All Ways, A Saxon

2019 Saxon graduate, Kristen Derting is in the spotlight this week. Kristen's a 7-time NCAA Division 1 All-American and current assistant coach for the University of Nebraska's Rifle Team. She's training for the 2028 US Olympic team after just finishing her Master's in Hospitality Management from Ole Miss University.

1981 South Salem Graduate, Scott Edmiston shares his journey from being a Saxon to serving in the Naval Academy as a Nuclear Engineer on a submarine and ultimately, building a career in financial services. In this episode, he reflects on his years at South, the importance of community service, and his involvement now in grief support initiatives.

2019 Graduate, Kundai Kapurura is back! Now graduated with a degree from the University of Oregon in Product Design, Kundai shares about her journey of finding her own individual self, winning a venture capital competition, designing WNBA apparel with New Balance, working for Columbia Sportswear, and being a mentor at the Soho House, Portland. This episode brought to us in part through support from Saucetown Properties, Bickler Dentistry, and the Saxon Success Fund.

2017 Graduate, Tristan Orozco shares his journey from being a student to taking a new role in the district's Student Services Department. He goes deep into his journey with mental health - including a new app he's built to support others and their emotional well-being. He emphasizes the significance of connection and support in mental health, the impact of Unified programs in our school, and shares about his own brother's experience with a disability.

The Saxon Success Fund, Bickler Dentistry, and Saucetown Properties present 2001 Graduate, Alex Casebeer. On this episode, Alex shares his journey from high school to a successful career running one of Salem's most storied and successful businesses. He reflects on his Saxon years filled with sports, music, and community involvement, all while emphasizing his love for South Salem High School and the city of Salem.

In this last episode of season 2, 1995 Saxon graduate, JoyAnna Forsythe is in the spotlight. JA's years as a Saxon cover 4 as a student and many more as a teacher. In her years as a student, JA participated in Colorguard, Drama, Choir, and our art classes. As a teacher, she's one of the most respected and admired staff members at South. She's a Crystal Apple winner, a mother of 2 future Saxons, and has been married for 23 years.

2002 Saxon graduate, Tessa Petrin McIlraith is in the spotlight this week. Tessa is a school nurse, advocate, keynote speaker, mother, business owner and published author. She's the winner of the 2021 Washington School Nurse of the Year award and just published her first book, Beyond the Sidelines. Tessa shares about her dedication and advocacy related to youth sports and how she juggles all the hats.

2019 Saxon graduate, Lucas Clark is in the spotlight this week. Lucas is currently on staff here at South, teaching history and hopes to one day coach as well. He shares about what (and who) pulled him out of his darkest times as a high schooler and how his golf game is improving every week.

2019 Saxon grad, Eric Lungu is in the spotlight this week. Eric's a phenomenal human being and teacher here at South. He's wrapping up his first school year and excited to go explore the world this summer.

2001 Graduate, John Olinger is no stranger to success or grief. After playing collegiate and professional basketball, John spent a decade leading teams at Nike in their Brand and Digital Marketing departments, including for the Jordan Brand and for Kobe Bryant. He now works as a strategic consultant, executive coach, keynote speaker, and is the CEO and CMO of a faith-forward footwear and apparel brand, UNITUS. John's first book - Worthy Wins - hits retailers on June 10th and we are so pumped to celebrate his story this week.