La Grande Pride
La Grande School District Newsletter • Love, Care, Serve
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CTE COMPLETERS CEREMONY AT LHS
Education (CTE)
On May 13th, La Grande High School had an event to congratulate and honor all students who have completed one or two Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways at LHS.
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The CTE Completers Ceremony included students earning their pathways, their families and teachers as well as local partners in education -- businesses and organizations who helped support students in job shadows, internships and jobs.
This year, 65 students completed their pathways and a total of 84 pathways were completed. Students can complete one or more pathways; this year several completed two and one student completed three.
Mindee Hayden, CTE Coordinator at LHS, works with the students all year and organizes the ceremony. Students were presented their
pathway certificates and their teachers presented them with their cords, which are different colors for each pathway.
“This is a really special evening for our students who have worked hard to accomplish this, as well as those who have supported their journeys to get here,” Hayden said.
Every year, she has a guest speaker present at the ceremony. This year it was Stu Spence, Director of La Grande Parks and Recreation, who is a strong supporter of LHS students at games and events. Spence’s son is an LHS graduate this year and completed the Performing Arts pathway. Hayden said Spence did a wonderful job of encouraging these students on their next steps.
Also at the event, cupcakes were served by the LHS Hospitality and Culinary program.
Hayden said this group of seniors is very artfocused, with the most pathways being earned in visual arts, followed by performing arts.
This year, LHS awarded pathways in seven areas – Agriculture, Manufacturing, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Business, Hospitality and Tourism and Medical. The Manufacturing and Medical pathways require 20 hours of work experience, internship or job shadowing. Some of the other pathways require participation in the student organization affiliated with their pathway.
One student in each pathway was the recipient of a $500 scholarship toward further education/training after graduation.
“We are really proud of all our students who earned their pathways this year, and we look forward to seeing what they will do in their bright futures,” Hayden said.
SUPERINTENDENT’S DESK
GEORGE MENDOZA LA GRANDE SCHOOL DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT
Summer is here!
Dear La Grande Families, Students, and Community,
I hope you’re finding time to unplug, be outdoors, and connect with family and friends. After a year of growth, resilience, and teamwork, now is a perfect time to recharge and reflect.
I want to thank our incredible staff, students, and families for a strong school year. Together, we’ve seen growth in student learning, attendance, and graduation. Our regular attender rate improved from 66% to 70% districtwide, with every school increasing. We’re also proud to project a graduation diploma rate of over 92%, with a 98% completer rate. These results are a direct reflection of our staff, your students, and our family members’ commitment to education and to each other. As a reminder our Graduation is Sunday, June 1 at 2:00 PM at LHS. Let’s finish strong!!!
This summer, we’re moving full speed ahead with key projects—HVAC upgrades at La Grande Middle School, La Grande High School, and Greenwood. We are going to complete a significant safety upgrade by creating a single entry La Grande High School vestibule; our goal is to also update the interior courtyard and repaint the building to give it a modernized look. We will also do a significant roof repair and overlay project at La Grande Middle school this summer. We’re also preparing for another year of progress while managing rising costs. Despite budget challenges, we’re committed to using our resources wisely to support students and staff.
CRYSTAL APPLE AWARDS
2025 Award Winners
Let’s also celebrate our State Champions
LHS Choir – 6th straight state title (9 total in the past 15 years) Girls Wrestling – Back-to-back state champions
As always, I believe in the power of TEAM — Together Everyone Achieves More. Success comes from being consistent, focused, and connected. When schools and families work together, students grow and thrive.
This newsletter is filled with inspiring stories and accomplishments from across our district. Here are just a few highlights:
• FFA – Plant Sale, Hydroponics, and the Kettle Corn Business
• FCCLA – Heading to Nationals!
• Summer Food Service – Keeping students fed all summer
• CTE Completers & Pathway Projects
• Crystal Apple Awards & Retiree Recognition
• Spring Sports Highlights
And much more! I hope you enjoy reading about the incredible things happening in our schools. These stories reflect the creativity, leadership, and dedication of our students and staff.
