Two Pendleton High School students received some amazing news in February about their college opportunities. In a surprise meeting at the school, Ella LaMere and Sheldon Joseph, both PHS seniors, received full-ride scholarships to Whitman College in Walla Walla.

Makaya Kekoa-Resner, Assistant Director of Admissions at Whitman, officially presented the news and their award letters.

LaMere and Joseph are recipients of the Šináata Scholarship, offered through a Memorandum of Agreement between Whitman and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR). It is offered to as many as five applicants annually, with first preference to enrolled CTUIR students. LaMere and Joseph are both enrolled members of CTUIR.

The Šináata Scholarship, which is Whitman’s most comprehensive one, covers full cost of attendance including tuition, food and housing, books, supplies and a transportation allowance.

Kekoa-Resner said she was pleased to meet LaMere and Joseph and award them. “This is my favorite part of the year, when we actually get to hand students these scholarships in person,” she said.

Jill Gregg, Coordinator, and Mandy Oyama, BMCC Next Step Navigator, from the PHS ASPIRE Office, were at the scholarship presentation and happy to celebrate the accomplishments of these two students. “I think it’s so exciting. I remember when we took Ella on a tour of colleges a couple of years ago and just seeing her realize the possibilities was cool, so having this one open another door is neat,” Oyama said.

Principal Pat Dutcher was also thrilled about the potential the Šináata Scholarship offers. “I’ve never been prouder of two kids who deserve a scholarship like this. I know Ella’s story and her perseverance; knowing she is going to have a successful transition from high school makes a lot of people in this room really happy today.”

LaMere said she completed her college applications early so she wouldn’t have to stress about it. She applied to eight schools and likes Whitman’s campus and its proximity to family members. She is excited about the scholarship but is considering other offers before deciding where to attend college.

Sheldon, who applied to six schools, said, “This is really exciting, it’s a really good opportunity, a lot of hard work I put in is paying off now.” He likes that Whitman is close to home and they have a golf team. He has decided to attend Whitman.

For more information about how the PHS ASPIRE program supports PHS students with planning after high school, contact Jill Gregg, ASPIRE Coordinator, at 541-966-3846 or EMAIL.

More information about the Šináata Scholarship is available at this link on the Whitman College website: https://www.whitman.edu/admission-and-aid/financial-aid-and-costs/merit-talent-and-passion-scholarships/sinaata-scholarship.

Readers of all ages enjoyed books, books, books at the annual Community Read-In at the Pendleton Early Learning Center (PELC) on March 2, 2026.

About 60 volunteers visited the school that morning to read to Kindergartners and share their love of books and reading. Volunteers included parents, grandparents, friends, neighbors, retired PELC staff, Sunridge Middle School  Leadership students, PSD staff and school board members, IMESD Blue Mountain Early Learning Hub, Walmart employees, and law enforcement.

PELC would like to thank Pendleton Walmart for their donation of books and their employees who came to read with students.

“The Community Read-In was a roaring, reading literary success that we look forward to every year! We thank all the volunteers who showed up to spend time with our students,” said Angela Lattin, PELC Principal.

The event is the traditional kickoff to Read Across America week.

This week we proudly celebrate our amazing paraeducators — the caring adults who work side-by-side with students every day to support learning, confidence, and growth.

Paraeducators build relationships, provide encouragement, and help ensure every student has access to meaningful learning experiences. Their patience, flexibility, and commitment make classrooms stronger and students more successful.

Thank you for the compassion and dedication you bring to our schools. You truly change lives through your daily work. 💚💛

#ClassifiedAppreciationWeek #StudentSuccess

During Classified Appreciation Week, we want to recognize the incredible school secretaries who keep our schools running smoothly every single day.

They are often the first friendly voice families hear, the calm presence during busy moments, and the organizational heart of our buildings. From supporting students and staff to solving a hundred unexpected challenges before lunch, their work makes a lasting difference in the experience of everyone who walks through our doors.

Thank you for your professionalism, compassion, and dedication to our students and school communities. We appreciate you more than words can say! 💚💛

#ClassifiedAppreciationWeek #GratefulForOurTeam