Deer Park High School DECA is having a successful year of growth and service. Between managing five student stores, concessions, and leading community initiatives like Night at the North Pole, our 46 members have demonstrated exceptional leadership. A major highlight was meeting with Mayor Verzal to officially declare November as DECA Month for the city of Deer Park!
Our competitive success continues with 27 State qualifiers and 9 students advancing to the International competition in Atlanta this April. Additionally, 25 students gained professional hospitality and sports marketing experience through partnerships that included the Spokane Chiefs and Davenport Grand.
Local leaders and business owners are invited to our Community Business Tour on April 16 to see our operations in action.
Thank you for all the support from our parents and community!
#DECA #DPHS #StagPride
Our competitive success continues with 27 State qualifiers and 9 students advancing to the International competition in Atlanta this April. Additionally, 25 students gained professional hospitality and sports marketing experience through partnerships that included the Spokane Chiefs and Davenport Grand.
Local leaders and business owners are invited to our Community Business Tour on April 16 to see our operations in action.
Thank you for all the support from our parents and community!
#DECA #DPHS #StagPride
How do we ensure ALL DPSD students are ready and successful for college, career, and life? 🎓Educators, leaders, community members, and even a recent graduate came together to answer that exact question.
Using community feedback, research, and our district’s strategic priorities, this team worked collaboratively to define the skills and characteristics our students need to be ready for their future.
We want all DPSD students to be:
- Confident, independent, and self-reliant
- Critical thinkers & problem solvers
- Personally and socially accountable
- Effective communicators
- Flexible and adaptable
- Contributing members to society and the community
We’re grateful for the voices, perspectives, and passion that made this work possible. This is how strong communities build strong future-ready students in Deer Park. 💙
#DPSD #ProfileOfAGraduate #FutureReady #CommunityDriven
Using community feedback, research, and our district’s strategic priorities, this team worked collaboratively to define the skills and characteristics our students need to be ready for their future.
We want all DPSD students to be:
- Confident, independent, and self-reliant
- Critical thinkers & problem solvers
- Personally and socially accountable
- Effective communicators
- Flexible and adaptable
- Contributing members to society and the community
We’re grateful for the voices, perspectives, and passion that made this work possible. This is how strong communities build strong future-ready students in Deer Park. 💙
#DPSD #ProfileOfAGraduate #FutureReady #CommunityDriven
🎶 Huge congratulations to the DPSD Band on an incredible weekend! 🎉
Students brought home 1st place and silver ratings in all categories, plus the Spirit of the Festival Award! 🌟
Special shoutout to Austin Cohrs, who earned the Maestro Award—and an invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall! 👏🎼
The trip was full of amazing experiences:
• A warm welcome dinner (Thank you, Boosters!)
• Exploring MoPop Friday morning
• Trip to the Seattle Aquarium after the state competition
• A delicious pasta dinner (Thank you, Boosters!)
• Outstanding performances Saturday from Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Choir
• Fun at Westfield Southcenter and a memorable awards banquet & ball
Thank you to our incredible community for your continued support of student activities like these—made possible through local levy funding. We are so proud of our students! 💙
Students brought home 1st place and silver ratings in all categories, plus the Spirit of the Festival Award! 🌟
Special shoutout to Austin Cohrs, who earned the Maestro Award—and an invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall! 👏🎼
The trip was full of amazing experiences:
• A warm welcome dinner (Thank you, Boosters!)
• Exploring MoPop Friday morning
• Trip to the Seattle Aquarium after the state competition
• A delicious pasta dinner (Thank you, Boosters!)
• Outstanding performances Saturday from Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Choir
• Fun at Westfield Southcenter and a memorable awards banquet & ball
Thank you to our incredible community for your continued support of student activities like these—made possible through local levy funding. We are so proud of our students! 💙
Representative Andrew Engell, who represents the 9th Legislative District, visited Mr. Wrigley's political science class at Deer Park High School. Representative Engell stated, "The students were very engaged with deep and sometimes difficult questions that showed their understanding of civics and current events." Representative Engell stated that meeting with the students gives him hope! He enjoyed interacting with the next generation of leaders and sees them preparing to make a difference and bring accountability to the government. Thank you for visiting Deer Park High School, Representative Engell!
High School Basketball Head Coaches needed for the 2026 - 2027 school year!
Join our team and make an impact on and off the court!
Please see the link for more information - https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/1585
#DPHS #Basketball #CoachesNeeded
Join our team and make an impact on and off the court!
Please see the link for more information - https://jobs.redroverk12.com/org/1585
#DPHS #Basketball #CoachesNeeded
Congratulations to our newest Rotary Student of the Month, Nevaeh Lee, a student known for sharing a friendly hello in the hallways and showing incredible growth and confidence throughout her high school years.
She is actively involved in ASB and the Drama Program, where she especially enjoys playing the funny roles on stage. She loves being part of the high school community and appreciates the supportive staff and leadership, including Principal Mr. Heuett.
After graduation, she plans to attend Gonzaga University and pursue her longtime dream of becoming an elementary school teacher. In her free time, she enjoys drama, theater, and watching shows.
Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, Nevaeh! 👏
She is actively involved in ASB and the Drama Program, where she especially enjoys playing the funny roles on stage. She loves being part of the high school community and appreciates the supportive staff and leadership, including Principal Mr. Heuett.
After graduation, she plans to attend Gonzaga University and pursue her longtime dream of becoming an elementary school teacher. In her free time, she enjoys drama, theater, and watching shows.
Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, Nevaeh! 👏
Lady Stags with a WIN 67-32! Congratulations to Kaitlyn Reiter, Sportsmanship Award Winner! Many thanks to the band and cheerleaders for showing your Stag Pride! Keep it going, Stags!
Congratulations to all of our wrestlers at state! Go Stags! The following students placed at State this weekend:
Boys:
Emmitt Priddy - 2nd
Solomon Slind - 8th
Girls:
Hailee Orgill - 2nd
Evelyn Scott - 6th
We are grateful that our community continues to support youth activities and athletics. Athletics such as wrestling are supported by local levy dollars (EP & O levy). Thank you, Deer Park!
Boys:
Emmitt Priddy - 2nd
Solomon Slind - 8th
Girls:
Hailee Orgill - 2nd
Evelyn Scott - 6th
We are grateful that our community continues to support youth activities and athletics. Athletics such as wrestling are supported by local levy dollars (EP & O levy). Thank you, Deer Park!
DPHS Freshman, Kason Dean, competed at “Cloverbuds and Corduroy” held at Riverside High School on February 11, 2026. Kason finished in First Place in both the Mock Interview and Demonstration categories. Kason is a member of Gettin’ Grit 4H Club and also owns a flock of Babydoll Southdown sheep. Way to go Kason!
Please help us congratulate DPHS student Andrew Feist, as he was recognized by Deer Park Rotary as the Student of the Month. Andrew is an outstanding student! He exemplifies hard work and being kind!
✅ DECA Standout: Andrew's been highly active in the DECA program, competing in six different events and earning recognition as a state finalist.
🌎 International Qualifier: He’s also qualified at the international level—landing in the 91st percentile—and will be heading into his 3rd international competition this April!
🖨️ Campus Leader: Beyond DECA, he serves as the manager of Stag Prints, showing strong leadership and dedication to his school community.
✈️ Future Pilot: After graduation, he plans to attend the University of North Dakota and pursue a career in commercial aviation.
We’re proud to recognize your hard work, ambition, and achievement. Best of luck in April and beyond—we’re cheering you on! 🏆✈️
✅ DECA Standout: Andrew's been highly active in the DECA program, competing in six different events and earning recognition as a state finalist.
🌎 International Qualifier: He’s also qualified at the international level—landing in the 91st percentile—and will be heading into his 3rd international competition this April!
🖨️ Campus Leader: Beyond DECA, he serves as the manager of Stag Prints, showing strong leadership and dedication to his school community.
✈️ Future Pilot: After graduation, he plans to attend the University of North Dakota and pursue a career in commercial aviation.
We’re proud to recognize your hard work, ambition, and achievement. Best of luck in April and beyond—we’re cheering you on! 🏆✈️
Deer Park values our students and student voice! Today, the DPHS student advisory council participated in the survey, "What are your hopes and dreams for your future?" as the District begins developing the profile of a Deer Park graduate. Students also provided ideas and suggestions for how to improve the school. Way to go, students!
Deer Park High School Band and Choir students performed at the Northeast Music Educators Association Solo and Ensemble Festival at Cheney High School this past weekend. Approximately 40 of our High School students participated, performing unique musical selections that they prepared for the event. Students received ratings and critiques from judges and competed with students from across our region.
Several students placed and may get the opportunity to perform at the State Solo and Ensemble contest in April. Special congratulations to Owen Stapf - Second Alternate (3rd Place) Bassoon category, Pretty Princess Percussion Party (Ava Berg, Onesimo Garcia IV, Emily Harris, Marlon Gomez-Catalan) - Second Alternate (3rd Place) Small Percussion Ensemble category, Christopher Heath - 1st Alternate (2nd Place) Bass Voice category, and Austin Cohrs - State Qualifier (1st Place), Soprano/Alto Saxophone category.
*The DPHS music programs are available to students thanks to our community! Music programs are funded by local levy dollars. Thank you for your ongoing support - our students appreciate it!
Several students placed and may get the opportunity to perform at the State Solo and Ensemble contest in April. Special congratulations to Owen Stapf - Second Alternate (3rd Place) Bassoon category, Pretty Princess Percussion Party (Ava Berg, Onesimo Garcia IV, Emily Harris, Marlon Gomez-Catalan) - Second Alternate (3rd Place) Small Percussion Ensemble category, Christopher Heath - 1st Alternate (2nd Place) Bass Voice category, and Austin Cohrs - State Qualifier (1st Place), Soprano/Alto Saxophone category.
*The DPHS music programs are available to students thanks to our community! Music programs are funded by local levy dollars. Thank you for your ongoing support - our students appreciate it!
