Last year we lost four staff members: Shelley Heny, Learning Center teacher; Wendy Smith, environmental science teacher; Leslie McPherson, librarian; and Rachel Schoessler, choir teacher. Miss Heny and Mrs. Smith worked in the Park Country school district for over three decades. Mrs. McPherson was our librarian for over a decade, and Mrs. Schoessler taught at PHS for two years.

Five new staff members have filled those positions this year: Christin Shorma as the new environmental science teacher, Nancy Cooley as the Learning Center teacher, Karen Skoric as the new librarian, Drew Murray as the new choir teacher, and Shelby Moore as the special education teacher. 

Before working at PHS, Shorma worked in Ten Sleep for a year as a Spanish and agriculture teacher and para. She also worked at Rocky Mountain High School for 14 years where she taught biology, human anatomy and physiology, welding, and agriculture.

“My favorite part of working here is the staff,” Mrs. Shorma said. “And one of the best parts of my day is figuring out the daily picture puzzle Ms. Skoric posts outside of the library.”

Mrs. Cooley taught for 27 years in different schools in Utah, Idaho, and Virginia, as well as teaching business classes at Utah State University for nine years. She worked in our school district as a substitute teacher before accepting the role of Learning Center teacher.

“Working with students and helping them to become successful [is my favorite part of working at PHS],” Mrs. Cooley said.

Before Ms. Skoric joined Powell High, she worked in Cody for over 20 years and at Powell Middle School for two years. She also earned her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and Literacy and holds a degree in Equestrian Science.

“Helping students find a ‘just right’ book makes me smile and fills my heart,” Ms. Skoric said. “The library is a happy, busy place during lunch, and I love the friend groups who use the library as a place to meet and chat.”

Ms. Murray worked as a Theater and Drama coach at Cody High School before joining PHS. She also worked at the Wynona Thompson Auditorium as a sound and light technician.

“I really love the Powell pride that I see amongst students and amongst the community,” Ms. Murray said. “It seems to be a town that cares for each other and for their students. I see the students have pride in their own work and accomplishments as well and I think that is really inspiring.”

While she was finishing her Bachelor’s degree, Mrs. Moore worked in Burlington as a substitute where she realized her love for working in the schools. Last year she worked as a para at Burlington Middle School before accepting a position here in Powell.

“My students make me laugh every single day,” Mrs. Moore said. “I love watching them learn, grow, and change.”  

The new faculty members have stated their enjoyment with their fellow staffers and students here at PHS, among other things. They have described our school as incredibly welcoming and kind, supportive, and also provides many opportunities.