Farewell
Portland Adventist Academy recently said goodbye to five incredible staff members. Each of their contributions at PAA have been a gift to our students and staff and we are forever grateful for their dedicated service to this special community.
Ty Johnson
During his time at PAA, Ty served as Vice Principal, Building Project Manager, and Capital Campaign Director. He was a skilled navigator guiding our building project through the city’s complicated legal and regulatory maze and we are grateful for his groundwork.
Ty’s decade-plus service means relationships run deep. His influence offered a cornerstone for so many students, many of whom have gone on to become gifted leaders in their communities. Ty also provided calm leadership for our faculty. He was often the last person to leave an event and he was never hesitant to take on messy tasks. He demonstrated servant leadership, integrity, and character throughout his time at PAA.
Here at PAA, we know how blessed we are to have had Herb in his final teaching years. He helped launch our first American Sign Language classes and we are grateful for this gift.
“Herb is a brilliant man with great wisdom and experience,” says Sheldon Parris. “We wish him all the best as he embarks on his retirement from a truly successful and life-changing career.”
Frank was creative and forward thinking in the classroom. He was dedicated to implementing valuable experiences in Project Based Learning (read about one project here!) and inspiring his students to be curious problem solvers.
Best of all, Frank approached his classroom with a Christ-centered and character-driven mindset. “For this, Frank will be missed,” said Principal Parris. “I have valued his friendship and dynamic and innovative approach to his classes.”
Erik Peterson
PAA was blessed to have someone as talented as Erik who also taught in reflection of Tim’s high standards and commitment to music. The connections Erik made with his students were a gift to those still grieving the loss of Tim. We are forever grateful.
Erik is a gifted musician and has a very bright future. “He did an exceptional job with his students in Performance & Production class as well as Guitar class,” says Parris. “We will miss him and wish him the best as he furthers his career in music.”
After teaching home schooled students and tutoring math privately for 25 years, Jeanne was perfectly qualified to help fill that much needed role this year. Besides that, she had been a dedicated International Student host for PAA for several years and is also a former PAA parent. She knew our school well. “She was a perfect fit,” said Parris.
For Jeanne, teaching is a passion and work that will continue in her practice as a private tutor. She is fulfilled as she discovers each of her students’ learning styles. This gift will continue to inspire confidence in her students’ abilities to learn. They are blessed under her care. We were blessed to have her at PAA.
STORY UPDATE (June 22): Sheldon Parris announced his resignation. Read more HERE.