Enjoy your summer—read, play, rest, reflect, and make memories. School resumes in late August, and I can’t wait to see you then.
Love, Care, Serve. This publication serves as a platform to keep our community informed and connected to the school district. We appreciate your involvement and support. Should you wish to contact me my phone number is 541-663-3201; email: george.mendoza@lagrandesd.org
Codi Eby
Codi is a Human Resources Professional for La Grande School District, where she has worked for five years. Her ready smile and compassion make people feel welcome and valued. She transitioned the evaluation and hiring process to an online platform and supported all staff in accessing new paperless systems. Codi has a caring, positive energy and is always willing to celebrate coworkers. She is a strong supporter of LGSD in her free time, volunteering for clubs, sports and events. Codi exemplifies the La Grande School District’s commitment to “Love, Care, Serve.”
Kelly Goodnight
Kelly is a Paraeducator II at La Grande Middle School and has worked for the district for 13 years. She has an amazing ability to connect with all students but is really successful at motivating students who struggle. Kelly works diligently and patiently to explain subjects in a way that students understand, increasing confidence in their own abilities. With her uplifting, funny and engaging demeanor, Kelly knows how to turn a student’s perspective around to not only work hard and reach the next level of learning but also feel empowered to succeed.
Anne Marie Fritz
Anne Marie is a Social Studies Teacher at La Grande Middle School. She has worked for the La Grande School District for 24 years. Anne Marie’s passion is evident through incredibly organized lessons and painting vivid pictures of historical events to engage students. Student success and connection are always at the forefront of her classroom. Anne Marie has organized several trips for students to places like the East Coast and Greece. A parent said, “She loves her job, she loves her students, and she loves what she teaches. I have never met a teacher who loves what she does more than Anne Marie.”
Rachel Robinson
Rachel is a Reading Teacher at Island City Elementary School who has worked for 14 years in the district. She has a wonderful ability to create a calm and encouraging work environment where students feel safe and valued. Very skilled at using the Science of Reading curriculum, Rachel has utilized data, strategies and tutors to help students make substantial gains in reading. She helped bring back Oregon Battle of the Books to Island City Elementary. At her school, “kids have greatly benefitted from the learning environment she has created.”
2025 Legacy Award Winner
Heather Gooderham
Heather is a 2nd Grade Teacher at Central Elementary School. She has worked for La Grande School District for 32 years. Heather has an unwavering commitment to students and families including academic support and connecting families with community resources. Her willingness to embrace new ideas, even after three decades of teaching, shows her lifelong passion for learning and growth. A proud LHS graduate, Heather has spent her career giving back to the community that raised her. She approaches every situation with love, care and a deep sense of service and truly embodies what it means to be an exceptional educator and community member.
2025 CRYSTAL APPLE LEADERSHIP AWARD
Winner Scott Carpenter
InterMountain Education Service District (IMESD) presented its 2025 Crystal Apple Leadership Award this month. The award was given at the Crystal Apple Awards ceremony for Union County school districts on Monday, May 5th at the Gilbert Event Center at Eastern Oregon University.
Each year, this award honors an exemplary school administrator in one of IMESD’s 17 component school districts. Scott Carpenter, Assistant Superintendent of La Grande School District, is the 2025 recipient. Carpenter started working for LGSD in 2013 as an assistant principal before moving to district leadership. During his tenure, he has helped the district achieve in multiple areas, including:
• A high graduation rate for La Grande High School with remarkable outcomes for students in poverty, students with disabilities and CTE (Career Technical Education) completers.
• Led the development of multi-tiered academic and behavioral supports, helped implement consistent district assessments and championed a culture of data-informed decision making.
• Co-created the B.E.S.T. Program, an engaging curriculum for fifth graders that promotes healthy decision-making, peer resistance strategies and personal empowerment. The program is recognized across the region and state.
