Northwest Academy Students Perform Original Musical and Raise $295,000

Northwest Academy Students Perform Original Musical and Raise $295,000

Portland, OR. The Northwest Academy hosted Club Cabaret, “The Mad Hatter’s Cocktail Party” at The Nines Hotel in downtown Portland. The event raised $295,000 for academic programs and student scholarships. Supporters at the February 29th benefit included Amy Hillman, Nicholas & Megan O’Toole, Todd McCoy & Tawnya Fox. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus) More than 200 guests came for the silent auction, cocktail party, an original musical performed by Northwest Academy students, and a live auction.

Students perform an original production called, “The Mad Hatter’s Cocktail Party.”

Educators say the Northwest Academy in downtown Portland strives to provide students with an enriching education consisting of developing their fine and performing arts skills, rather than implementing the arts only as a bonus to students education. Northwest Academy emphasizes the importance of the balance of academics and art fostering curiosity and creative thinking.

Mary Vinton Folberg, Chris Schuck, McKenzie Kerman, and Lauren Partington

Serena Schulz-Rodriguez, Sarah Santangelo, Chiharu Olsson, Lori & Peter Buss, James Olsson, Terence Barr, in back row: Marilyn Beach, Bronson & Marisa James

Zach Levow, Joe & Linda Rosinski, and Holly Levow

The Quest Foundation, along with a challenge match from Arlene Schnitzer and Jordan Schnitzer, contributed to programs and scholarships for the students.

From Northwest Academy:

Mission: Northwest Academy is committed to inspiring students to discover their intellectual and artistic voices in a creative and supportive atmosphere fueled by curiosity and constructive challenge. Vision: Northwest Academy will be recognized as a center of excellence in proficiency-based education, artfully blending academic instruction and experience.  Graduates of the school will be innovative thinkers who chart their own futures and excel in a diverse global society. Core Values: Education in both academics and arts, results in a more complete and balanced individual who, while being productive, also leads an inspired and meaningful life, talented faculty, passionate about their subject areas, and the support of free and open inquiry motivates students’ interest in learning and creative thinking, student engagement, curiosity, and creative thinking expand when nurtured by accomplished and energetic faculty who promote participation and welcome debate, students thrive in an environment where both individuality and collaboration are encouraged and fostered, proficiency-based placement enhances students’ motivation and initiative while allowing a student to work through education at relatively accelerated or a more leisurely personal pace.

Northwest Academy Benefit Raises Over $300,000

Northwest Academy Benefit Raises Over $300,000

Portland, February 27th, 2016. Nearly 300 community members came together to support Northwest Academy’s scholarship fund and they donated over $300,000. Barbara Hall and Susanne Orton were guests of Presenting Sponsor: Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation. The “Disco Fever” theme was contagious. In addition, Founder and Head of School Mary Vinton Folberg was honored and celebrated as she passes the baton this year and will focus on securing a permanent home for the school.

Head of School Mary Vinton Folberg.

Head of School Mary Vinton Folberg.

Northwest Academy Staff, Debbie Hutchins, and guests Roger & Margaret Hinshaw.

Northwest Academy Staff, Debbie Hutchins, and guests Roger & Margaret Hinshaw.

Suzanne Geary, Head of School Mary Vinton Folberg, and Chris & Leah Swartley.

Suzanne Geary, Head of School Mary Vinton Folberg, and Chris & Leah Swartley.

Northwest Academy students performing the Disco Fever finale!

Northwest Academy students performing the Disco Fever finale!

Victoria Taylor, Scott Showalter, Lynn Getz, Lindley Morton, Kirk Taylor, and Corrine Oishi.

Victoria Taylor, Scott Showalter, Lynn Getz, Lindley Morton, Kirk Taylor, and Corrine Oishi.

Northwest Academy staff: Sara Berglund, Laurel Keppy, and Morgan Kunze.

Northwest Academy staff: Sara Berglund, Laurel Keppy, and Morgan Kunze.

Presenting Sponsor: Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys

Presenting Sponsor: Paulson Coletti Trial Attorneys

From Northwest Academy:

CHALLENGING ACADEMICS AND INTELLECTUAL CURIOSITY

Whether they are researching their thesis essays or creating a multimedia visual project, Northwest Academy students approach complex concepts with intellectual curiosity. At every grade level, we respect our students’ abilities to comprehend challenging ideas and to demonstrate their understanding with insight and creativity.  As a result of this trust, our students become self-motivated learners with a strong desire to explore new ideas.

PROFICIENCY-BASED LEARNING

At Northwest Academy, knowledge, skill, and academic maturity – rather than chronological age – determine a student’s placement. Appropriate placement is critical to the school’s proficiency-based program.  Proper placement positively affects a student’s motivation, initiative, and risk-taking, and it also impacts a student’s ability to succeed in subsequent years of study in a subject.

