Freshmen recognize high school teachers

Recognizing inspirational teachers

March 18, 2020 LA GRANDE, Ore. – First-year honor students at Eastern Oregon University have nominated 21 educators from across Oregon, Idaho, and Washington to receive recognition as Inspirational High School Teachers for 2020.

Freshmen who maintained dean’s list standing during fall term 2019 recommended a high school teacher who influenced them on the road to higher education and academic excellence. EOU, which has a legacy of teacher education, presents the Inspirational Teacher Awards annually in recognition of outstanding high school teachers who encourage and represent the importance of higher education to their students.

Teachers at the following schools received an award this year:

• Baker High School in Baker City, OR, Maggie Banta was recommended by Corrina Stadler
• Chiawana High School in Pasco, WA: Guy Smurthwaite was recommended by Cecelia Urban
• Country Christian School in Molalla, OR: Cheri Axmaker was recommended by Katie Sandberg
• Crook County High School in Prineville, OR: Billy Hall was recommended by Noah Chaney
• Eagle High School in Eagle, ID: Jennifer Foster was recommended by Hope Russell
• Griswold High School in Boardman, OR: Rory Simpson was recommended by Samuel Carlson
• Hermiston High School in Hermiston, OR:
  • Aaron Davis was recommended by Jennifer Fuentes
  • Jason Lambert was recommended by Andrew James
  • Zyan Silver was recommended by Michelle West
• La Grande High School in La Grande, OR:
  • James Akers was recommended by Alaina Carson
  • Chris Leavitt was recommended by Mary Claire (Claire) Hardy
  • Kristy Moore was recommended by Katelin Banes
  • Jess Roberts was recommended by Caitlin Crouser
• Ontario High School in Ontario, OR: Jennifer Yano was recommended by Leslie Silva
• Parma High School in Parma, ID: Zach Barclay was recommended by Gabrielle Gentry
• Pendleton High School in Pendleton, OR: Stu Clem was recommended by Giliana Adams
• Pine Eagle High School in Halfway, OR: Barbie Morgan was recommended by Aubrey Vannice
• Riverside Jr/Sr High School in Boardman, OR: Madison Hynes was recommended by Joseph O’Brien
• Sunnyside High School in Sunnyside, WA: Martin Pittis was recommended by Alexandra (Alex) Partch
• Vallivue High School in Caldwell, ID: Kelly Aldridge was recommended by Alexa Jamison
• Wallowa High School in Wallowa, OR: Jeff Journigan was recommended by Rylee Goller

Visit eou.edu/ua/inspirational-teacher-awards for an archived lists of winners. 

Eastern Oregon University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and educator, committed to building a diverse and inclusive community and learning environment. Making excellence inclusive is a key element of the university’s strategic plan.