SENIOR 2026
Sensible, realistic, and practical, Jonah Lyman is full to the brim of both heart and hard work. With his luminous pragmatism, Jonah is neither a stick-in-the-mud nor a wild child. His leadership as a crew boss in fire science is first-rate. When out digging lines or clearing brush, he takes the lead, wants to do well, and truly wants others to do well, too. He uses his brilliant mind to gauge the needs of the job and the needs of others, balancing both to create positive outcomes. If the world is ever on fire, Jonah is who you want on the front lines. Next year, Jonah will be studying engineering at the University of Idaho.
Sensible, realistic, and practical, Jonah Lyman is full to the brim of both heart and hard work. With his luminous pragmatism, Jonah is neither a stick-in-the-mud nor a wild child. His leadership as a crew boss in fire science is first-rate. When out digging lines or clearing brush, he takes the lead, wants to do well, and truly wants others to do well, too. He uses his brilliant mind to gauge the needs of the job and the needs of others, balancing both to create positive outcomes. If the world is ever on fire, Jonah is who you want on the front lines. Next year, Jonah will be studying engineering at the University of Idaho.
SENIOR 2026
The kind of person who somehow does it all—and makes it look easy, Lauren McBurney has a galloping mind, a bucking heart, and a Rodeo Queen’s smile. Someone who knows how to step up, she is passionate about making a difference and believes in the power of community, connection, and growth. In short? Lauren McBurney is equal parts heart, hustle, and horse rustler—and her story is just getting started. Lauren’s advice: “Remember, the best views come after the hardest climbs.” Next year she will be attending pre-med at Boise State with her sights set on becoming a trauma surgeon.
The kind of person who somehow does it all—and makes it look easy, Lauren McBurney has a galloping mind, a bucking heart, and a Rodeo Queen’s smile. Someone who knows how to step up, she is passionate about making a difference and believes in the power of community, connection, and growth. In short? Lauren McBurney is equal parts heart, hustle, and horse rustler—and her story is just getting started. Lauren’s advice: “Remember, the best views come after the hardest climbs.” Next year she will be attending pre-med at Boise State with her sights set on becoming a trauma surgeon.
SENIOR 2026
A rose by any other name, Annie Rose Miller values the heft of a backpack and the vertical gains and losses of life as much as a good view, the frozen sleet turned ice of an Oregon winter as much as the freedom of the slopes, the detailed preparation of packing as much as the warmth of arrival. A writer who brings relationships, family, and imagery to life with her words, Annie Rose knows the importance of relationships. “Be kind, care for others, it's the most important part of life,” says Annie Rose. Next year, she will be attending Boise State to major in nursing.
A rose by any other name, Annie Rose Miller values the heft of a backpack and the vertical gains and losses of life as much as a good view, the frozen sleet turned ice of an Oregon winter as much as the freedom of the slopes, the detailed preparation of packing as much as the warmth of arrival. A writer who brings relationships, family, and imagery to life with her words, Annie Rose knows the importance of relationships. “Be kind, care for others, it's the most important part of life,” says Annie Rose. Next year, she will be attending Boise State to major in nursing.
Just herself and nobody else, Sarah Musia is made of boots, music, freedom, country, and rodeo. She is made of joy, she is made of happiness, she is made of kindness. Resilient and always trying her best, Sarah’s determination is most powerfully felt as a friend. Her friends say, “She is absolutely amazing and will always be there for you.” Carrying all of these things with her, Sarah will be atteding cosmetology school next year in Lewiston, while staying home watching movies and hanging out.
SENIOR 2026
Part Mini-Cooper, part Einstein, Bobby Nichols comes from an entrepreneurial background (his dad has started up and sold several successful Wallowa County businesses). In addition to the dreams in his heart (he once started a very tasty chocolate business of his own at Joseph Charter School), Bobby is strongly academically rooted in math, science, and writing. This powerful trifecta of academics creates a stable base for Bobby’s dreams. As Einstein once said, "Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere." With both logic and imagination, Bobby will be studying aviation at Central Oregon Community College next year with sights set on becoming an airline pilot.
Part Mini-Cooper, part Einstein, Bobby Nichols comes from an entrepreneurial background (his dad has started up and sold several successful Wallowa County businesses). In addition to the dreams in his heart (he once started a very tasty chocolate business of his own at Joseph Charter School), Bobby is strongly academically rooted in math, science, and writing. This powerful trifecta of academics creates a stable base for Bobby’s dreams. As Einstein once said, "Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere." With both logic and imagination, Bobby will be studying aviation at Central Oregon Community College next year with sights set on becoming an airline pilot.
SENIOR 2026
Tinkering with words. Sometimes, splattering them across the canvas of the page with energy and reverence. Other times, darkly and humorously wading through life, Hans Rowden, is a capable, creative, and carefree (on the outside) composer, Hans writes: “A path leading the way to a place of dire want of arrival, a pencil writing words for an English assignment, a desk upon which my Chromebook and pencil lay, a bandage upon a wounded finger, causing many typing errors while writing this.” Han’s writing and humor will merge next year when he attends lineman school, electrician’s school, or flips burgers. “Freedom’s just another word for being done with school,” says Hans. “You’ve got to find a way.”
