VHS commences the new year with

a new crew

By Jett Legry, Reporter

The start of the new school year isn’t all Vashon Island High School is welcoming, as a batch of new staff is also beginning their first year at the highschool. The Riptide would like to extend a warm welcome to the new staff and give them a chance to introduce themselves to the student body.

The first to be introduced is one of the new paraeducators, Amanda Baker-Patterson, who loves to read and write poetry.

“Everyone has been very friendly and welcoming so far! I especially enjoy teaching fifth period Learning Lab and getting to know students better by helping them one-on-one,” Baker-Patterson said.

Next is Natalya Bender, also a paraeducator, who owns a planted aquarium and gecko tank.

“The staff and students are great! Everyone has been really welcoming,” Bender said.

Vanessa Gannon is the new librarian and she loves mending clothing and textiles instead of sending them to landfills. Gannon is a strong advocate for representation in literature and people’s access to these writings.

“I think the Banned Books in Texas display is important because it draws attention to how people in power try to shape our access to ideas and information… Representation matters because it allows all people to feel validated and valued in our society,” Gannon said.

Lauren McCausland is officially the new art and design teacher after subbing for the position last year.

“My favorite medium to work with is watercolor, I enjoy how forgiving it can be while also being finicky,” McCausland said.

Leslie Mouton—another new paraeducator—loves reading poetry, practicing yoga, and baking.

“Vashon is a unique place, an island of habitat, and there is more nature here than any other place I have lived and worked. So far, I will say that the people here are down-to-earth and easy to be around,” Leslie Mouton said.

Clara Oates, the new special education teacher, loves paddle boarding and spent her whole summer on the water.

“[Vashon High School] is a school made up of diverse, bold personalities… This generation is the future, and seeing the passion in students to make a change in policies is inspiring and makes me so excited to see what the future will hold,” Oates said.

Oates enjoys music and she says she’s always open to talking to students about it.
Adrienne Selvy is the new French teacher, who loves piano.

“When an opportunity [was] presented to teach French at VHS, I was motivated by the chance to inspire more students to explore and expand their own interest in the language,” Selvy said.

Anneliese Steuben-Maiye is continuing to substitute for 12th grade English this year.

“I’m thrilled to now be getting to teach the young people of my community—you all are my kids’ friends, my friends’ kids, my neighbors, my colleagues’ kids, etcetera; it’s so wonderful to be part of this close web of people here, as a teacher and as just one of the many adults in your community who love and support you,” Steuben-Maiye said.

Chris Stone, the new biology teacher, used to teach a forestry class and compete in corresponding competitions.

“One of the many things that has impressed me with the island and the high school has been how many natural areas you have and how the community seems to embrace the stewardship of these natural resources,” Stone said.

All the new staff are excited to be working at VHS, and the students and faculty are thrilled                                                                          to welcome them as fellow Pirates.