CTE Month – February 2026
Spotlight: Pendleton High School Graduate Evan Miller
During Career Technical Education (CTE) Month, Pendleton High School reached out to a few PHS graduates who are working in CTE fields. Evan Miller, PHS Class of 2018, is a Flight Test Operator for Amazon. He works near the Pendleton Airport and uses the UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) Range at his job.
As a student at PHS, Miller was on the robotics team, working in the FTC and FRC programs. He said the experience was a lot of fun and he really enjoyed it. He also took some engineering classes at PHS, including 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) and general engineering/manufacturing. “All of it was stuff I was very interested in. Not every skill transfers over one-for-one to the job I do now, but it teaches you the mentality of problem-solving and working with a team,” Miller said.
During the second half of his senior year at PHS, Miller did an internship at the UAS Range, which gave him exposure to that career field, building and flying small drones, and learning the technology and how to apply it. He also did a few job shadows with companies working at the range then. “It was great to get to know some people in the field, because when people remember your face and your name, that’s really what helps open doors later.”
Initially, he wanted to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering, but first attended BMCC, earning his Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree and an Associate of Science degree. He also earned his drone operator license. Through a previous mentor at the UAS Range, he found out Amazon was hiring for positions in Pendleton. After competing against graduates from four-year universities, he was hired in fall 2019.
At Amazon, his team tests drones that deliver packages to homes, which Amazon uses in large cities. Miller said his team’s goal every day is to fly the drone through specific test scenarios, and when they encounter something that stops the drone from flying, they solve it. “It’s very dynamic, it’s different every day, and we’ve got to be real scrappy and find solutions. I also like the mix of indoor and outdoor work,” he said.
Miller said the drone field is changing rapidly; he believes the research and development and flight test areas of the field are high demand/high wage careers. However, the skill of flying drones by hand is not as important anymore, because it’s all automated.
What is Miller’s advice for high school students interested in the UAS field? “Get exposure to everything technology, to aerospace and aviation,” he said.
He also shared that Pendleton youth don’t have to leave the community to find successful careers. “The sentiment for a lot of young people in Pendleton is that you have to leave, if you don’t leave immediately you are just kind of stuck where you are,” Miller said. “I want to say that you don’t have to leave your hometown to find something good, which is why I am glad there are more companies wanting to come in, lay some roots and hire more people in our community.”
CTE Month – February 2026 Spotlight: Evan Miller
/in District Site News, High Schools News /by rthornburgCTE Month – February 2026
Spotlight: Pendleton High School Graduate Evan Miller
During Career Technical Education (CTE) Month, Pendleton High School reached out to a few PHS graduates who are working in CTE fields. Evan Miller, PHS Class of 2018, is a Flight Test Operator for Amazon. He works near the Pendleton Airport and uses the UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) Range at his job.
As a student at PHS, Miller was on the robotics team, working in the FTC and FRC programs. He said the experience was a lot of fun and he really enjoyed it. He also took some engineering classes at PHS, including 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) and general engineering/manufacturing. “All of it was stuff I was very interested in. Not every skill transfers over one-for-one to the job I do now, but it teaches you the mentality of problem-solving and working with a team,” Miller said.
During the second half of his senior year at PHS, Miller did an internship at the UAS Range, which gave him exposure to that career field, building and flying small drones, and learning the technology and how to apply it. He also did a few job shadows with companies working at the range then. “It was great to get to know some people in the field, because when people remember your face and your name, that’s really what helps open doors later.”
Initially, he wanted to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering, but first attended BMCC, earning his Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree and an Associate of Science degree. He also earned his drone operator license. Through a previous mentor at the UAS Range, he found out Amazon was hiring for positions in Pendleton. After competing against graduates from four-year universities, he was hired in fall 2019.
At Amazon, his team tests drones that deliver packages to homes, which Amazon uses in large cities. Miller said his team’s goal every day is to fly the drone through specific test scenarios, and when they encounter something that stops the drone from flying, they solve it. “It’s very dynamic, it’s different every day, and we’ve got to be real scrappy and find solutions. I also like the mix of indoor and outdoor work,” he said.
Miller said the drone field is changing rapidly; he believes the research and development and flight test areas of the field are high demand/high wage careers. However, the skill of flying drones by hand is not as important anymore, because it’s all automated.
What is Miller’s advice for high school students interested in the UAS field? “Get exposure to everything technology, to aerospace and aviation,” he said.
He also shared that Pendleton youth don’t have to leave the community to find successful careers. “The sentiment for a lot of young people in Pendleton is that you have to leave, if you don’t leave immediately you are just kind of stuck where you are,” Miller said. “I want to say that you don’t have to leave your hometown to find something good, which is why I am glad there are more companies wanting to come in, lay some roots and hire more people in our community.”
CTE Month – February 2026 Spotlight: Pendleton UAS Range
/in District Site News, High Schools News /by rthornburgCTE Month – February 2026
Spotlight: Pendleton UAS Range, Interview with Jesse Steele, UAS Range Manager
One of Pendleton’s large economic drivers is something many people never notice. The UAS Range at the Pendleton Airport covers 14,000 square miles and attracts companies from around the world to test their equipment. But most people never see it.