Tinkering with words. Sometimes, splattering them across the canvas of the page with energy and reverence. Other times, darkly and humorously wading through life, Hans Rowden, is a capable, creative, and carefree (on the outside) composer, Hans writes: “A path leading the way to a place of dire want of arrival, a pencil writing words for an English assignment, a desk upon which my Chromebook and pencil lay, a bandage upon a wounded finger, causing many typing errors while writing this.” Han’s writing and humor will merge next year when he attends lineman school, electrician’s school, or flips burgers. “Freedom’s just another word for being done with school,” says Hans. “You’ve got to find a way.”
JOSEPH 8TH GRADE PROMOTION
SENIOR 2026
Part Alaskan, part Oregonian, all Harley Wanner. In the famous poem “If,” Rudyard Kipling writes: “If you can keep your head while all about you/ are losing theirs… If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew/ to serve your turn.” Harley embodies these lines. As president of our student government, Harley takes on the tasks that no one else wants to do. Even without an official leadership position, it is in Harley’s nature to step up to make things happen. Does her class need t-shirts for homecoming? She’ll be the one to help organize and advocate for her class. Does the volleyball team need new uniforms? She’ll be the one to raise money during concessions or write a letter to Nike. “Enjoy everything, in the moment, and try not to stress out,” says Harley. Next year she’ll be attending Washington State University and majoring in nursing.
Part Alaskan, part Oregonian, all Harley Wanner. In the famous poem “If,” Rudyard Kipling writes: “If you can keep your head while all about you/ are losing theirs… If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew/ to serve your turn.” Harley embodies these lines. As president of our student government, Harley takes on the tasks that no one else wants to do. Even without an official leadership position, it is in Harley’s nature to step up to make things happen. Does her class need t-shirts for homecoming? She’ll be the one to help organize and advocate for her class. Does the volleyball team need new uniforms? She’ll be the one to raise money during concessions or write a letter to Nike. “Enjoy everything, in the moment, and try not to stress out,” says Harley. Next year she’ll be attending Washington State University and majoring in nursing.
2026 EOREN Regional ELA Challenge!
"Thank you for your time, effort, and commitment in completing the 2026 EOREN Regional ELA Challenge. We appreciate the meaningful time and effort you and your students put into this opportunity and the strong representation we had from across the eastern Oregon region. We would like to express our gratitude to FISHTRAP, Inc. for scoring this year's student essays. "
We are excited to recognize this year's student winners (and their teachers):
High School Division
1st Place: Francesca Whiteman – Joseph HS (Teacher: Cam Scott)
2nd Place: Elijah Jones – Joseph HS (Teacher: Cam Scott)
Middle School Division
1st Place: Ben Strawn – Willowcreek (Teacher: Kim Worley)
2nd Place: Margaret Gould – Paisley (Teacher: Kim Nichols)
3rd Place: Wesley Istre – Dayville (Teacher: Sydney Thompson)
"Thank you for your time, effort, and commitment in completing the 2026 EOREN Regional ELA Challenge. We appreciate the meaningful time and effort you and your students put into this opportunity and the strong representation we had from across the eastern Oregon region. We would like to express our gratitude to FISHTRAP, Inc. for scoring this year's student essays. "
We are excited to recognize this year's student winners (and their teachers):
High School Division
1st Place: Francesca Whiteman – Joseph HS (Teacher: Cam Scott)
2nd Place: Elijah Jones – Joseph HS (Teacher: Cam Scott)
Middle School Division
1st Place: Ben Strawn – Willowcreek (Teacher: Kim Worley)
2nd Place: Margaret Gould – Paisley (Teacher: Kim Nichols)
3rd Place: Wesley Istre – Dayville (Teacher: Sydney Thompson)
Utilizing our natural resources, the long sprinters took to the hill by Wallowa Lake yesterday for part of their practice, doing 300m sprints up the trail.
SENIOR 2026
A no job’s too big to manage, no person too small to serve kind of leader, Camdyn Weer stands against the chaos of the world in service to the world. “True Humility,” writes C.S. Lewis, “is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” Camdyn embodies this quote as she strives to be the best person she can be and to serve the world in the process. A keystone, holding the beautiful arch of social agreements together, Camdyn’s unwavering focus on fairness holds groups together, preventing inequality from causing the group to collapse. Next year, she will be setting the bar at Oregon State University, where service skills will vault her ever upward.
A no job’s too big to manage, no person too small to serve kind of leader, Camdyn Weer stands against the chaos of the world in service to the world. “True Humility,” writes C.S. Lewis, “is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” Camdyn embodies this quote as she strives to be the best person she can be and to serve the world in the process. A keystone, holding the beautiful arch of social agreements together, Camdyn’s unwavering focus on fairness holds groups together, preventing inequality from causing the group to collapse. Next year, she will be setting the bar at Oregon State University, where service skills will vault her ever upward.
2025-2026 Yearbooks are here!
This year we included PK - 12th grade!
