Students' trials and losses showcase Chiawana spirit

There's some good stuff going on over in Pasco at Chiawana High.

A recent article about sophomore McKenzi Fish provided reason for optimism about the youth in our community.

Because this one incredibly promising girl got cancer, Chiawana High is a more positive and hopeful place.

Dance team instructor Darlene Mercer tributes McKenzi's upbeat attitude to "a lot less clique-yness and more togetherness" on the team. That can be quite a feat when you're talking about teenage girls.

They've even decided to all wear surgical masks when they perform for basketball games this season so McKenzi won't stand out in the one she'll wear as protection from infection.

McKenzi's only concern is that she doesn't lose her hair to the chemotherapy. So far so good. (If she does go bald, that would really test the team's commitment to unity.)

Two days after McKenzi's story appeared on the front of the Herald's Mid-Columbia section, the sports page chronicled the journey of the school's football kicker, Pilate Lopaya.

He was born in Sudan and raised largely in refugeecamps trying to escape civil unrest, wars, torture and annihilation.

Again, the struggles of one family have brought out all the good things in Chiawana's extended family.

Pilate's recently widowed mother and her eight children have seen plenty of struggles. It would be difficult to choose one as a turning point.

When Pilate's dad died in September, however, the emotional and financial toll was high. He was their sole breadwinner.

That's when teammates and coaches, teachers and students, neighbors and strangers stepped in to help. Food has been brought in, and rides and donations have been given.

The "Chiawana family" has helped Pilate's family with emotional and physical support.

With money tight, Pilate has considered dropping out of school to get a job, but his dream is to get a scholarship and play sports in college.

It's not too much to ask. Things worth having are worth working for, and we have a feeling this school can help make that dream happen.

McKenzi and Pilate have bright futures.

So do all those who have prayed for, cried with and stepped up to help these incredible young people and others like them in our community. Many of their stories don't make it in the paper, but are equally moving and uplifting.

At Chiawana High, there is always something new, literally.

Last year the school opened its doors for the first time, sans seniors. This year it will have a graduating class. Next year, alumni. (And the homecoming dance won't have to be called Fall Ball.)

For being in its infancy, Chiawana shows remarkable maturity. We see compassion and selflessness in these two stories. And we like the look of it.

This story was originally published December 5, 2010 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Students' trials and losses showcase Chiawana spirit ."