Oregon Achieves... Together!
A Message from the Director of the Oregon Department of Education, Dr. Charlene Williams
Dear Education Community,
As we close the chapter on another school year, I invite you to take a moment to watch my video message honoring the multitalented and dedicated team of educators and staff across Oregon who have tirelessly taught and supported our scholars throughout the 2024–25 academic year.
 All over our state, students are taking their last walk as high school students across a stage to accept their diplomas in front of family and friends. These moments are the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and the unwavering support of families, communities, educators and staff who have guided them every step of the way. This year, I’m especially proud of some students in Grants Pass. In 2023, 14 sophomores participated in the Black Youth Leadership Summit (pictured below). Their journey is a testament to the power of community, mentorship, and the belief that every student can achieve greatness.
To all the educators, administrators, and staff who have made this possible—thank you. Your dedication shapes the future, one student at a time. Let's continue to inspire and uplift our scholars as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.
Black Youth Leadership Summit, 2025 left to right: Travis Self, Nakai Scurry, Miles Hendrix, Kingston Connely, Kaden Dedmon, Nathan Hendrix, Zanai Vainuku Johnson, Mikah Herod, Taleia Goldman, Alex Bracamonte, Joey Torres, Jadyn Self Guttierrez, Natalie Bailey, Laura Santana, Felicity Farley. Boys standing in back: Charleston, Branson, Deshon, James.
Other June Celebrations
June is a time to celebrate more than just graduates. It’s Pride Month (read more about that below) and, of course, we honor all of the dads out there on Father’s Day. After that is Juneteenth, a time to commemorate the date in 1865 when Union troops reached Galveston Bay, Texas, to inform the enslaved African-Americans there that they, along with the more than 250,000 other enslaved black people in the state, were freed by the Emancipation Proclamation. Even though the holiday occurs when most schools are on summer break, the events and symbolism of the holiday are important aspects of our nation's history and civic knowledge that students can explore throughout the year when learning about civil rights, democracy and U.S. History.
Here are some Juneteenth resources:
Thank you for all you do for Oregon’s scholars. I know you will be thinking and planning for fall, reflecting on the past year, and many of you will continue your work with students throughout the summer, but I hope you also take the necessary time this summer for more than a little relaxation and rejuvenation that will allow you to start the next school year strong and well-rested.
|
