Washougal High School’s fine arts department welcomes staff

WASHOUGAL — Washougal High School’s fine arts department recently welcomed choir teacher MaKenna Clendenen and band teacher David Duarte. Clendenen grew up in a small town in south-central Pennsylvania and is a recent graduate from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Music in music education. This is her first year of teaching. “One of the reasons I love choir so much is the community that comes with singing in large groups,” she said in a written statement. “There’s a feeling of euphoria when the voices of many come together, and it’s a feeling that you never quite forget.” Duarte comes from a family of musicians and is an award-winning educator with more than two decades of teaching experience. “I am excited at the opportunity to continue the amazing traditions of the Washougal community,” he said in a written statement. Clendenen and Duarte join drama teacher Kelly Gregersen and art teacher Robert Yee.