November 27, 2024
ISSUE 48
50¢
IT'S IN THE CLASSIFIEDS
Hunting for a job? In the market for a new home? Have something to sell? Turn to the Classifieds in The Dispatch and at dispatchnews.com
Pizza Wednesday Club brings youth, community together By Merrick Parnell Contributing Writer
The Pizza Wednesday Club is a popular afterschool event that offers all school-aged youth in the Eatonville School District the chance to enjoy a free slice of pizza, a fountain drink, and an opportunity to connect with local community leaders. Held monthly at Myles Pizza Depot, the event serves as a social gathering where students can interact with their peers and community members. In addition to the monthly meetings, the club hosts Pizza Wednesday Field Trips at local schools, where Varsity Pizza delivers dozens of pizzas for large pizza parties. These events allow students to engage with local law enforcement officers, school board members, and other community figures while enjoying their pizza. The Pizza Wednesday Club was founded in 2022 by Emy Lay, a local businesswoman and real estate agent. She wanted to create a welcoming space where students felt supported by the community. “I had an idea to provide an environment where everyone felt like they belonged and had positive influences from the community,” said Lay. “I told my kids to invite their friends to share a pizza after school at Myles Pizza Depot, right across the street from the schools.” What started as a small gathering quickly grew as more students from the Eatonville School District joined in. The name "Pizza Wednesday Club" came about when a local Eatonville High School student commented that the group was the “Pizza Wednesday Club.” “I could see right away
Eatonville Athletes Shine, Multiple All-League Honors for Fall Sports By Skip Smith Contributing Writer
Eatonville High School’s fall sports teams have made a significant impact on the 2A SPSL in their first season back, with a multitude of athletes earning recognition on the All-League team. From the gridiron to the pool, track to the court, Eatonville’s dedicated athletes have showcased exceptional talent, hard work, and sportsmanship, bringing pride to their school and community.
CROSS COUNTRY In cross country, Grace Coonrod earned a spot on the first team, while Bridget Stumph, Hannah Bieker, Colton Rush, and Benjamin Bernt were named to the second team.
SWIM The swim team also had a successful season, with Kaylee Bernt and Gracie Forsman making the first team. Annika Howard was named to the second team, and Nicole Tomyn, Charlotte Stumph, Lily Hays, and Jane Morrish received honorable mention. Additionally, the team was awarded the All-League Sportsmanship Award.
FOOTBALL COURTESY
The Pizza Wednesday Club is a popular after-school event that offers all school-aged youth in the Eatonville School District the chance to enjoy a free slice of pizza, a fountain drink, and an opportunity to connect with local community leaders. it would continue to grow exponentially week after week,” Lay said. “Kids loved having a place to stop by right after school, visit with friends, have a free slice of pizza, and mingle with community leaders.” The club’s popularity led to donations from local businesses, private citizens, and organizations recognizing the value of providing a positive space for youth. The Pizza Wednesday Club is open to all students in the Eatonville School District, and Lay, along with the organizing team,
On the gridiron, the football team had several players recognized. Cole Fowler was named firstteam quarterback, while Ky Nation and Riley Hill were first-team wide receivers. Jacob Simons was a second-team wide receiver, Aaron Tozier was a second-team offensive lineman, and Ethan Rogers was a second-team defensive lineman. Honorable mention went to offensive linemen Nick Shipman and Hebron Leasiolagi, wide receivers Oscar Garcia and Michael Stogsdill, defensive backs Ky Nation and Riley Hill, linebackers Logan Shipman and Jameson Beckord, and defensive lineman Aaron Tozier.
TENNIS In tennis, Brody Thirtyacre earned a first-team singles spot, while Nate Goode and Carl Lucas were named first-team doubles. Jacob Golding was a second-team singles player.
GIRLS SOCCER works to bring the program to as many students as possible. In addition to Myles Pizza Depot, the club
has hosted pizza parties at Columbia Crest STEM Academy, Weyerhaeuser Elementary, and Eatonville Middle School. There are plans to expand the program to Eatonville Elementary and Eatonville High School. At each school-day event, the club holds
PIZZA, 4
The girls soccer team had several players recognized. Haley Courson was a first-team forward, Mary Van Eaton was a first-team midfielder, and Hannah Hanson was a first-team defender. Lily Lightfoot was a second-team forward, Tagen Amaral and Caedy Dunn were second-team defenders, and Tierney Amaral was named Keeper of the Season. Head Coach Max Van Eaton was named the Coach of the Year.
VOLLEYBALL In volleyball, Tia Schanbeck received honorable mention as a setter.