Guiding the Future

from BADGER NATION | Summer 2023 | A Talking Glass Media publication in support of PUSD

PHS ATHLETIC PROGRAM NO PASS - NO PLAY REQUIREMENTS

THE IMPACTFUL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PUSD EDUCATION FOUNDATION’S “RISING STARS” AND THEIR TEACHERS

On May 2nd, the annual Prescott Unified School District Education Foundation “Rising Stars” banquet was held to honor eight accomplished PHS seniors. Alongside them that evening were eight distinguished educators who were praised for their belief in these students and their ability to inspire them to pursue their ambitions and achieve their dreams.

These Rising Stars were nominated by PUSD staff for surpassing expectations and excelling in the face of adversity, achieving a B average or better on their path to graduation. They have all demonstrated determination and resilience on their journey toward their goals, whether that means pursuing higher education, military service, or job training. They have embraced the valuable life lessons learned throughout their high school careers and are poised to achieve great things.

During the banquet, the Rising Stars shared video messages expressing their gratitude toward their selected “Distinguished Educator.” These teachers were instrumental in shaping their high school experiences, offering tough love, praise, confidence, high expectations, and compassion. Through their guidance, the Rising Stars were able to overcome their struggles both in and outside of school to complete their assignments and achieve success.

The Rising Stars spoke of their educators’ patience and perseverance, as they pushed the students to strive for excellence and never give up in the face of obstacles. These PUSD educators encouraged and brainstormed with their students on how to reach their full potential, never accepting excuses and always looking for solutions to help them achieve their goals.

Cameron Brown

Future plans include going on a mission for his church and then attending Arizona State University and majoring in Business Finance.

DISTINGUISHED TEACHER:

MISSY TOWNSEND - PHS Assistant Principal Athletic Director

Elijah Resnick

Future plans include attending Seattle University.

DISTINGUISHED TEACHER: JIM RHINE - PHS@YC Algebra I Teach Geometry Teacher

Maurea Norris

Future plans include attending UNLV and majoring in Engineering.

DISTINGUISHED TEACHER:

HELEN WANAMAKER - PHS English Teacher

Jessica Cope

Future plans include attending the University of Michigan and majoring in Political Science.

DISTINGUISHED TEACHER:

JEN HAWLEY - PHS

AP Literature & Language Teacher

Joaquin Sierra

Future plans include attending Florida International University and majoring in Music Production.

DISTINGUISHED TEACHER:

REBECCA WOOD - PHS English Teacher

Shaylin Amquist

Future plans include attending Yavapai College for an Associate’s Degree in Science and then pursue a degree in either Social Work or Ultrasound Technician.