Tom Gresch takes helm at Cheney High

Tom Gresch has been selected as the new principal at Cheney High School. He will begin in August, replacing Debra Clemens, who has accepted a job as director of human services for Cheney Public Schools.

Gresch was introduced at the June 23 school board meeting.

Gresch, 34, leaves Shadle Park High School, where he has served as principal since 2001. He was an assistant principal at Lewis and Clark High School for four years.

After receiving his undergraduate degree from Washington State University, Gresch, who grew up in Otis Orchards, taught at East Valley Middle School for five years. He later completed a master’s degree at Whitworth College.

“The staff and students at Shadle will always be close to my heart. At the same time I’m looking forward to new relationships at Cheney. It gives me the opportunity to work with the whole community,” said Gresch.

Gresch decided to become a teacher in 1989 while working with students at Pullman High School. If not for this opportunity, he would have pursued a military career, following his father and grandfather. “Things work out for a reason,” said Gresch.

According to Gresch, the superintendent of Spokane Public Schools will appoint a principal at Shadle for next year.

State Scholars named

Seniors from Spokane Public Schools garnered seven of eight area Washington State Scholars awards.

The Washington State Scholars program honors three high school seniors from each of the state’s 49 legislative districts for their accomplishments.

Rogers High School seniors Saryl Case and Andrew Harbison were selected from the 3rd district; Christine Beamer and Kelly Boubel from Lewis and Clark High School from the 6th District. Shadle Park’s April Reiter was also awarded the distinction.

Third district alternate for the award is Anne-Marie Bergeleen of North Central and Lee Pearson of Lewis and Clark from the 6th District.

Spokane Public School boundaries overlap two legislative districts, making six scholars and two alternate awards available for area seniors.

High school principals nominate the Top 1 percent of their graduating class on the basis of academic achievement, leadership and community service.

The three scholars and one alternate from each district are selected by a committee of political, business and education leaders.

Washington Scholars receive state grants equivalent to up to 12 quarters or eight semesters of undergraduate tuition that can be used at any Washington public or independent college or university.