STRONG ACADEMIC AND ARTS PARTNERSHIP

Our arts and academic partnership promotes an environment in both arts and academic classes where a student’s multiple intelligences can flourish. Through their arts experiences, our students acquire skills and strategies–such as attention to detail, self-discipline, self-awareness, and risk-taking–that help them succeed in their academic classes.

SMALL CLASS SIZES AND PASSIONATE FACULTY

Northwest Academy’s commitment to small class sizes and access to faculty help students succeed at high levels.  In our classrooms, no student can disappear or remain passive about his or her learning.  Combined with an environment that encourages free and open inquiry, our teachers’ passion for their subject areas motivates student interest in learning and creative thinking.

DOWNTOWN PORTLAND CAMPUS

Northwest Academy’s campus is located in downtown Portland’s cultural district, near its public transportation hub. Surrounded by the Portland Art Museum, the Central Library, the Portland Center for the Performing Arts, the Northwest Film Center, and Portland State University, Northwest Academy students and faculty participate in the cultural and academic offerings near campus.

Northwest Academy Raises $190,000 for NWA’s Scholarship Fund

Northwest Academy Raises $190,000 for NWA’s Scholarship Fund

Portland, February 28th, 2015. The theme for the annual Club Cabaret was Denim and Diamonds. Over 300 supporters enjoyed the night at the Portland Art Museum benefiting the Northwest Academy. Fans donated $190,000 to support NWA’s Scholarship Fund by bidding on silent and live auction items. The highlight of the evening featured a spirited show with vintage western music that had guests tapping the toes of their cowboy boots. Produced by theater director Wade Willis, the performance included Northwest Academy dancers, vocalists and musicians. (Photo credit, Andie Petkus)

 Jock Nelson, John Ripper, Will Vinton, Mary Vinton Folberg, Trista Nelson

Jock Nelson, John Ripper, Will Vinton, Mary Vinton Folberg, Trista Nelson

Denim and Diamonds Performance by Northwest Academy students

Denim and Diamonds Performance by Northwest Academy students

Event Chair Betsy Meier and Head of School Mary Vinton Folberg

Event Chair Betsy Meier and Head of School Mary Vinton Folberg

From Northwest Academy:

PROFICIENCY-BASED LEARNING

At Northwest Academy, knowledge, skill, and academic maturity – rather than chronological age – determine a student’s placement. Appropriate placement is critical to the school’s proficiency-based program.  Proper placement positively affects a student’s motivation, initiative, and risk-taking, and it also impacts a student’s ability to succeed in subsequent years of study in a subject.

STRONG ACADEMIC AND ARTS PARTNERSHIP

Our arts and academic partnership promotes an environment in both arts and academic classes where a student’s multiple intelligences can flourish. Through their arts experiences, our students acquire skills and strategies–such as attention to detail, self-discipline, self-awareness, and risk-taking–that help them succeed in their academic classes.

SMALL CLASS SIZES AND PASSIONATE FACULTY

Northwest Academy’s commitment to small class sizes and access to faculty help students succeed at high levels.  In our classrooms, no student can disappear or remain passive about his or her learning.  Combined with an environment that encourages free and open inquiry, our teachers’ passion for their subject areas motivates student interest in learning and creative thinking.

DOWNTOWN PORTLAND CAMPUS

Northwest Academy’s campus is located in downtown Portland’s cultural district, near its public transportation hub. Surrounded by the Portland Art Museum, the Central Library, the Portland Center for the Performing Arts, the Northwest Film Center, and Portland State University, Northwest Academy students and faculty participate in the cultural and academic offerings near campus.

 

Club Cabaret 2014 Benefits Northwest Academy

Club Cabaret 2014 Benefits Northwest Academy

Portland, February 22nd, 2014.

Over 300 guests came to the Portland Art Museum to support Northwest Academy’s scholarship fund. Mary Vinton Folberg, Northwest Academy Head of School is pictured with Jordan Schnitzer, Harsch Investment Properties. Attendees enjoyed a cabaret stage show with Northwest Academy students and faculty, along with a live auction and dinner. Guests bid on silent and live auction items, including a McKenzie River Fishing Excursion, a Private Dinner at Silk and a Personal Tour of the Collection of Arlene and Harold Schnitzer. The evening raised over $150,000 in support of the Northwest Academy Scholarship Fund. Special thanks for Arlene Schnitzer and Jordan Schnitzer, who pledged a challenge grant of $50,000 from the Harold and Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, and to the Quest Foundation, who offered a challenge grant of $37,050. (photo credit, Andie Petkus Photography)