Deer Park's very own Kael Morris (Home Link) has traveled a lot the last couple of weeks. At the University of Montana, Kael scored 1st place in the Middle School Missoula Bullseye Tournament and 2nd for overall (grades 4th - 12th). He also participated in the National Indoor JOAD and National Indoor Tournament, scoring 1st in both events, ranking him #1 in the state for NASP.
Along with Kael, we had Jaiden Johnson (High School), who placed 3rd in the JOAD tournament and 2nd in the Indoor Nationals tournament. And Berkley Haikkila (Home Link) placed 2nd in the JOAD tournament.
Congratulations to all our amazing archers for their hard work and dedication!
#DPSDProud #Archery #NationalTournaments
Along with Kael, we had Jaiden Johnson (High School), who placed 3rd in the JOAD tournament and 2nd in the Indoor Nationals tournament. And Berkley Haikkila (Home Link) placed 2nd in the JOAD tournament.
Congratulations to all our amazing archers for their hard work and dedication!
#DPSDProud #Archery #NationalTournaments
Congratulations to DPHS Cheer! The girls competed at the Sageview Classic, and the Small Game Day team earned a bid to state! We’re so proud of our DPHS cheerleaders 💙! Way to represent Deer Park!
Happy School Board Directors Month! 🎉
This month, we want to publicly thank the Deer Park School District Board of Directors for their time, leadership, and commitment to our students, staff, and community.
School board service is a big responsibility—often behind the scenes—and their work helps ensure our schools are strong, stable, and well-supported. Their duties include:
✅ Hiring and evaluating the Superintendent
✅ Approving the district’s annual budget
✅ Authorizing public bids and major expenditures
✅ Making decisions on property acquisition or sale
✅ Approving collectively bargained agreements
✅ Adopting core curriculum
It’s also important to recognize how school board governance works: individual board members have authority only when acting together as a board in legally held meetings, and district business is conducted in open public meetings (with limited exceptions for property or personnel matters). In short, the board’s role isn’t to manage day-to-day operations—it’s to ensure our schools are managed well.
Thank you, Board of Directors, for your service and dedication to Deer Park schools! 💙📚
Learn more about the Board of Districtors here: https://www.dpsd.org/page/board-of-directors
#SchoolBoardDirectorsMonth #ThankYouSchoolBoard #DeerParkSchoolDistrict #PublicEducation #CommunityLeadership
This month, we want to publicly thank the Deer Park School District Board of Directors for their time, leadership, and commitment to our students, staff, and community.
School board service is a big responsibility—often behind the scenes—and their work helps ensure our schools are strong, stable, and well-supported. Their duties include:
✅ Hiring and evaluating the Superintendent
✅ Approving the district’s annual budget
✅ Authorizing public bids and major expenditures
✅ Making decisions on property acquisition or sale
✅ Approving collectively bargained agreements
✅ Adopting core curriculum
It’s also important to recognize how school board governance works: individual board members have authority only when acting together as a board in legally held meetings, and district business is conducted in open public meetings (with limited exceptions for property or personnel matters). In short, the board’s role isn’t to manage day-to-day operations—it’s to ensure our schools are managed well.
Thank you, Board of Directors, for your service and dedication to Deer Park schools! 💙📚
Learn more about the Board of Districtors here: https://www.dpsd.org/page/board-of-directors
#SchoolBoardDirectorsMonth #ThankYouSchoolBoard #DeerParkSchoolDistrict #PublicEducation #CommunityLeadership
📣 Community Voices Needed!
The Facilities Advisory Committee (FAC) is meeting soon, and we want to hear from you. The FAC discusses large capital projects—the work that helps us plan for the future and preserve our community’s facilities and capital assets.
💬 Please join us to share your reflections, insights, and priorities. Your voice helps shape what comes next.
🗓️ Facilities Advisory Committee Meeting: January 14, 2026
🕒 Time: 6:00 pm
📍 Location: District Administration Office (N 428 Main)
Everyone is welcome—come listen, learn, and be heard. #CommunityInput #FacilitiesPlanning #FutureReady
We’re proud to recognize Austin Cohrs as Rotary Student of the Month!
Austin is a senior at Deer Park High School and is fluent in six instruments, all of which began with learning the recorder. He participates in jazz and concert band and is also enrolled in Running Start at Eastern Washington University. Austin continues to grow as a leader, setting a strong example by striving to be the best person he can be and helping make his school a better place. After High School, Austin hopes to be in a professional symphony, either playing, conducting, or possibly going into business. Congratulations, Austin, on your leadership, dedication, and achievements!
#RotaryStudentOfTheMonth #DPHS #StudentMusician
Did you know that Deer Park School District has a Strategic Plan that identifies top priorities? The strategic plan was created in collaboration with teachers, paraeducators, administrators, school board members, and community members. The team analyzed surveys, academic data, and current progress. These priorities guide the District's focus to ensure all students belong, learn, and we inspire excellence. To read the full strategic plan: https://aptg.co/0Sdh0Z.
Deer Park School District wishes our families and community a happy new year! We look forward to seeing you on January 5, 2026!
Jack and Wendy Wood graced Deer Park High School staff and students with their musical gift. Each year, they share their musical talents, creating a nice send-off for the Holiday break.
#DPHS #MusicPreformance #HolidayBreak