Yearbooks can be purchased in the office for $20 while supplies last.
This year we included PK - 12th grade!
Yearbooks can be purchased in the office for $20 while supplies last.
NIGHT AT THE LIBRARY
APRIL 28TH 6PM TO 7:30PM
***K-6TH STUDENTS MUST ATTEND WITH AN ADULT.
APRIL 28TH 6PM TO 7:30PM
***K-6TH STUDENTS MUST ATTEND WITH AN ADULT.
Today was a great day for JCS Track at The Carnival of Speed in Milton Freewater. Lots of Personal Bests and Season Bests were made. The girls team won the meet, and Annie Rose Miller was the girls' overall high point winner for the meet, winning an individual plaque. The throwers were also able to participate in a throwers 4x100 relay using their creative batons. It always a good day to be an 🦅!
Today the JCS 7-12th grade band students spent the day in Cove, attending the annual EOSSMA band festival. They performed as an individual band, as well as a mass band, collaborating with several other area small schools to form a band of over 100 students. They were joined together by guest conductor, Greg Johnson from EOU. Lots of hard work, but a day well spent, and wonderful music was created.
KG-6TH GRADE HAD PERFECT ATTENDANCE TODAY!
GO EAGLES!!!
GO EAGLES!!!
Kindergarten Round-up is this Thursday!
Come meet Mrs. Shetler and check out the classroom! 🌻
*Must be age 5 before September 1st, 2026.
Class pictures are this Thursday!
(Excluding 8th & 12th grade, theirs will be at promotion and graduation)
Wallowa Valley Youth Arts Festival!
The Joseph School Board is pleased to announce that Mike Hillman has been selected as our next Superintendent and K-4 Principal. With over two decades of progressive leadership experience across diverse educational settings, Mike is deeply committed to fostering excellence for every student, every day. After an extensive selection process, we are confident that Mike will be a great fit for the Joseph School District, and we are very excited to welcome him into the Joseph Eagle family.
Mike will be coming to us from Churchill High School in Eugene, where he currently
serves as the Assistant Principal. Previous education positions he has held in Oregon include Principal of Seven Oaks Middle School in Lebanon; Coordinator of Alternative Education Programs for the Lebanon Community School District; School Improvement Specialist with the Oregon Department of Education; various administrator and program management roles with the Willamette ESD in Salem; and PE Teacher / Department Head at the Maclaren Youth Correctional Facility in Woodburn. He has coached baseball, softball, and golf.
Here is a personal note from Mike:
Team -
I am honored and excited to join the Joseph School community. I believe education is an ongoing journey where students build knowledge and skills through meaningful, challenging work. By fostering curiosity, encouraging reflection, and maintaining rigorous expectations, we create an environment where students can grow academically, socially, and personally.
My wife of 34 years, Ann, and I are grateful to be part of such a welcoming community. We are proud parents of two sons, Brody (26) and Jacob (23). As a family, we enjoy sports, backyard BBQs, and community events. Experiences that bring people together and strengthen connections. These values guide both our lives and my work in education.
Through my experience, I’ve learned that when schools are safe, supportive, and
focused on learning, students can truly thrive. A positive school culture--one that values respect and high expectations--creates a sense of belonging where every student feels seen and supported. In these environments, strong relationships among students, staff, and families become the foundation for growth, allowing us to face challenges with confidence and teamwork. And by celebrating successes, we build momentum, pride, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement.
Thank you for entrusting us with your children. I look forward to working together with this great staff to support their growth and success.
Mike
Mike will be coming to us from Churchill High School in Eugene, where he currently
serves as the Assistant Principal. Previous education positions he has held in Oregon include Principal of Seven Oaks Middle School in Lebanon; Coordinator of Alternative Education Programs for the Lebanon Community School District; School Improvement Specialist with the Oregon Department of Education; various administrator and program management roles with the Willamette ESD in Salem; and PE Teacher / Department Head at the Maclaren Youth Correctional Facility in Woodburn. He has coached baseball, softball, and golf.
Here is a personal note from Mike:
Team -
I am honored and excited to join the Joseph School community. I believe education is an ongoing journey where students build knowledge and skills through meaningful, challenging work. By fostering curiosity, encouraging reflection, and maintaining rigorous expectations, we create an environment where students can grow academically, socially, and personally.
My wife of 34 years, Ann, and I are grateful to be part of such a welcoming community. We are proud parents of two sons, Brody (26) and Jacob (23). As a family, we enjoy sports, backyard BBQs, and community events. Experiences that bring people together and strengthen connections. These values guide both our lives and my work in education.
Through my experience, I’ve learned that when schools are safe, supportive, and
focused on learning, students can truly thrive. A positive school culture--one that values respect and high expectations--creates a sense of belonging where every student feels seen and supported. In these environments, strong relationships among students, staff, and families become the foundation for growth, allowing us to face challenges with confidence and teamwork. And by celebrating successes, we build momentum, pride, and a shared commitment to continuous improvement.
Thank you for entrusting us with your children. I look forward to working together with this great staff to support their growth and success.
Mike
