Falls High School recently conducted the annual Chili Cook-Off Contest. With the growing Family and Consumer Science program, 69 high school students, under the supervision of Marva Fairchild, participated in the 2015 contest.
There were 20 different pots of chili in two contests. The students, in groups of three-four, researched and selected chili recipes with care, and each pot of chili was judged by 39 local judges, from both sides of the border.
Chili cook-offs, with judging and cooking rules, take place all over the world, with most benefiting charities or non-profit organizations. International Falls also has a community chili-cook off as part of Icebox Days.
The FACS classes acknowledged community members who took their time to help judge the contest, as well as Dave Peterson, of Hardee’s, who provided students with prizes.
St. Thomas School is celebrating Catholic School’s Week Jan. 25-31 with 11 schools in the Diocese of Duluth and over 6,000 catholic schools nationwide.
The event is sponsored by the National Catholic Educational Association and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The week’s theme — “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service” — highlights the school’s focus on faith development, academic excellence and dedication to community service.
St. Thomas students will be participating in a variety of activities to mark the occasion. The week will start with students participating in the 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass at St. Thomas Church. Students will celebrate their community Monday by making 125 friendship cards to give out to parish members and friends in need. As the 125th anniversary of the Diocese of Duluth is being observed this year, 125 cards are being made in honor of this milestone.
Koochiching County commissioners will join for lunch on Tuesday as students dress in patriotic colors and celebrate the nation. As Wednesday is the Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, students will dress their best to attend morning mass at 8:30 and feast on doughnuts afterwards. Wednesday evening, a 5 p.m. Mass and potluck for parish and school families is planned.
School spirit day will be celebrated Thursday, with skating and sledding at the Ranier Rink/Hill. Cake will be served in the school from 2 to 2:30 p.m. Friday in appreciation of volunteers, faculty and staff of St. Thomas School. Friday afternoon, all will rest with pajama day and bedtime reading from 2:30 to 3.
St. Thomas School serves children in preschool through fourth grade. The school prides itself on providing academic excellence in a faith-filled environment.
For more information on the school, visit www.stthomascatholicschool.com or follow on facebook at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School.
Nault graduates with honors
Tylyn Nault, of International Falls, received a bachelor of science degree in elementary education, from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, during 2014 winter commencement ceremonies.
Ruelle named to USF dean’s list
Sierra Ruelle, of International Falls, was named to the University of Sioux Falls dean’s list for fall semester 2014.
The freshman is double majoring in English-literature track, psychology.
To qualify for the dean’s list, a student must achieve a semester grade point average of 3.5 or greater on a 4.0 scale.
