The Auburn School Board has recognized Auburn Mountainview High School (AMHS) Principal Terri Herren as ‘Outstanding Staff Member’ for the month of January. Cascade Middle School 8th grader Katie Estep was recognized by the Auburn School Board as ‘Outstanding Student’ of the month.

Principal Terri Herren: Outstanding Staff Member

Terri Herren, Auburn Mountainview High School, AMHS — Courtesy ASD

Herren’s Auburn teaching career began in 1981 when she taught Physical Education, and was the gymnastics coach at Auburn High School. After a two year break in California, Herren returned to Auburn High in 1986. After hard work, she was promoted to Assistant Principal in 2003.

When AMHS opened in 2005 Herren moved to the new school. She became Principal in 2007 and has served the students and school since. Herren shared that she loves everything about AMHS, from the culture, the school spirit, the sporting events, the band and even the orange and blue colors – she proudly stated that above all she “love[s] the kids the best.”

Herren and her husband of 33 years, Dee, who retired from teaching at Rainier last year, have three adult children-all Auburn School District grads. They have two grandchildren and a third grandchild due in July.

Katie Estep: Outstanding Student

The Auburn School Board chose Estep as they felt she embodies the mission statement of Cascade Middle School: Spartan Excellence: Everyone, Everyday, Everywhere.” Cascade also promotes PRIDE (Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Discipline, and Excellence), for all students. Something that Estep embraces and shows through her every day actions.

katie estep, cascade middle school, asb outstanding student — Courtesy ASD

Steve Homfeldt, Estep’s social studies teacher said, “Katie is a great kid! She has a bright smile and is fun to be around. She sets the bar for excellence as she is one of our top students. She has high goals for her future and is developing the skills and attitudes that will take her where she wants to go. Katie shows every day that our students can do anything if they set their mind’s to it.”

In addition to being intelligent, capable and dedicated, Estep is incredibly kind and giving. She continually works to make a difference for the students and staff of Cascade.

When she isn’t in school, Estep has taken up competitive weight lifting. Like Harrison Maurus, Estep is already placing first and breaking records.

In June of 2017, she participated in her first meet at Youth Nationals and won first place. At her second meet in September, she broke the Snatch American record and total American record. In her most recent meet in December, Estep improved her total record by 4 kilograms and now holds the American records for snatch and total.