La Salle Community Celebrates Heroic Vow Ceremony and Educator of the Year

Lillian Paugh, Editor

  • Students hold up a sign expressing their admiration for Educator of the Year Mr. Matthew Owen.

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  • Students wait for the Heroic Vow Ceremony to begin.

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  • Mr. Owen concludes his Educator of the Year speech.

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  • Senior students stand, answering “I do,” in unison to officiate their Heroic Vow.

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  • Mr. Owen, among other teachers, grants students their Heroic Vow medals.

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  • Seniors wear their medals to commemorate taking the Heroic Vow.

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This morning, the La Salle community was invited to honor both its senior class and this year’s Educator of the Year, science teacher Mr. Matthew Owen, during the annual Heroic Vow Ceremony held in the gym.

The first half of the ceremony included speeches and stories from various teachers, including Design Thinking teacher Ms. Carie Coleman, science teacher Mr. Ryan Kain, and former math teacher Mr. Larry Swanson. Several students, both previous and current, gave testimonials, such as Mary Gach ‘20 and Aylin Begines ‘20, and current senior Kamryn Houghton, who recognized and shared their experiences with Mr. Owen.

Giving some background on his life, his work at La Salle, and his journey of growth as an educator, Mr. Owen delivered his own speech, following in the tradition and footsteps of past teachers who have received the title.

Mr. Mac, La Salle’s Director of Faith, stepped up to the podium during the latter half of the ceremony to begin the Heroic Vow portion, in which senior students answer a number of questions in order to receive medals engraved with the words, “Live Jesus in our hearts forever.”