Press Release: Representatives Mark Owens and Greg Smith Go Back to School
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 9, 2023
Representatives Mark Owens and Greg Smith Go Back to School
GRESHAM, Ore. – Today, Representative Mark Owens (R-Crane) and Representative Greg Smith (R-Heppner) toured Sam Barlow High School with Gresham-Barlow School District Superintendent James Hiu. Both Representative Owens and Smith live and represent legislative districts in Eastern Oregon, however, they are graduates of Sam Barlow High School; Representative Smith graduated the Class of 1987 and Representative Owens graduated the Class of 1989.
Strolling down the corridors of Sam Barlow High School evoked memories of their youth and ties to the community for the representatives. Gresham has undergone rapid expansion since Representative Smith and Representative Owens relocated to Eastern Oregon. Nevertheless, they were both struck by the realization that, despite numerous changes in the community, the traditions and unity within it remain steadfast.
“I want to thank Superintendent Hiu for the tour today,” Representative Owens said. “Sam Barlow High School has changed a lot since I last walked the halls. I was impressed with the remarkable Career and Technical Education programs offered to the students and how well the funds were being used.”
“There is often a disconnect between the East and West sides of the state,” said Representative Smith. “It was so nice to return to my roots and see that no matter where you are in Oregon, communities come together to support the education of our youth.”
Links to Biographical Information:
Pictured (left to right): Stacy Michaelson (Government Affairs Administrator at the Multnomah Education Service District), Bruce Schmidt (Director of K-12 Education at the Gresham-Barlow School District), Representative Mark Owens (R-District 60), Representative Greg Smith (R-District 57), and James Hiu (Superintendent of the Gresham-Barlow School District).
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
Representative Greg Smith
541-993-5236