Clark principal Steve Ybarzabal mans the grill and prepares some tasty burgers for the Clark testing kickoff on May 3.

Everyone loves a surprise party- especially when the reason for the surprise is free braces.

Clark fourth grader Jack Hutcheson was excited to hear the news that he was the winner of the essay contest sponsored by Paducah orthodontist Dr. Brad Mills. Hutcheson received a party for her homeroom class and will receive free braces.

Mills said this is his eleventh year to sponsor the essay contest for Paducah City schools and other school districts in the region. He began it as a way to give back to the community.

"It's a great experience, and a great way for kids to learn that studying and applying yourself to academics does pay off," said Mills.

Over 40 of the best spellers in the fourth and fifth grades competed in the Clark Spelling Bee on April 18.  In the fourth grade competition Annissa Midyett won first place, Libby Shadoan was second, and Jack Hutcheson was third. In the fifth grade competition Sammy Lambert won first place, Rymia Burks was second, and Nancy Mai was third.

Photos from "Sleeping Beauty", Clark's Spring musical, have been posted to Smugmug. You can see them here.

Clark Dad and school board member Dr. Carl LeBuhn recently visited Karen Armstrong's fourth grade science class to discuss what doctors do in their work. The class also discussed how to make a diagnosis.