Family Spotlight
BTA’s Class of 2024 Valedictorian is Gabriel Miller. Gabe was very involved in the Business Academy, and was production manager for the school’s printing business. This last year, Gabe represented BTA on the Student Voice Council. Gabe is very passionate about music and faith, and plays bass guitar for his church as well as volunteering at The Family Kitchen. With plans to attend the Honors College at George Fox University and major in Psychology, Gabe aims to combine leadership experience and a commitment to service to make a meaningful impact in the field of mental health. Gabe has received multiple scholarships including the George Fox Merit Scholarship, Multicultural Leadership Award, Visit Experience Scholarship, Scholarship Summit Award, George Fox Honors Award, and Music Achievement Award. Congratulations to our 2024 Valedictorian!
Congratulate BTA’s 2024 Salutatorian, Ella Hewlett! She plans to attend Central Oregon Community College in the fall where she will be furthering her passion of helping people by becoming a Medical Assistant. Ella was on the dance team for Bend Senior High School for two years and the Captain for Caldera’s Dance team her junior year. She is an avid reader and aspiring sketch artist. Ella was part of the BTA Medical Academy, and participated in rotations at St. Charles Hospital as part of her Health Occupations class. Ella is an Educational Credit Management Corporation Scholar and received an ECMC Scholarship to help her pursue her college plans. Congratulations Ella!
Congratulations to Caldera’s first Valedictorian, Landon Gillette! After high school, Landon will attend Western Oregon University and study Exercise Science. Landon plans to use his undergraduate degree to launch a career in athletic training and coaching. Landon has played soccer for almost 13 years and is a big fan of Chelsea FC, Portland Trail Blazers, Atlanta Braves, and Oregon Ducks. Landon learned early in his senior year that he was in the running for Valedictorian and decided to continue to take challenging courses and see how the rest of his senior year would play out. Landon would like to give a shout-out to his family, including his two older sisters, one who recently got married and is an elementary school teacher, and another who is getting her PhD in Inorganic Chemistry at Oxford University in England.
Hannah Carter is Caldera’s first Salutatorian! Hannah has been a part of the Dual Immersion program since kindergarten, aside from the two years she went to school in Brazil in 8th and 9th grade. She adores animals and working with people. Outside of school, she is a volunteer at Healing Reins. Hannah is a captain on both the Caldera Varsity Tennis Team and Caldera Varsity Nordic Team, spending winter and spring training for both sports. Upon graduation, Hannah will earn the State Seal of Biliteracy and the Dual Immersion Gold Seal of Biliteracy. Next year, Hannah will attend Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts to study Neuroscience.
In the latest Supe's On with Dr. Steve Cook podcast...
Meet two Caldera students preparing to graduate: Harry Jennrich and Halle Gruetzmacher. Dr. Cook asks them what it's like being among the school’s first graduating class, how they helped prepare for the big day, their plans for next year, and their advice for future seniors at Caldera.
Congratulations to Valedictorian Daniel Price! Daniel is a student athlete who loves baseball and is one of the founders of La Pine High’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes group. He thanks all of his teachers and specifically Mr. Wilkins for the early morning gym access. Daniel cites his family as the most important part of his life and thanks his father Greg, mother Jan, brother Beau, sister Wendy, and both of their spouses. Daniel will attend Grand Canyon University to major in Entrepreneurial Studies with an emphasis on engineering. His goals include making connections and always maturing as a person.
We also throw our hats in the air for La Pine High's 2024 Salutatorian, Daegan Schenk! Daegan is an athlete, actor, and Vice President of the LPHS National Honor Society. He played varsity soccer for four years as a defender. In theater, he played Willard in Footloose and starred as Tarzan in Tarzan: The Musical. He thanks his mother Amber, father Tim, and his peers in both soccer and theater. Daegan speaks several languages, is learning several others, and is being awarded a Seal of Biliteracy upon graduation. He will attend the University of Oregon to study Linguistics and Foreign Studies. His goals are to bridge gaps between cultures and travel broadly.
