As Pope Benedict spends his final day as leader of the Catholic church, Siouxlanders are reflecting on his service. Wednesday night, a special mass was held at Sioux City's Cathedral of the Epiphany to celebrate Benedict's leadership of the church for the past eight years. The Cathedral's youth group came up with the idea for the farewell mass for the Pope and they took on extra roles for the special service.
The high school graduation rate is up at Sioux City Community Schools. It was almost 85 percent last year. That was up five percent from two years earlier, but still five percent lower than the Iowa statewide graduation rate of 89 percent.
Sioux City students make a colorful statement against bullying. All week, students and staff at North and East High Schools are wearing specific colors. Wednesday was International Pink Shirt Day. About 50 girls, who make up the "Girls Circle" at the two schools, had T-shirts printed that urge others to quote, "be the difference." Thursday, the students will wear yellow. Friday, they'll wear their school colors.
Some Siouxland middle school students will have their works of art put on display at the Sioux City Art Center and have a chance to pocket some cash. Winners of this year's Youth Art Exhibition were chosen by a local artist, but visitors to the Art Center can cast votes for their favorite. The two winners of the People's Choice Award will each receive $100. There will be 94 projects on display through April 7th.
