Rising from the Ashes
September wildfires spared most Oregon school buildings, but they left deep emotional and economic scars on districts and their communities. OSBA is telling personal stories of hope and perseverance from the state’s three hardest-hit districts: Phoenix-Talent, McKenzie and Santiam Canyon. These “Rising from the Ashes” stories, told in images and words, will show where support is needed most to help Oregon students and their families rebuild.
Phoenix-Talent School District
'Our families trust in our schools, they believe in our schools, and to have them still standing…that happens for a reason.'
Brent Barry, superintendent
'We’re going to be rebuilding because there’s just a ton of memories associated with that place. I can’t imagine being anywhere else…'
Makinzy Elton-Wooley, student
‘I told my children that …we needed to help get these folks out. They looked at me …and we all went to work.’
Mike Sandoval, retired fire chief; parent of two Phoenix-Talent students
'My house was completely gone. A homeless teacher teaching homeless students is really … impossible.'
Kerri Brooks, special education teacher
Santiam Canyon School District
'People up here are…survivors, they are hard workers. This is not just a single home, now it’s the rebuilding of a community.'
Todd Miller, superintendent
'I want to rebuild because I love the area. I love the people. The Santiam Canyon … is pretty special. It's almost magical in a way, the community support.'
Jamey Fawcett, parent and school board member
'As we passed through Lyons a couple of houses were gone, and I thought, "that could have happened to us." '
Parker Hanna, student
McKenzie School District
'It’s incredible the way that people are showing up for each other right now.'
Xochilt Diaz, kindergarten teacher
'Once we knew the school building was still here, we knew we were going to have to play a pretty significant role in supporting the community and rebuilding and recovering from this.'
Lane Tompkins, superintendent