Mountain View’s 2024 Valedictorian is Olyvia Rue. Olyvia will graduate with an Honors Diploma, the Oregon State Seal of Biliteracy, the AP Scholar with Distinction designation, and an AP International Diploma. During her time at Mountain View, Olyvia spent four years on the Dance Team and two years in Interact Club. She earned four varsity letters, won two Silver Keys in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, and placed second in the Congressional Art Competition. Olyvia will attend Washington University in St. Louis to study art history and entrepreneurship. She thanks her parents, her aunt Jem, Mr. Clements, Ms. Ross, Mr. Young, Mr. Rubenstein, and Ms. Hunter for their support during her educational journey.
Congratulate Mountain View’s 2024 Salutatorian, Riley Bellows! Riley will graduate with an Honors Diploma and an AP Scholar designation. Riley became involved in the Mountain View theatre program as a freshman and acted in four plays and musicals during her high school years. She was a member of the Red Cross Club for three years, serving as president for two, and participated in the 2024 Cougar Pageant. Riley was awarded a spot in the Oregon State University Honors College, where she will study Biology with a marine biology and ecology concentration. She thanks her parents, Ms. Sieveking, Ms. Romero, and Mr. Clements for their support throughout her educational journey.
Congratulations to Valedictorian Holland Rhodes! Holland is an invaluable member of the student body, actively engaged in our community. She plays a vital role in our Student Leadership Committee, advocating for change and amplifying student voices within our school. Beyond her leadership, Holland has exceptional talent in jewelry making, leading immersive weeklong intensives for Realms students. Her diverse interests span the arts, creative writing, and marine research and science. As she embarks on her journey at the University of Puget Sound this fall, we celebrate her dedication and wish her continued success in pursuing her passions. Congratulations, Holland!
The Realms High School Class of 2024 Salutatorian is Bella Amezcua! Bella is another vital member of our student body. She champions positive change and empowering student voices through Realms Student Leadership Committee. In addition to her leadership role, Bella possesses extraordinary talent in animation and digital art, a passion she has steadfastly pursued. She has devoted herself to honing her skills, taking numerous art classes at Central Oregon Community College to prepare for her post-high school education. In the coming fall, Bella will embark on her journey to fulfill her dream of becoming an animator at Pacific Northwest College of the Arts. Congratulations, Bella!
Congratulations to Summit High Valedictorian Max Himstreet! Max is an exceptional student, athlete, and leader. As Student Council President, elected by his peers, he consistently goes above and beyond to improve the Summit community. He is an accomplished public speaker, captivating audiences as the Master of Ceremonies at school assemblies. Beyond academics, Max is a state champion tennis player and works with the Interact Club, Family Kitchen, and Bethlehem Inn to better both his school and community, demonstrating his diverse talents and strong work ethic. He is a curious and driven learner, taking numerous AP classes and college-level calculus courses. Max's friendly and outgoing personality, combined with his phenomenal work ethic and dedication to academic excellence, will serve him well at Dartmouth College and beyond. Summit will miss Max. “Thank you, Max, for being the Max!”
Summit’s Class of 2024 Salutatorian is Imogen Upham! She will graduate with the Honors Diploma, many Advanced Placement classes, and loads of wonderful volleyball team memories. Imogen quickly makes friends through her infectious smile, and through high school athletics and extracurricular activities. Student statistics are not the most noticeable characteristic about Imogen; positivity is. Imogen hurdles challenges through her exuberance and enthusiasm. She has taken countless college level classes, and she studies and works hard. The result is that she excels in all academic subjects, and more. Imogen has served her community through the Green Leadership Coalition of Bend, volunteering with the Bend Marathon, YMCA summer camps, and volleyball clinics for younger players. Imogen has a strong interest in sustainability, combined with fashion and design management. She will pursue these interests at Cornell University in the fall. Imogen's bright and cheery enthusiasm will be missed!
