Students conduct eco summit at Rosalia

Rosalia

The Rosalia-Colfax-St. John International Economic Summit gathered students from three area high schools to participate in a global trade simulation on Dec. 18 at the Rosalia High School gym. More than 90 students took on the role of economic advisors for 30 different countries with the goal of using trade to improve the standard of living.

After a semester of researching the history, government and societal problems of their country, students created a strategic plan to partner in trade alliances, invest in long-term development projects and solicit foreign aid. That plan was put into action in a day of negotiating alliances, debating issue statements and exchanging export coupons.

“It was really tiring but really fun!” exclaimed Rosalia student, Stacey Carrothers. Team Nigeria from Colfax and Team Brazil from St. John/Endicott shared the first place overall award, while the best costume award went to Team India and the best table display award went to Team Ethiopia, both from Rosalia. The International Economic Summit project was born out of the professional development meetings of Whitman County held periodically throughout the school year.

“I loved the opportunity to create meaningful experiences for students to actively engage with economics and the Whitman County partnership has allowed us to reach even more students with this project,” explained Jennifer Olson, Rosalia’s social studies teacher.

Rosalia Preschool had a special visitor come to their Christmas party on Thursday. The children were all aglow with smiles and hugs for jolly old Saint Nick.

Santa had treats for all and double checked with each child to make sure that his Christmas present list was just right.

All sang Jingle Bells and Santa told the little ones to be sure to get to bed early on Christmas Eve so he could visit their homes and drop off their presents and the children promised to do just that.