Great schools are built by great people, and after 29 years of teaching, this educator truly embodies that spirit!
📐 Leading the Herd: Let’s celebrate Stefanie Eckard, a National Board-Certified teacher finishing her 29th year in the classroom! Beyond her expertise in math, she is an adventurer who loves traveling across the U.S. and attending baseball games. She shares her home with her high school sweetheart, Brian, and a house full of beloved pets!
📐 Leading the Herd: Let’s celebrate Stefanie Eckard, a National Board-Certified teacher finishing her 29th year in the classroom! Beyond her expertise in math, she is an adventurer who loves traveling across the U.S. and attending baseball games. She shares her home with her high school sweetheart, Brian, and a house full of beloved pets!
As the school year concludes, we’re reflecting on the staff members who make our community so special.
Let’s recognize Elliot Lunsford, a staple of the OHS math department since 2007! A graduate of the NC Teaching Fellows program, he is a dedicated father of twin boys. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling to new states, playing board games, and doing puzzles. 🧩
Let’s recognize Elliot Lunsford, a staple of the OHS math department since 2007! A graduate of the NC Teaching Fellows program, he is a dedicated father of twin boys. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling to new states, playing board games, and doing puzzles. 🧩
Great schools are built by great people. ⚾️🙏 Building character and community! Our series continues with Mr. Hinson, a dedicated educator who focuses on supporting students with diverse needs. A former baseball coach, he emphasizes teamwork and discipline in his mentoring. He is a proud father and grandfather who strives to lead with integrity in everything he does.
🛶🌲 Nature meets the classroom! As the school year winds down, we’re highlighting Eric Florence, a National Board-Certified EC Teacher. With a background in Wilderness Therapy, he brings a unique perspective to OHS. When he’s not supporting students, you can find him hiking, skiing, or paddling.
Owen High is more than just a school—it’s a family. Join us in celebrating a graduate who returned to the valley to serve the next generation.
🎓🧶 A Warhorse through and through! We are celebrating Ms. McPherson, a 1994 Owen graduate with 28 years of experience in education. After years as a math coach, she’s back in the OHS classroom and even assists our wrestling team with photos and video. Her downtime is spent baking, crafting, and watching detective shows.
🎓🧶 A Warhorse through and through! We are celebrating Ms. McPherson, a 1994 Owen graduate with 28 years of experience in education. After years as a math coach, she’s back in the OHS classroom and even assists our wrestling team with photos and video. Her downtime is spent baking, crafting, and watching detective shows.
The school year may be winding down, but we are still shining a light on the educators who capture the spirit of OHS.
Ms. Dotson: 📸🏖️ Capturing the moments that matter! Meet Ms. Dotson, our Yearbook Advisor and English teacher. As a local native, she is passionate about pouring back into the school system that shaped her. She loves mentoring student leaders through Student Government and finds her "happy place" at the beach with her dog, Bella.
Ms. Dotson: 📸🏖️ Capturing the moments that matter! Meet Ms. Dotson, our Yearbook Advisor and English teacher. As a local native, she is passionate about pouring back into the school system that shaped her. She loves mentoring student leaders through Student Government and finds her "happy place" at the beach with her dog, Bella.
Great schools are built by great people. We are continuing to recognize the educators whose dedication helps our students prepare for their own adventures.
📖🎮 Narrative is everywhere! Join us in celebrating Mr. Dement, who joined our English department in 2024. Whether it's through books, games, or shows, he loves helping students see the power of story in their daily lives. Outside of school, he enjoys hiking and playing games with his wife and two young children. In his free time, he enjoys hiking and playing music with his family.
📖🎮 Narrative is everywhere! Join us in celebrating Mr. Dement, who joined our English department in 2024. Whether it's through books, games, or shows, he loves helping students see the power of story in their daily lives. Outside of school, he enjoys hiking and playing games with his wife and two young children. In his free time, he enjoys hiking and playing music with his family.
As we head into the final days of the school year, we’re reflecting on the people who make Owen High such a special place. Join us as we celebrate the individuals who help our students reach their full potential.
📢🌟 Finding strength in every voice! We’re proud to highlight Ms. Cerda, an English and Special Education teacher dedicated to helping students find their confidence. She has extensive experience supporting students with autism and creates a space where every learner can thrive. On campus, she is also a leader for Student Government (SGA) and Link Crew.
📢🌟 Finding strength in every voice! We’re proud to highlight Ms. Cerda, an English and Special Education teacher dedicated to helping students find their confidence. She has extensive experience supporting students with autism and creates a space where every learner can thrive. On campus, she is also a leader for Student Government (SGA) and Link Crew.