Dr. Mark Mulvihill, Superintendent of IMESD, presented the award to Carpenter, saying, “This leader’s work has had a positive impact on his district, across classrooms, schools and the wider community. Scott brings people together and is collaborative, humble and deeply respected by colleagues. The Crystal Apple Leadership Award recognizes excellence, and this winner embodies that excellence every day. Scott’s leadership has made the district’s schools stronger, staff more supported and students better prepared for success in school and life.”
Regarding receiving the award, Carpenter said, “I am grateful to La Grande School District, our regional educator network and, particularly, IMESD for this honor. This honor would not be possible without the tremendous support of my wife and family. There are many qualified and hardworking administrators in our region. Their acknowledgment and support of our work in LGSD is tremendous. I am also grateful for a stellar LGSD team that works every day to support kids and their learning at high levels. We are doing the right work to increase learning outcomes, expand opportunities and take care of the real needs of students.”
The Legacy Award is intended to honor employees who have served for many years in one school district. The Legacy Awards celebrate the dedication and contributions these individuals have made to district operations and to student success.
2025 Crystal Apple Award winners La Grande School District Superintendent with the 2025 Crystal Apple Award winners. From left: Superintendent George Mendoza, Anne Marie Fritz, Kelly Goodnight, Codi Eby and Rachel Robinson.
2025 Crystal Apple Leadership Award winner Scott Carpenter (left) receives the 2025 Crystal Apple Leadership Award from Dr. Mark Mulvihill, IMESD Superintendent, on May 5, 2025.
SUMMER FOOD PROGRAM
The La Grande School District has great news for students and their families this summer!
The Summer Lunch Program continues to be successful, so the district is going to add an additional site for Summer 2025.
Starting on June 16, 2025, a grab and go sack meal with a complete breakfast and lunch will be available to be picked up at these locations:
• Central Elementary School
• Greenwood Elementary School
• Island City Elementary School
• Pioneer Park
• Candy Cane Park
Monday through Friday* from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
*Meals for July 4, 2025, will be provided on Thursday, July 3, 2025.
Meals are FREE to all kids and teens 1-18 years of age. No sign up required--just show up!
Parents, guardians and siblings can pick up meals for their households. Daycares and babysitters must have all the children eating in attendance at pick-up. Food service will continue through August 15, 2025.
If your child has special dietary needs or you have any questions, please contact Lindsey Meinhard, Food Service Manager for LGSD, at 541-663-3229, lindsey.meinhard@lagrandesd.org.
We can’t wait to see you this summer!
GRANDE SCHOOL DISTRICT
Upcoming Events:
Graduation
La Grande High School
Sunday, June 1, 2025, at 2 PM
8th Grade On-Track Ceremony
La Grande Middle School
Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 8:20 AM
Island City Field Day
Island City Elementary
Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 9 AM
Last Day of School
Thursday, June 5, 2025
LA
OUTDOOR SCHOOL
La Grande Middle School Sixth Graders Explore Nature at Camp Elkanah
In May, the sixth-grade students of La Grande Middle School had the exciting opportunity to step outside the classroom and into nature during a three-day Outdoor School at Camp Elkanah. The experience was packed with hands-on learning, outdoor adventure, and unforgettable memories.
Throughout their time at camp, students engaged in a wide variety of educational activities designed to deepen their understanding of science, nature, and the environment. One of the highlights was participating in Sandhill Crane research in collaboration with Eastern Oregon University’s GO-STEM program, where students learned about the behavior and habitat of this iconic bird species.
Students also got a close-up look at environmental science through a session with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and explored the importance of local ecosystems with an Introduction to the Grande Ronde Watershed. They sharpened their observation skills by practicing Tree Identification and conducted Stream and River Flow Research to learn about hydrology in real time.
The hands-on learning continued with the everpopular Apple Press and Rosehip Jam Making, giving students a taste of traditional food preparation
and the science behind it. Beaver Studies introduced them to the vital role beavers play in wetland ecosystems, while Aquatic Insect Identification gave them insight into the diversity of life found in freshwater habitats.
