A new substitute, Mr. Owen Furlong, has started working as La Salle’s temporary Campus Safety Monitor since September of this year, assisting Mr. Mikel Rathmann while he is on paternity leave.

Mr. Rathmann continues to work at La Salle on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays while Mr. Furlong typically steps in on Mondays and Tuesdays. This continues until Mr. Rathmann returns to school full time in late January to early February.

“I’m here to help fill in that gap — make sure that you guys are safe and things are running smoothly,” Mr. Furlong said.

Having attended school at Mannahouse Christian Academy, previously known as City Christian High School, and Portland Bible College, Mr. Furlong noted that he was able to expand upon his faith while also staying close to home. 

“I’m a big sucker for the Northwest, so it was fun to stay here,” he said.

Faith has played a significant role in Mr. Furlong’s life. Being born and raised in a Christian household, he was inspired to attend Portland Bible College to learn and further develop his personal values.

For him, college was “where I established that I didn’t just have my parent’s faith but I had my own,” he said.

Mr. Furlong studied theology with an emphasis on mental and emotional counseling. He also worked in youth ministry for 13 years, engaging closely with middle school and high school students.

So far, Mr. Furlong has found La Salle to be a very welcoming community.

“Everyone’s been super nice … all staff and students have been super cool,” he said 

Mr. Furlong would describe himself as lighthearted. “I always like to keep the energy up,” he said. Using the analogy of “picking somebody’s chin up,” Furlong tries to engage with those who might need some cheering up. 

Since beginning at La Salle, Mr. Furlong has noticed how the students are very inclusive towards each other. “I see that quality in a lot of the students here as well, which is awesome for me and the other staff members as adults to see too,” he said.

Currently, Mr. Furlong also works for a security company called Oregon Patrol Service, where he works in business and operations.

When he returns home from work, he typically likes to relax by watching movies, playing video games, and enjoying sports.

Mr. Furlong said that he is able to enjoy watching all different sports but especially likes watching the NFL, where he finds that the outcome of games can change the tone of his entire day. 

“I’d say that is probably my number one passion outside of family … and my relationship with God,” he said.

Along with watching sports and enjoying his time at home after work, Mr. Furlong often stays busy connecting with his friends and hanging out with his girlfriend.

In the future, Mr. Furlong aims to buy a house and become a good husband and father. He also wants to be remembered for his kindness by those around him.

“What I want to accomplish and achieve is kindness and leaving that behind and trying to do that every day,” he said. “Whether it’s here at La Salle or if it’s somewhere else.”