Behind every successful student is a team of educators who go above and beyond. As the year comes to a close, we’re proud to honor the incredible staff who bring our hallways to life.
🏀⚾️ Officiating success on and off the field! Meet Mr. Pegg, an EC teacher and Asheville native who joined the Owen family in 2021. A former college baseball player, he stays busy officiating basketball games and is a huge Atlanta Braves fan. He is currently pursuing his master's in school administration to continue leading the herd!
🏀⚾️ Officiating success on and off the field! Meet Mr. Pegg, an EC teacher and Asheville native who joined the Owen family in 2021. A former college baseball player, he stays busy officiating basketball games and is a huge Atlanta Braves fan. He is currently pursuing his master's in school administration to continue leading the herd!
The school year may be winding down, but our gratitude isn't! 🐎 We’re keeping the celebration going by highlighting the teachers and staff who inspire, support, and guide our Warhorse students every day.
🤼♂️🏕️ From the mat to the mountains! Let’s celebrate Rich Caisse, now in his 21st year of public education. A former Appalachian State wrestler, he spent a decade teaching math before joining the EC department. He loves being outside in the Riceville community with his family, whether they are camping or playing disc golf.
The school year may be winding down, but our gratitude isn't! 🐎 We’re keeping the celebration going by highlighting the teachers and staff who inspire, support, and guide our Warhorse students every day through our "Leading the Herd: OHS Educator Spotlight" series.
🏂 Leading the Herd: Meet Holly Lugo, an EC teacher who has been a dedicated member of the Owen family in many roles since 2010! A graduate of Mars Hill University, Holly is passionate about building relationships and helping every student reach their full potential. When she isn’t in the classroom or planning the next big student trip to Italy and Greece, she loves snowboarding and spending time with her family and her many pets—including a pot-bellied pig and a ball python! 🌍🐷🐍
🏂 Leading the Herd: Meet Holly Lugo, an EC teacher who has been a dedicated member of the Owen family in many roles since 2010! A graduate of Mars Hill University, Holly is passionate about building relationships and helping every student reach their full potential. When she isn’t in the classroom or planning the next big student trip to Italy and Greece, she loves snowboarding and spending time with her family and her many pets—including a pot-bellied pig and a ball python! 🌍🐷🐍
Our "Leading the Herd: OHS Educator Spotlight" series continues as we celebrate the people whose passion, dedication, and hard work help make Owen High a great place to learn.
🏈🎾 Leading the Herd: Meet John Faircloth, our Head Football Coach, and Head Men’s Tennis Coach, and P.E. teacher! Now in his sixth year of teaching and 14th year of coaching, Coach Faircloth brings a wealth of experience to OHS, including time spent coaching at the collegiate level.
Off the field, he is a dedicated family man who enjoys fishing and cheering on the Pittsburgh Pirates. He also has a unique passion for pirate history and culture, which has led to a collection of fun facts and knowledge! 🏴☠️⚓️
🏈🎾 Leading the Herd: Meet John Faircloth, our Head Football Coach, and Head Men’s Tennis Coach, and P.E. teacher! Now in his sixth year of teaching and 14th year of coaching, Coach Faircloth brings a wealth of experience to OHS, including time spent coaching at the collegiate level.
Off the field, he is a dedicated family man who enjoys fishing and cheering on the Pittsburgh Pirates. He also has a unique passion for pirate history and culture, which has led to a collection of fun facts and knowledge! 🏴☠️⚓️
Great schools are built by great people. As the year comes to a close, we're continuing to recognize the educators and staff who make Owen High special.
🏈 Leading the Herd: Meet Matt Hollifield, our PE Department Chair, Assistant Athletic Director, and Assistant Football Coach! With 20 years in education and 23 years of coaching experience across all grade levels, he brings a wealth of leadership to OHS. A graduate of Appalachian State and Gardner-Webb, Matt is a true family man who loves spending time with his wife, Kayla, and their four children. When he isn’t on the sidelines, you can find him fishing, hunting, hiking, or active in his church! 🎣🏔️
🏈 Leading the Herd: Meet Matt Hollifield, our PE Department Chair, Assistant Athletic Director, and Assistant Football Coach! With 20 years in education and 23 years of coaching experience across all grade levels, he brings a wealth of leadership to OHS. A graduate of Appalachian State and Gardner-Webb, Matt is a true family man who loves spending time with his wife, Kayla, and their four children. When he isn’t on the sidelines, you can find him fishing, hunting, hiking, or active in his church! 🎣🏔️
As the 2025–2026 school year comes to a close, we're continuing to celebrate the incredible teachers and staff who make Owen High such a special place through our "Leading the Herd: OHS Educator Spotlight" series.