Students also tested their problem-solving skills with Dinosaur Puzzles, promoted teamwork and trust-building on the Low Ropes Course, and enjoyed a short hike that combined physical activity with lessons about the natural world.
Water science was a key theme, explored further through the Water Table activity, where students learned about wells and aquifers. Safety and emergency preparedness were also addressed through a session on Search and Rescue.
Of course, no Outdoor School would be complete without a little fun. Students played Camp Elkanah Bingo and enjoyed rounds of I Spy, adding an extra layer of adventure and friendly competition to their outdoor experience.
The three days at Camp Elkanah offered a rich blend of education, exploration, and enjoyment. For the students of La Grande Middle School, Outdoor School wasn’t just a break from routine—it was a meaningful journey into the natural world that they won’t soon forget.
LA GRANDE GOLF TEAMS SWING INTO SUCCESS
A SEASON OF TRIUMPHS AND FAREWELLS
The links have been buzzing with excitement this season as both the boys’ and girls’ golf teams at La Grande High School have enjoyed remarkable success. Their dedication, hard work, and undeniable talent have resulted in a season to remember.
The highlight for the Lady Tigers came at the La Grande Girls’ Invitational where they clinched 1st place as a team. Leading the charge were three exceptional golfers who dominated the individual standings. Natasha Lane secured the top spot, taking 1st place, followed closely by Olesya Forbes in 2nd, and Maylie Eby in 3rd. The boys’ team also had a strong showing in their invitational, proudly representing La Grande High School.
Adding to her impressive season, Natasha Lane will compete at the State Golf Championship for the Tigers, a fitting finale to her high school golf career.
This successful season is bittersweet as both teams prepare to say goodbye to several talented seniors. The girls’ team will be losing Olesya Forbes, who is headed to Liberty University to study commercial music, Mikayla Hibbert who plans to attend BYU Idaho, and Natasha Lane, who will pursue a bachelor’s degree in agriculture at Montana State University and then a master’s in education at Eastern Oregon University. The Lady Tigers’ success is a testament to the guidance of their dedicated coaches, Bill Waldrop and Brian Miles.
The boys’ team will also be saying farewell to three impactful seniors: Marco Fuentes, who plans to join wildland firefighting after graduation, Landen Newberry, who will enter the workforce, and Evan Zastrow, who will attend college to study mechanical engineering. The boys’ team has been expertly coached by Ricky Gloria and Kelli Hildebrandt.
The La Grande Tigers have truly had a great season, filled with victories, personal achievements, and memories that will last a lifetime. Congratulations to all the golfers, coaches, and families for a fantastic year!
SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES SPRING UPDATE
AS OF MAY 15, 2025
• LHS Choir are State Champions for 4A for 2025. That makes 6 championships in a row.
• Natasha Lane qualified for the Girls State Golf Tournament.
• LHS Softball is currently 23-0 and ranked 2nd in the state.
• LHS Baseball is currently 11-10 and ranked 12th in the state.
• Carson Cupit and Jasmine McKellar earned the Silver Award for FCCLA for the State of Oregon and will be representing Oregon at FCCLA Nationals in July.
• Aubrey Hamner competing in Career Investigation qualified for FCCLA Nationals in July.
• Kaden Jones, Makayla Hibbert, & Deegan Nelson competed on a team in Event Management and qualified for FCCLA Nationals in July.
• Elizabeth Carpenter, Adelaide Grigg, & Maddy Kilpatrick competed also in Event Management qualified for FCCLA Nationals in July.
• Lindsey Nelson competed in Focus on Children and qualified for FCCLA Nationals in July.
• Ella Jorgenson competed in Professional Presentation and qualified for FCCLA Nationals in July.
• Chloe Osterloh competed in Fashion Design and qualified for FCCLA Nationals in July.
• Annyka Wildman helped with judging and qualified for FCCLA Nationals in July
• LHS Band is currently competing at State.
