Eagle Point School District 9
Community Newsletter, June 2026
Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) Centered on Improving Outcomes for Every Student!
Since the start of the 2024–25 school year, Valerie Shehorn, Eagle Point School District’s Director of the Office of Teaching and Learning, has led an extraordinary transformation in collaborative professional learning across our schools. Through intentional leadership, clear systems, and ongoing support, the Office of Teaching and Learning has established a strong foundation for Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) centered on improving outcomes for every student.
By achieving 100% participation in PLC Team Lead training and guiding teams in the development of unit plans, common formative assessments, and data-informed instructional practices, Director Shehorn has created the conditions for meaningful collaboration to flourish. This work has empowered educators across grade levels, departments, and buildings to engage in discussions about student learning, instructional strategies, interventions, and continuous improvement.
Especially noteworthy is the districtwide culture that has emerged through this effort. Teams are not only collaborating within their own schools, but also sharing learning and best practices across the district, strengthening alignment and promoting greater consistency for students. The thoughtful systems that have been established are fostering a sustainable cycle of planning, instruction, analysis, reflection, and refinement that is becoming embedded in daily practice.
This work represents far more than meetings or templates; it reflects a deep commitment to building a collaborative culture in which educators learn from one another, use evidence to guide decisions, and continuously strengthen instruction. These efforts are creating lasting systems that support both educators and students, and their positive impact will continue to be felt across EPSD9 for years to come.
We are pleased to announce that Lindsey has been selected to serve as the district’s new Transportation Manager.
Lindsey brings a diverse background in operations, leadership, human resources, safety, and employee support to this role. Before joining the district, she gained extensive management experience across retail, veterinary, and nonprofit settings, where she led teams, developed operational procedures, supported employee training, managed daily operations, and collaborated closely with staff, families, clients, and community partners.
Since joining the district, Lindsey has served in Human Resources, supporting employees across the organization through recruitment, onboarding, leave administration, compliance, employee relations, and contract interpretation. In that role, she developed a strong understanding of district operations and the importance of clear communication, consistency, trust, and follow-through.
As Transportation Manager, Lindsey looks forward to supporting the Transportation Department and the employees who keep the district moving each day, helping to ensure that students are transported safely, reliably, and with the care families deserve.
Please join us in congratulating Lindsey on her new role.
Pryce Henry - EPHS Valedictorian
Meet Pryce Henry, the 2026 Valedictorian of Eagle Point High School!
As graduation approaches, Pryce is looking forward to the next stage of his journey and the many opportunities ahead. He is excited to meet new people, learn from diverse experiences, and continue growing both academically and personally.
While starting college brings excitement, it also comes with challenges. One of the things Pryce is most nervous about is building new connections and finding a sense of community in a new environment. Still, he is eager to embrace the experience and all that comes with it.
Throughout his time at Eagle Point High School, Pryce found a special sense of belonging in the school's close-knit community. He credits EPHS staff, clubs, and activities for helping students succeed and supporting them in reaching their goals.
One accomplishment that stands out to him is his involvement in the theatre department. Working on the light and sound board provided memorable experiences, lasting friendships, and a community he is deeply grateful to have been a part of. Balancing theatre with academics taught valuable lessons that will stay with him for years to come.
When reflecting on his high school journey, Pryce shared an important lesson he learned at EPHS: not to let negative comments from others define who you are. He learned that confidence, resilience, and staying true to yourself matter far more than the opinions of others.
If he could give his freshman-year self one piece of advice, it would be to explore as many opportunities as possible. Trying new activities, joining clubs, and meeting different people can open doors to unexpected experiences and lifelong friendships.
Pryce is motivated to continue growing and learning not only for his future career and contributions to his field, but also to gain new experiences, broaden his perspective, and continue finding joy in the journey.
Congratulations, Pryce, on being named Eagle Point High School's 2026 Valedictorian! We are proud of your accomplishments and look forward to seeing all that you achieve in the years ahead.
Madelyn Grigsby - EPHS Salutatorian
Meet Madelyn Grigsby, the 2026 Salutatorian of Eagle Point High School!
Madelyn will attend the University of Oregon, where she plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in neuroscience. She is excited for the opportunities ahead and looks forward to continuing her education in a field she is passionate about.
As she begins this next chapter, Madelyn is preparing for the responsibilities of living independently while working hard to achieve her goals. Her dedication to learning and commitment to building a fulfilling future have helped her earn this outstanding academic recognition.
When reflecting on her time at Eagle Point High School, Madelyn shared that the friendships she built mean the most to her. She is especially grateful that some of those friends will continue their journey alongside her at the University of Oregon.
Congratulations, Madelyn, on being named Eagle Point High School's 2026 Salutatorian! We are proud of your accomplishments and look forward to seeing all that you achieve.