UAS stands for Unmanned Aerial Systems, commonly known as drones. Jesse Steele is the new manager of the range. Retired from the U.S. Navy, he started managing the range in October 2025. Steele describes the range as “a dedicated place where any type of drone company can come to legally and safely test their equipment in a protected environment.” He explains that while the range hosts some large, significant companies, it’s also here to help anyone achieve their dreams. “There are people who just have this really great idea regarding drones and technology and are scraping by to make their dream come true, so we help them with that,” Steele said.
Steele said the range’s staff is small, but their motto is “find a way to say YES.” They are constantly communicating with individuals and companies to keep up with rapidly changing technology in the UAS field so they can best serve their customers. More than 175 companies have worked at the UAS Range, with their employees staying in hotels and eating at restaurants in Pendleton.
Steele said he plans to work with Pendleton High School to eventually re-establish a job shadow/job internship program for students to learn about the UAS career field. He said there are many different types of jobs, from engineering and manufacturing parts of the drone to designing electronics and circuitry to computer coding and drone piloting. Drones are used for precision agriculture, forestry, wildfires, search and rescue, utility inspections, and new uses all the time.
What kinds of classes should students take if they are interested in this career? Steele said any STEM class is good, and math, physics, and engineering are helpful, but “My advice for students is to follow your interests. Don’t feel like you have to be an engineer to get into UAS, don’t see that as a roadblock. You don’t have to earn a four-year engineering degree to do some of the things we do.”
Industry-wide there is a shortage of drone pilots, and initial certification is fairly easy to obtain, said Steele. He often gets asked by companies using the range if he knows anyone with experience in drone piloting.
Soft skills like learning how to talk with adults, presenting yourself, communicating well with others, networking, customer service and learning how to collaborate are also things that Steele said students should strive to learn.
“If you are the entrepreneur with a dream, you are never going to see that dream realized if you don’t know how to interact with the rest of the people required to get there.”
National School Counseling Week
/in District Site News, News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgThis week, we invite our community to join us in celebrating our school counselors.
You may not always see their work—but its impact is felt every single day. School counselors support students academically, socially, and emotionally. They listen when students need to be heard, help navigate challenges, advocate for student needs, and partner with families and staff to ensure every child feels supported and valued.
They are trusted adults, problem-solvers, advocates, and leaders within our schools. Their work strengthens not only individual students, but the culture and well-being of our entire school community.
To our school counselors: You are seen. You are heard. You are deeply appreciated.
Thank you for the compassion, expertise, and care you bring to our students and families—today and every day. 💚💛
Pendleton School Board Member Profile – Mason Murphy
/in District Site News, News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgTo celebrate School Board Recognition Month in January, we are highlighting our school board members. Meet Board Member Mason Murphy.
Pendleton School Board Member Profile – Patrick Gregg
/in District Site News, News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgTo celebrate School Board Recognition Month in January, we are highlighting our school board members. Meet Board Member Patrick Gregg:
If you work outside the home, where do you work?
I am an attorney and partner at the law firm Corey Byler & Rew, LLP in Pendleton.
What is your connection to the Pendleton School District?
I have three children in the district, my wife works as the ASPIRE Coordinator at Pendleton High School, and I volunteer as a mock trial coach at the high school.
Why do you serve on the School Board?
I was the beneficiary of an excellent public school education, which allowed me to succeed academically beyond high school and laid the groundwork for me to be professionally successful. I want all of our students in Pendleton to have that same excellent education so that they have the opportunity to succeed, whatever their path after high school.
What is one thing you love about Pendleton schools or the Pendleton community?
Pendleton is a great place to live and raise a family, and our community has a tremendous sense of pride in our schools.
Pendleton School District Achieves Graduation Rate of Nearly 90%
/in District Site News, News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgThe Pendleton School District (PSD) is proud to announce that its graduation and completion rates for the 2024-2025 school year are the highest in the past 15+ years. Through the hard work and dedication of the students, staff and supportive families, the district’s regular diploma rate climbed to 89.7%. This marks a significant 6% increase from the previous year, exceeding the Oregon state average of 83%.
District-Wide Excellence: The 2024-2025 data highlights a district-wide trend of improvement.
Pendleton High School (PHS): Pendleton High School continues to demonstrate exceptional performance with a graduation rate of 94.6%, an increase of nearly 6%.
Hawthorne Alternative High School: Hawthorne Alternative High School successes continue with a 72.2% graduation rate. This is the highest rate in the school’s history and represents a 17% increase from the previous year.
A Commitment to Growth and Continual Improvement
While we recognize these great successes, the Pendleton School District remains focused on ensuring success for every student. The district is actively working to bridge the “graduation gap” where graduation rates for minority student groups do not yet match the general population.
The district is committed to targeted improvements and additional support systems to bring these rates into alignment with the district’s overall average.
