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Forest Grove spotlights Mariachi Tradition and teacher honored for literacy work
Summary
Forest Grove School District recognized its Mariachi Tradition ensemble and honored teacher Kayla Davidson for national board certification and literacy leadership. The awards highlighted student opportunities in arts and professional development across the district.
Forest Grove School District opened its board meeting by presenting the first monthly "spotlight awards," honoring Forest Grove High School's Mariachi Tradition ensemble and teacher Kayla Davidson.
The board president introduced Colleen Moore, vice principal at Forest Grove High School, who presented the Mariachi Tradition recognition. A district presenter traced the ensemble's growth since 2015–16, noting that the program began as an after‑school club and has since expanded into middle and high school electives, added instruments and uniforms, and performed at venues including the Keller Auditorium and collaborations with the Oregon Symphony. The presenter credited school administrators, staff, parents and community funders with supporting the program's expansion.
Arturo Loma Lee, the district director of teaching and learning, introduced the second spotlight recognizing Kayla Davidson. Loma Lee noted Davidson's national board certification, enrollment in doctoral study at George Fox University and leadership in the district's recent literacy adoption. The presentation highlighted Davidson's work on differentiated instruction, equity team participation and recurring summer teaching for migrant students.
Board members praised both the ensemble and Davidson for contributing to student engagement, cultural visibility and instructional improvements. The board framed the spotlights as part of a new regular recognition intended to highlight exemplary staff and programs.
