Students and Staff Remember Ms. Buckson

Ella Schmeling page editor

Beloved science teacher Christine Buckson has made tremendous impacts on those around her and to the Sheldon community as an incredible friend and teacher. While no amount of words could describe how truly loved she was, a few of the many students and staff whose lives she touched shared their appreciation and fondest memories of her. The Sheldon community will forever cherish Ms. Buckson’s memory in their hearts. Her battle with cancer, and love for her students will never go unrecognized.

“Early in my career, she got hired at the Opportunity Center High School, where I worked, and there were only eleven staff members, so I got to know her fast and we became really good friends. She had a huge heart and really connected with students, but she also was a badass who could give students the structure and parenting that at-risk kids needed. There was just that great balance. I learned a lot from her. She talked me into taking a marine biology illustration class. She loved marine biology, and I loved drawing. We would sit for hours with big tanks of sea creatures and draw them, and then go to the local pub . She was the friend who you wouldn’t see for a long time, but then you would pick up right where you left off like no time passed.

I guess you could say a lot of people had respect for her, but I would say that’s so much less important from how much people really loved her.”

-Art teacher Peter Saracenowith a huge smile on her face. She was so happy

“To make her classrooms more enjoyable she always was very welcoming with a huge smile on her face. She was so happy and positive all of the time with such a great attitude about everything, which just made the whole atmosphere uplifting and enjoyable! I wish I could get to tell her one last time about how much she impacted my life and how much I love her. She will always be my favorite teacher for the rest of my life. She made chemistry my favorite subject. I just wish I could tell her all of that and how every single person she has crossed paths with or taught has been impacted positively by her and I hope she knew that. She showed care for each and every one of her students and truly wanted them to succeed.”

-Senior Chiloh Straub

“Ms. Buckson was my first trimester chemistry teacher. Chemistry was a daunting class, probably one of the hardest classes I’ve ever had to take. There were so many times when I felt like giving up for the day, and she was just the most encouraging person. She had a way of knowing exactly what you needed—and when in doubt, she would probably just crack a fart joke. Even through finding out about her cancer relapse, starting treatment again, and dealing with the endless emotions around all of it, she was so positive. The perfect example of a selfless person. Her students were always her first priority and that was so clear in everything that she did. Her presence in my life was the biggest blessing, I feel so thankful to have witnessed the light she brought to this world.”

-Junior

Jill Potter

(pictured above with Ms. Buckson)

A Letter to the Class of 2023

Angela Barley guest columnist

A tous les seniors avec qui j’ai travaillé pendant vos années ici à Sheldon, je vous souhaite de grandes félicitations. Je suis si fière de vous et de ce que vous avez accompli. Je me souviens bien quand vous êtes entrés pour la première fois dans le cours de français un ou deux. Vous étiez si nerveux, spécialement quand j’ai commencé à parler en français ☺ Mais peu à peu, nous avons créé des liens et nous nous sommes apprivoisés, malgré les cours de Zoom. Vous resterez toujours unique au monde à moi et j’espère qu’un bon souvenir de moi restera toujours avec vous… en particulier quand vous commanderez un croissant au café avec un peu d’accent français. Bonne chance dans votre avenir et tâchez d’être heureux !

Mme Barley 2023

“I only had Mrs. Buckson for my science classes freshman year, but she always made me laugh and feel happy. I remember she had this joke she used to say if she or someone else missed drinking their water and it spilled onto themselves. She would say that she or the other person would have ‘a drinking problem.’ It always made me laugh.”

Softball Team Takes State!

The Irish took home another state trophy, this time thanks to the softball team. The team won 1-0 against Oregon City on June 3. Junior Brooke Peterson was rounding third and attempted to run home. She collided with Lily Riley, the pitcher for Oregon City, who was covering third base during the play. The umpires decided that Lily Riley obstructed Peterson’s ability to round third base without obstruction. This resulted in Peterson, and Sheldon, earning a point and the state title.