06/24/2026
What an incredible way to wrap up our time in Portland.
We started the day at the Educators Rising awards ceremony. While Dalton and Enoch did not walk away with a national title, they have so much to be proud of. Out of 50 teams in the Ethical Dilemma competition, they earned the opportunity to compete on the national stage. That alone is an incredible accomplishment and a testament to the hard work they put in throughout the year.
One of the things Educators Rising does so well is remind students that success is about more than a trophy. This week was filled with opportunities to learn, grow, connect with future educators from across the country, and experience places we may never have had the chance to see otherwise. We may not be bringing home a first-place finish, but we are bringing home memories that will last a lifetime.
After the awards ceremony, we made one final adventure stop at the Columbia River Gorge and hiked to the top of Multnomah Falls. Climbing 800 feet in elevation was no small task, but the views were worth every step. It was the perfect way to end an unforgettable trip in the Pacific Northwest.
See you tomorrow, Missouri. We have missed you.