• Karly Burgess earned the FFA Sheep Production Entrepreneurship for Oregon and is in pre-national qualification.
• Natasha Lane earned the FFA Diversified Crop Placement for Oregon and is in pre-national qualification.
LA GRANDE
FCCLA MEMBERS HEADED TO NATIONALS
After having a Strong Showing at State Convention
Seven of the members attending Nationals this year: Aubrey
and Deegan Nelson
These students are currently fundraising for their trip. They are competing and representing the state of Oregon.
La Grande High School’s Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) chapter had a successful trip to the FCCLA State Convention held in April in Lebanon, Oregon. Students competed in a variety of events, showcasing their leadership, creativity, and career-readiness skills.
Several students qualified to represent Oregon at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida this summer:
Carson Cupit & Jazzy McKellar – Public Policy Advocacy
Aubrey Hamner – Career Investigation
Kaden Jones, Makayla Hibbert & Deegan Nelson – Event Management (Team)
Elizabeth Carpenter, Adelaide Grigg & Maddy Kilpatrick – Event Management (Team)
Lindsey Nelson – Focus on Children
Ella Jorgenson – Professional Presentation
Chloe Osterloh – Fashion Design
Additionally, Annyka Wildman served as a student judge during the event, gaining valuable leadership experience.
Seven members from the chapter will be attending Nationals: Aubrey Hamner, Makayla Hibbert, Kaden Jones, Lindsey Nelson, Carson Cupit, Jazzy McKellar, and Deegan Nelson. These students are currently fundraising for their trip and are excited to compete on the national stage and represent the state of Oregon.
Congratulations to all FCCLA members on their achievements and best of luck at Nationals!
Hamner, Makayla Hibbert, Kaden Jones, Lindsay Nelson, Annyka Wildman (not attending), Carson Cupit, Jazzy McKellar,
(not pictured).
FFA RECAP
Ag Teacher/FFA Advisor Luke Coomer recaps the past year of the La Grande High School FFA chapter.
Luke Coomer is wrapping up his first year as the Agricultural and Natural Resources Instructor at La Grande High School. It’s been a busy year for him settling into teaching classes and serving as the FFA Advisor.
Currently, there are 110 students enrolled in Ag Classes at the high school and about 35 active members of the school’s FFA chapter.
We caught up with Coomer on a recent morning to ask him about how the year has gone and what his students have accomplished.
How was the FFA State Convention in March?
We took 17 students to the convention in Redmond. It was another record year for attendance and Oregon FFA has grown a lot in the last couple of years.
Students competed in the Farm Business Management Quiz.
Two students who were District Winners in Proficiency Awards for their Supervised Agricultural Experiences won their divisions at State: Karly Burgess for Sheep Production Entrepreneurship; she put in 1700 hours over the last four years on this project and Natasha Lane in Diversified Crop Placement. They will do pre-national qualifications over the summer to see if they make it to National Convention.
One student, Sayge Johnson, earned her State FFA Degree, which is the highest level of achievement within State FFA. It has robust qualifications including class credit, community service and project hours.
What do you enjoy about working with students in your classes and in FFA?
No two days are the same, which I appreciate. I feel like I am making a difference for students and equipping them to do better in their lives.
I really believe that Ag education and FFA give students a lot of tools for success – they learn to work really hard, show responsibility, take initiative, lead and follow in groups. They gain a lot of real-world practice plus perform under pressure.
I also enjoy developing connections with local industry like farms, ranches, businesses. Those ties are very strong.
What do your Ag classes look like?
In a typical day, I may work with students on a variety of learning from electrical wiring and feed management for animals to running the greenhouse.
When I bring experts in from industry to the classroom, that really benefits the students because it’s real knowledge from real people who have done it.
How do you see the LHS program in the future?
There is a lot of potential for this program, and I am really excited for growth to happen.