Crowd shot at the Portland Art Museum

Crowd shot at the Portland Art Museum

Madeline Ettinger '16 as Dancer in One NIght in Rio - The Cabaret

Madeline Ettinger ’16 as Dancer in One NIght in Rio – The Cabaret

Northwest Academy students perform in One Night in Rio stage show

Northwest Academy students perform in One Night in Rio stage show

Drew Carney, KGW-TV and Club Cabaret Master of Ceremonies

Drew Carney, KGW-TV and Club Cabaret Master of Ceremonies

Angeles Godinez-Valencia, Northwest Academy Alumna ('13)

Angeles Godinez-Valencia, Northwest Academy Alumna (’13)

Wilson Captein '14 as Tourist in One Night in Rio -The Cabaret

Wilson Captein ’14 as Tourist in One Night in Rio -The Cabaret

 

 

One in four students at Northwest Academy receives financial aid to attend the college preparatory middle and high school located in downtown Portland.

www.nwacademy.org

About Northwest Academy:

Northwest Academy is an independent school, grades 6 through 12, committed to education through academics and the arts. Founded in 1997 by Mary Vinton Folberg, Northwest Academy offers rigorous academic and arts programs that emphasize and value creative thinking, individual choice, and self-discipline. Classes are taught by master teachers and professionals active in their fields – from dance and the arts to the humanities and sciences. Northwest Academy prepares students for the demands of the twenty-first century through a strong focus on independent thought and problem solving combined with an emphasis on new approaches to contemporary issues. Northwest Academy is located at 1130 SW Main Street, Portland, Oregon 97205; 503-223-3367. For more information, please visit www.nwacademy.org. Follow us on Facebook at Northwest Academy.

Jumptown Jazz Club A Hit for Northwest Academy’s 2013 Club Cabaret

Jumptown Jazz Club A Hit for Northwest Academy’s 2013 Club Cabaret

Portland, February 23rd, 2013. Over 300 guests were, “Puttin’ on the Ritz” to support the Northwest Academy’s scholarship fund.  Attendees enjoyed student performances throughout the evening, including the “shoe shine kids” who perform brief dance routines followed by a real shoeshine. The Jumptown Jazz Club benefit at the Portland Art Museum included hits like “Minnie the Moocher” and “Fascinating Rhythm.” (Photo Credit, Andie Petkus)

Jeff and Annette Johnson (Northwest Academy parents)

Jeff and Annette Johnson (Northwest Academy parents)

Guests bid on silent and live auction items, including a McKenzie River Fishing Excursions, a Private Dinner at Silk and a Jackson Hole Getaway.  The evening raised over $97,000 in support of the Northwest Academy Scholarship Fund. One in four students at Northwest Academy receives financial aid to attend the college preparatory middle and high school located in downtown Portland.

Jumptown Jazz Emcees

Jumptown Jazz Emcees

Tom Manley, Pacific Northwest College of Art and Susanne Hashim (Northwest Academy Board of Trustees)

Tom Manley, Pacific Northwest College of Art and Susanne Hashim (Northwest Academy Board of Trustees)

Mark Stevenson (Sponsor, Capital Pacific Bank) with Jilma Meneses (Northwest Academy Trustee and Alumni Parent) and her husband Nathan Reynolds

Mark Stevenson (Sponsor, Capital Pacific Bank) with Jilma Meneses (Northwest Academy Trustee and Alumni Parent) and her husband Nathan Reynolds

Molly Meier (NWA ’15) and Betsy Meier (Club Cabaret Chair)

Molly Meier (NWA ’15) and Betsy Meier (Club Cabaret Chair)

Mary Vinton Folberg, Northwest Academy Head of School

Mary Vinton Folberg, Northwest Academy Head of School

Rajko and Vesna Kostur are in the mood for a Speakeasy at Club Cabaret’s Jumptown Jazz Club.

Rajko and Vesna Kostur are in the mood for a Speakeasy at Club Cabaret’s Jumptown Jazz Club.

Molly Meier (Northwest Academy Class of ’15)

Molly Meier (Northwest Academy Class of ’15)

 

From Northwest Academy:

Northwest Academy is an independent school, grades 6 through 12, committed to education through academics and the arts. Founded in 1997 by Mary Vinton Folberg, Northwest Academy offers rigorous academic and arts programs that emphasize and value creative thinking, individual choice, and self-discipline. Classes are taught by master teachers and professionals active in their fields – from dance and the arts to the humanities and sciences. Northwest Academy prepares students for the demands of the twenty-first century through a strong focus on independent thought and problem solving combined with an emphasis on new approaches to contemporary issues. Northwest Academy is located at 1130 SW Main Street, Portland, Oregon 97205; 503-223-3367. For more information, please visit www.nwacademy.org. Follow us on Facebook at Northwest Academy.