Welcome to Heppner Jr/Sr High School!
As I begin my fifth year here in Heppner, I continue to be grateful for the opportunity to serve our students, staff, families, and community. This year brings an exciting new chapter as my role expands to Principal of both Heppner Elementary School and Heppner Jr/Sr High School. I am also excited to welcome Ms. Karen Shelton as our new K–12 Vice Principal. Together, we look forward to supporting our students and staff across Heppner’s schools while continuing to build upon the great things happening at HJSHS.
As we move forward, one message captures what we want our K–12 school community to represent: Two buildings. One community. One commitment to our kids. While our students may learn in two different buildings, we are one Heppner school community with a shared responsibility to provide our kids with the very best opportunities we can.
There is something special about the start of a new school year at HJSHS. Our hallways are once again filled with students, classrooms are busy with learning, and our athletic fields, courts, clubs, and activities are creating opportunities for students to connect, compete, and represent our school and community. At HJSHS, our goal is bigger than simply helping students earn credits and graduate. We want our students prepared for what comes next, whether that is college, the workforce, military service, a trade, or another path. That means challenging students academically while also teaching responsibility, perseverance, accountability, and what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves.
At the heart of that work are the values we call R.I.D.E. for the Brand.
Respect: Treating others and ourselves with dignity and understanding.
Integrity: Doing what is right, even when no one is watching.
Discipline: Staying focused, persistent, and committed to our goals.
Excellence: Striving to be our best in the classroom, in competition, and throughout our community.
These aren't simply words displayed around our school. They represent the expectations we have for ourselves and one another and the kind of young people we want our students to become.
I am proud of HJSHS, proud of our students and staff, and proud to be part of a community that continues to support its schools. As we begin another year, I look forward to seeing our students challenge themselves, take advantage of the opportunities available to them, support one another, and continue building on the proud tradition of being a Heppner Mustang.
Go Mustangs!
Sincerely,
Ryan Gerry