🐎 Meet Jackson Shaw, a proud third-generation Warhorse and 2019 OHS graduate! Now an OHS PE teacher and Head Baseball Coach, Jackson is passionate about giving back to the community that helped shape him. When he's not in the gym or on the field, you'll find him exploring the great outdoors.
🐎 Meet Jackson Shaw, a proud third-generation Warhorse and 2019 OHS graduate! Now an OHS PE teacher and Head Baseball Coach, Jackson is passionate about giving back to the community that helped shape him. When he's not in the gym or on the field, you'll find him exploring the great outdoors.
Meet Mr. Mallory, another incredible educator who helps lead the herd at OHS! 🐎
🏔️ Mr. Mallory has been bringing the wonders of the Blue Ridge Mountains into his classroom since 2014! Teaching Earth Science and AP Environmental Science, he uses his deep background in ecology to inspire our students every day.
When he isn’t leading the Wellness Committee, you can find him outside enjoying live music or catching a college game! 🎶🏈
🏔️ Mr. Mallory has been bringing the wonders of the Blue Ridge Mountains into his classroom since 2014! Teaching Earth Science and AP Environmental Science, he uses his deep background in ecology to inspire our students every day.
When he isn’t leading the Wellness Committee, you can find him outside enjoying live music or catching a college game! 🎶🏈
Our “Leading the Herd: OHS Educator Spotlight” series celebrates the dedicated teachers and staff who inspire, support, and guide our Warhorse students every day.
🧬Meet Mr. Smith, our Science Department Chair and School Improvement Team Chair! After starting as a student teacher at OHS in 2010, he returned in 2016 to teach everything from Biology to Physics. A proud NC State grad, he now lives right here in Swannanoa with his daughter, Ella, and their two dogs, Jetty and Ama! 🐾
🧬Meet Mr. Smith, our Science Department Chair and School Improvement Team Chair! After starting as a student teacher at OHS in 2010, he returned in 2016 to teach everything from Biology to Physics. A proud NC State grad, he now lives right here in Swannanoa with his daughter, Ella, and their two dogs, Jetty and Ama! 🐾
Meet Mr. James, another incredible educator who helps lead the herd at OHS! 🐎
✈️ From the U.S. Air Force to the OHS science department, Mr. James has been a staple at Owen for over 15 years. He currently teaches Physical and Earth Science and serves on the School Improvement Team.
Our “Leading the Herd: OHS Educator Spotlight” series celebrates the dedicated teachers and staff who inspire, support, and guide our Warhorse students every day.
✈️ From the U.S. Air Force to the OHS science department, Mr. James has been a staple at Owen for over 15 years. He currently teaches Physical and Earth Science and serves on the School Improvement Team.
Our “Leading the Herd: OHS Educator Spotlight” series celebrates the dedicated teachers and staff who inspire, support, and guide our Warhorse students every day.
🧪 Chemistry meets creativity! Meet Mr. Sheehan, who focuses on hands-on learning in the science lab. When he isn’t sponsoring the Disc Golf or Chemistry clubs, he’s likely fly fishing or playing the banjo!
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*Continue following our “Leading the Herd: OHS Educator Spotlight” series, and join us in celebrating the dedicated teachers and staff who inspire, support, and guide our Warhorse students every day.
Meet another educator who helps lead the herd at OHS! 🐎
Our “Leading the Herd: OHS Educator Spotlight” series celebrates the dedicated teachers and staff who inspire, support, and guide our Warhorse students every day. Learn more about Mr. Nihart!
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*Continue following our “Leading the Herd: OHS Educator Spotlight” series, and join us in celebrating the dedicated teachers and staff who inspire, support, and guide our Warhorse students every day.
Meet another educator who helps lead the herd at OHS! 🐎
Our “Leading the Herd: OHS Educator Spotlight” series celebrates the dedicated teachers and staff who inspire, support, and guide our Warhorse students every day. Learn more about Mr. Nihart!
Our “Leading the Herd: OHS Educator Spotlight” series celebrates the dedicated teachers and staff who inspire, support, and guide our Warhorse students every day.
Meet Swannanoa native and U.S. Army Veteran Jeff Garland. As a JROTC instructor since 2019, he is passionate about inspiring students to become the next generation of leaders in their families and communities.
Meet Swannanoa native and U.S. Army Veteran Jeff Garland. As a JROTC instructor since 2019, he is passionate about inspiring students to become the next generation of leaders in their families and communities.
The final school day for students is Wednesday 6/10/26. Schools will operate on a two-hour early dismissal schedule. Have a great summer break!