The EOU business program is helping our Advanced Ag Class to develop a business plan to consolidate our greenhouse, hydroponics and kettle corn machine into one overall business with different enterprises. The students will sell plants from the greenhouse all summer at the La Grande farmers market, including flowers and vegetables.
Coomer said FFA is the largest Career Technical student organization in the U.S., and he said a big part of his job comes down to managing relationships with the school, students, parents and the community. “It’s positive when someone says, ‘Hey, you wore the blue jacket.’ That’s a connection for employers and community members to our students.”
STUDENTS WORK SHOWN AT GREENWOOD WAX MUSEUM
Greenwood Second Graders Bring the Animal Kingdom to Life
Greenwood Elementary’s second-grade students have been busy exploring the wild world of animals through an exciting and immersive research project. Over the past several weeks, students have studied a variety of animals—learning about their habitats, diets, behaviors, and unique characteristics.
The highlight of their hard work was proudly displayed at the Greenwood Wax Museum, held on Friday, May 2nd, where each student transformed into their chosen animal. Donning creative costumes and delivering well-rehearsed speeches, the young presenters brought their animals to life, impressing families, teachers, and classmates alike with their knowledge and enthusiasm.
“I like frogs. My favorite part of the project was doing the painting of the poison dart frog,” said Talon, one of the participating students.
Zaria shared, “I chose the burrowing owl because I wanted to. I liked learning that it usually moves around on the ground, it doesn’t fly much.”
Declan chose to research the bearded seal, saying he picked it because seals are his favorite animal.
Hunter selected the armadillo, inspired by his favorite video game. “I liked learning that they float on water,” he explained.
In addition to writing speeches and dressing up, students also created detailed drawings and paintings of their animals, adding an artistic layer to their learning. This creative element allowed students to visualize their research and express their understanding through art.
Each speech was the result of careful research, writing, and practicing public speaking skills—turning this project into a cross-curricular learning experience that combined science, literacy, art, and performance.
The project will culminate with an exciting field trip to the Boise Zoo, where students will have the opportunity to observe many of the animals they studied. This real-world connection will help reinforce what they’ve learned and provide a fun, memorable conclusion to their research journey.
Greenwood’s Wax Museum is an annual favorite, and this year’s second graders proved once again that learning can be both meaningful and wildly fun.
CLASS OF 2025
As of the middle of May, seniors in this year’s class have earned an amazing amount of money to pursue their plans after high school.
LHS Scholarships and Grants
Scholarships = $417,937 Grants = $85,246
Grand Total for Scholarships and Grants = $503,183
According to Charlee Hubble, ASPIRE Coordinator, “Our LHS students rock!” Here is what a few LHS seniors plan to do after graduation:
“I am moving to Phoenix, Arizona, in August to attend Grand Canyon University to study business.”
“I plan to go to EOU for my nursing degree with a minor in business.”
“I will be attending EOU in the fall for wrestling and to pursue a pre-med degree.”
“This fall I plan to attend BYU and study Forest and Wildlife Management.”
“I’m still planning my college path with my amazing Scholarship Counselor, Charlee Hubble.”
“After graduation I’ll be attending the University of Idaho and studying pre-vet medicine and animal science.”
“I’m going to BMCC to study Criminal Justice and will become a Law Enforcement Officer after I get my degree.”
STUDENT ART PROJECTS
7th Grade- Building models of the Roman Colosseum
Central 5th Grade hot air balloon art
Aspen Henry Greenwood Fourth Grade
Daisy Delepierre Greenwood Third Grade
Gezae Kellogg LHS CTE Project
Cameron Foster-LHS CTE project
Daniel Braun 10th Grade CTE Project
Easton Krause Greenwood 4th grade
LMS Crystals
Sander Mario LHS CTE project
Tucker Dixon Greenwood 5th Grade
Mason Manwell Greenwood Kindergarten
Sydney Perez Greenwood Third Grade
Mrs. Annas’ Central 5th Grade hot air balloon art
True Hawks Greenwood Second Grade
