period of history that embodies the same ideals of Longview’s founding fathers and citizens. Longview’s history is rich and unique just as our graduates’ futures are certain to be. Life will bring many challenges which our graduates are uniquely prepared to face, just as Robert A. Long, Mark Morris and their colleagues overcame the many obstacles they faced in creating the beautiful city many of us call home.

While we reflect upon the accomplishments of our graduates and our city’s forefathers, Longview Public Schools is hard at work maximizing our community’s investment in its facilities.

We will be replacing roofs, refinishing gym floors, replacing carpet, painting the historical R.A. Long Auditorium, installing the final security vestibules in the remainder of our schools and completing the Memorial Stadium modernization project. All this work is made possible as a result of our local voters approving the capital projects and technology levy.

In terms of technology upgrades, a number of our schools will be receiving a computer system refresh, where outdated equipment is swapped out for new equipment. Our schools are on a regular rotation to have this work done to keep the technology fresh. We will also be installing wiring to Memorial Stadium to run a new digital scoreboard, computers and sound system so sports broadcasting can be taken to the next level and be more accessible for people.

In the next two months, you will likely see a number of our local businesses working on school grounds to complete the many projects we have that must be done before students return in August. By the end of summer, all 15 of our schools will have either a security vestibule or front door camera-buzzer system installed in the front entrance. These front entrance security

The Kelso Longview Chamber of Commerce would like to THANK the following loyal members for renewing their partnership with us this month.

Anderson & Anderson Advisory, LLC

Cowlitz Indian Tribe

Cowlitz River Rigging, Inc

Educational Service District No. 112

Emergency Support Shelter

Epson Portland, Inc

Erickson Glass Company

Fiesta Bonita Mexican Grill & Cantina

Foster Farms

Futcher Group

Hart C's Steakburger & Thai Food

Kellogg Supply, Inc

Longview Physical & Sports Therapy Service

Longview Self Storage

Motion Industries, Inc

PNE Construction

Prestige Senior Living Monticello Park

Progress Center

Longview Schools from page 18 systems allow office personnel to check in visitors before they enter the school, making our schools safer and more secure.

On Sept. 1, we will be holding a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the new modernized track and field at Memorial Stadium, prior to the start of the Mark Morris home football game. This project is coming along well and can be viewed on a live webcam on the district website www.longviewschools.com.

As always, Longview Public Schools appreciates the support of our local Chamber of Commerce and community. Your support is helping to “lift Longview” and make our schools a place of pride for our students and families.

Have a great summer!

Schools from page 18

TRAFFIC and PARKING

• 13 properties purchased to improve traffic flow at Butler Acres, Carrolls, Wallace

• Redesigned traffic patterns for buses and student drop-off at Butler Acres, Carrolls, Lexington, Wallace

• Increased parking capacity at Carrolls, Wallace, Butler Acres

ATHLETIC FACILITIES

Completed:

• Artificial turf at Schroeder Field

• Handrails, elevator, sound system in stadium

• KHS gym floor, bleachers, handrails

• KHS pool refinish/relining

• Additional gym for Huntington

• Practice field improvements at KHS

• Stadium moisture improvements

• Stadium HVAC and mechanical upgrades

In Progress:

• Track replacement and irrigation improvements at Coweeman and Huntington through Summer 2023

• KHS tennis court resurfacing

Our students, staff, and families can’t thank you enough for all these improvements that will enhance learning for generations to come.

City of Longview

MaryAlice Wallis Mayor