Marshallese Academic Celebration and Health Fair

On April 22, Shaw Middle School held an event for the Marshallese community residing in Spokane. This event celebrated the academic success of Marshallese students in grades 7-12 from across Spokane County. The event also served as a health clinic for students’ family members, in which free vaccinations and health screenings were offered.

Three-hundred seventy Marshallese community members attended, and over 100 students were celebrated. Four school districts, SRHD, CHAS, WSU College of Pharmacy, Marshallese Community Advisory Board, United Way of Spokane, EWU, SPS nurses, and others came together and collaborated on the event. Professor Olu Ekundayo of the MPH program was one of several honored guests.

Members of the Marshallese community enjoyed the event and have been asking about expanding future, similar events to include more students and more partners for next year. Ryan Douse of the MPH program planned the event with other members of the Community Advisory Board. Three other MPH students—Jessica Ochoa, Dilli Gautam, and Brendon Winston—volunteered.