2024-2025 Performance at a Glance
A Message from the Superintendent:
“This year’s data isn’t just a collection of numbers; it’s a reflection of the grit shown by our students and the relentless support of our educators. Seeing our district graduation rate hit 89.7%—the highest in over 15 years—proves that when we set high expectations and provide the right resources, our students rise to the challenge. I am especially proud of our students with disabilities, who matched our district average at 89.7%, showing that every student in Pendleton can succeed.
With a 94.6% graduation rate at Pendleton High School and a historic 72.2% at Hawthorne Alternative High School, we are proving that every path to a diploma is valid. Whether a student thrives in a traditional setting or finds their way through our alternative programs, our goal remains the same: a clear path to a successful future.
However, our mission is not yet complete. While we celebrate these record-breaking gains, we are looking closely at the graduation rates for our Native American and Hispanic student groups. These figures are a call to action. We are committed to closing these ‘graduation gaps’ with the same urgency and dedication that led to our overall success this year, ensuring that excellence in Pendleton truly means excellence for every student, every day.” – Dr. Michelle Jensen, PSD Superintendent
Pendleton School Board Member Profile – Ryan Lehnert
/in District Site News, News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgTo celebrate School Board Recognition Month in January, we are highlighting our school board members. Meet Board Member Ryan Lehnert:
If you work outside the home, where do you work?
I retired from the Pendleton Police Department and now work at Community Counseling Solutions as a Law Enforcement Liaison. I provide peer support and teach crisis intervention to first responders. I also communicate actively with them about individuals in our community who need mental health and substance use services.
What is your connection to the Pendleton School District?
I raised all four of my children in the Pendleton School District, and although I was a Pilot Rock Rocket, I am proud to be part of the Buckaroo family!
Why do you serve on the School Board?
I serve because I realized I was often complaining about certain issues within the school district. Instead of just voicing my dissatisfaction, I chose to educate myself and become actively involved. My goal is to offer a balanced perspective that prioritizes the well-being of our students and faculty.
What is one thing you love about Pendleton schools or the Pendleton community?
I love the feeling of community where we can have down-home, authentic relationships.
Pendleton School Board Member Profile – Ryan DeGrofft
/in District Site News, News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgTo celebrate School Board Recognition Month in January, we are highlighting our school board members. Meet Board Member Ryan DeGrofft:
If you work outside the home, where do you work?
I work for Business Oregon, the state’s economic development agency. I’m also an owner at Prodigal Son Brewery & Pub.
What is your connection to the Pendleton School District?
I have three sons in the Pendleton School District — two in high school and one in middle school. My wife is a teacher at Washington Elementary. And I am a PHS graduate.
Why do you serve on the School Board?
Education is the surest path to economic success and responsible adulthood. I hope that my service on the board will help effect changes that will enable better educational outcomes for Pendleton’s students.
What is one thing you love about Pendleton schools or the Pendleton community?
I love Pendleton’s can-do spirit. We value community involvement and volunteerism.
Pendleton School Board Member Profile – Jill Pace
/in District Site News, News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgTo celebrate School Board Recognition Month in January, we are highlighting our school board members. Meet Board Member Jill Pace:
If you work outside the home, where do you work?
I am a real estate agent with Hearthstone Real Estate.
What is your connection to the Pendleton School District?
I am a proud district alum, Pendleton High School Class of 2000; both of my parents taught in the district for many years; two of my three children have graduated from PHS, the third is a current PHS sophomore; I taught sixth grade at Sunridge Middle School for two years.
Why do you serve on the School Board?
I serve to help promote communication between the school district and the Pendleton community. Often, all someone hears about what is happening in the schools is negative. I want to be able to share the many positive things that happen every day in the district. As a former teacher, I understand the challenges that teachers face every day. I want to be a support for the teachers to the School Board.
What is one thing you love about Pendleton schools or the Pendleton community?
I love the commitment and dedication of the staff. From the administrators to the teachers, the paraprofessionals, the maintenance team – everyone is committed to helping the students who come through the doors feel seen, supported, and cared for.
Pendleton School Board Member Profile – Anne Keeler, Vice Chair
/in District Site News, News - District & All Schools /by rthornburgTo celebrate School Board Recognition Month in January, we are highlighting our school board members. Meet Board Vice Chair Anne Keeler:
If you work outside the home, where do you work?
I work at 1910 CrossFit in Pendleton as a part-time gym manager.
What is your connection to the Pendleton School District?
I have two children who attend PSD schools: McKay Creek Elementary and Sunridge Middle School. My children are the fourth generation in our family to attend Pendleton schools. I have many personal connections at multiple schools through participation in parent clubs, volunteering, past employment as a Teacher and Substitute Teacher, and prior work as a University Supervisor for the College of Education at Eastern Oregon University.
Why do you serve on the School Board?
I am committed to the belief that strong schools are essential for the greater good of our community. As a School Board member, I strive to make a tangible difference by shaping policies that directly support student growth and long-term success. Ultimately, I hope to make a lasting difference in the educational opportunities available to every child in our district.
What is one thing you love about Pendleton schools or the Pendleton community?
I love the small-town feel and the sense of genuine care that comes from such a close-knit community. After growing up in the Portland-Metro area, I truly love that a familiar face is only one trip to the grocery store away.