Kelly McElroy - EPHS Ford Recipient
Meet Kelly McElroy, one of our 2026 Ford Scholars from Eagle Point High School!
Kelly plans to attend George Fox University, where she will study nursing as she pursues a career dedicated to helping others.
The Ford Scholars Program is a prestigious scholarship supporting hardworking students from Oregon and Siskiyou County, CA, who show strong potential, demonstrate financial need, and plan to complete a four-year degree in their home state.
Congratulations, Kelly!
Darrien Greer - EPHS Ford Recipient
Meet Darrien Greer, one of our 2026 Ford Scholars from Eagle Point High School!
Darrien plans to attend the University of Oregon, where he will major in psychology as he works toward his future career goals.
The Ford Scholars Program is a prestigious scholarship supporting hardworking students from Oregon and Siskiyou County, CA, who show strong potential, demonstrate financial need, and plan to complete a four-year degree in their home state.
Congratulations, Darrien!
Mishka’Monika Casillas - EPHS Ford Recipient
Meet Mishka’Monika Casillas, one of our 2026 Ford Scholars from Eagle Point High School!
Mishka’Monika plans to attend the University of Oregon, where she will major in psychology as she prepares for her future career path.
The Ford Scholars Program is a prestigious scholarship supporting hardworking students from Oregon and Siskiyou County, CA, who show strong potential, demonstrate financial need, and plan to complete a four-year degree in their home state.
Congratulations, Mishka’Monika!
Angelica Garay - EPHS Ford Recipient
Meet Angelica Garay, one of our 2026 Ford Scholars from Eagle Point High School!
Angelica plans to attend the University of Oregon, where she will study environmental science and continue pursuing her passion for the environment and sustainability.
The Ford Scholars Program is a prestigious scholarship supporting hardworking students from Oregon and Siskiyou County, CA, who show strong potential, demonstrate financial need, and plan to
complete a four-year degree in their home state.
Congratulations, Angelica!
Teresa Espinoza Sanchez - EPHS Hagan Recipient
Meet Teresa Espinoza Sanchez, one of our 2026 Hagan Scholarship Recipients from Eagle Point High School!
Teresa plans to attend Oregon State University, where she will study veterinary medicine as she pursues a future caring for animals and serving her community.
The Hagan Scholarship is a nationwide need-based scholarship designed to help high-achieving students graduate college debt-free while providing opportunities for academic and personal success.
Congratulations, Teresa!
Alina Rios-Nungaray - EPHS Hagan Recipient
Meet Alina Rios-Nungaray, one of our 2026 Hagan Scholarship Recipients from Eagle Point High School!
Alina plans to attend the University of Southern California, where she will major in biochemistry as she works toward an exciting future in science and healthcare.
The Hagan Scholarship is a nationwide need-based scholarship designed to help high-achieving students graduate college debt-free while providing opportunities for academic and personal success.
Congratulations, Alina!
Roselyn Alcaraz-Zaragosa - EPHS Fairygodmother Recipient
Meet Roselyn Alcaraz-Zaragosa, one of our 2026 Fairygodmother Recipients from Eagle Point High School!
Roselyn plans to attend the University of Oregon, where she will major in psychology as she works toward a future helping and supporting others.
The Fairygodmother Scholarship supports students pursuing higher education by helping remove financial barriers and encouraging academic success and personal growth.
Congratulations, Roselyn!
Eagle Point School District 9 is excited to offer free summer meals for all children and teens ages 18 and under who live within the district boundaries.
Meals will be available Monday through Thursday at the following locations:
• Lower Table Rock Elementary School
• Shady Cove School
• Eagle Point High School
• White Mountain Middle School
Summer meal service dates:
• June 22 – July 16: White Mountain Middle School
• July 20 – August 13: Lower Table Rock Elementary School
Additional details, including meal times and program information, will be shared soon on the district website and Facebook page.
We look forward to serving our students and families this summer!
Looking for a fun way to stay active this summer? Join the Eagle Point Youth Wrestling Future Eagle Summer League!
Open to incoming kindergarteners through outgoing 5th graders, this co-ed program welcomes all skill levels. Come learn new skills, build confidence, and have fun with fellow Future Eagles.
See the flyer for registration details and important dates. We hope to see you on the mat this summer!
Looking for a fun way to build skills this summer? Join the K–8 Eagle Point Wrestling Camp, June 22–24 at Eagle Point High School!
Participants will learn wrestling techniques, develop new skills, play games, and have fun in a positive, supportive environment. Open to students in grades K–8, with instruction from experienced coaches and wrestlers.
See the flyer for registration information, camp details, and contact information. Reserve your spot today!
