Rod Hergesheimer

WHEREAS, Rod Hergesheimer served as a public school teacher for 1
thirty years, including twenty-nine years at Inchelium High School on 2
the Colville Indian Reservation in rural Ferry County, demonstrating 3
a deep and enduring commitment to the education of rural 4
Washingtonians; and 5
WHEREAS, Mr. Hergesheimer is steadfastly supported in his 6
teaching efforts by his extraordinary wife, Pam Hergesheimer, who 7
worked two jobs while Mr. Hergesheimer continued his education, and 8
who retired after a storied career at the Chewelah School District in 9
Chewelah, Washington; and 10
WHEREAS, Mr. Hergesheimer is further steadfastly supported by his 11
beloved family members, including his parents, Gale and B.J. 12
Hergesheimer, his parents-in-law, Bud and Donna Sampson, and his 13
daughters, Alicia Grady and Jonna Savitz and their families; and14
WHEREAS, Mr. Hergesheimer was raised on a dairy farm in rural 15
Stevens County started by his great-grandparents, and enjoyed a 16
childhood characterized by hunting, fishing, camping, and community 17
celebrations; and 18
WHEREAS, Mr. Hergesheimer studied and graduated from Spokane 19
Community College and Eastern Washington University; and20
WHEREAS, Mr. Hergesheimer began teaching at Inchelium High 21
School, proud home of the Hornets, 29 years ago; and22
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2026-4688, by Representatives Abell and Engell
p. 1 HR 4688
WHEREAS, Mr. Hergesheimer is known as a consistent, fair, and 1
demanding teacher who sets high expectations for his students and 2
earns the lasting respect of both students and parents, many of whom 3
were themselves former students; and 4
WHEREAS, Mr. Hergesheimer developed and implemented social 5
studies assessments utilizing the John McCoy (lulilaš) Since Time 6
Immemorial: Tribal Sovereignty in Washington State curriculum, 7
strengthening culturally responsive instruction and student 8
understanding of tribal sovereignty and state history; and9
WHEREAS, Mr. Hergesheimer developed and taught a law elective 10
course, providing students with opportunities to explore civic 11
responsibility, legal principles, and critical thinking skills; and12
WHEREAS, Mr. Hergesheimer dedicated classroom time and attention 13
to teaching about our country's veterans and their sacrifices for our 14
nation; and 15
WHEREAS, Mr. Hergesheimer dedicated countless hours outside the 16
classroom coaching Hornet athletics, including boys and girls 17
basketball, successfully leading the girls team to a 4th place finish 18
at the state tournament; and 19
WHEREAS, Mr. Hergesheimer was selected on multiple occasions to 20
serve as the senior graduation speaker, a reflection of the strong 21
relationships he built with students, including a graduation ceremony 22
fondly remembered by the community when he arrived on his Harley-23
Davidson motorcycle; and 24
WHEREAS, Students consistently describe Mr. Hergesheimer as a 25
teacher who genuinely cares, forms healthy bonds with young people, 26
and creates an environment of respect, accountability, and 27
encouragement; and 28
WHEREAS, Mr. Hergesheimer exemplifies school spirit and 29
camaraderie, as demonstrated by the final line of his official email 30
signature: "From the Hornet Kingdom: where our blood runs GREEN"; and31
WHEREAS, Mr. Hergesheimer officially retires from Inchelium High 32
School on June 30, 2026; 33
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives 34
hereby recognize and honor Rod Hergesheimer for his thirty years of 35
exemplary service as a teacher, coach, and leader in Inchelium and 36
the surrounding community; and 37
p. 2 HR 4688
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives extend 1
its sincerest appreciation to Mr. Hergesheimer for his lasting 2
contributions to generations of students and wish him continued 3
success and fulfillment in his well-earned retirement.4
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I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of6
Resolution 4688 adopted by the House of Representatives7
February 24, 2026 8
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__________________________ 13
Bernard Dean, Chief Clerk 14
p. 3 HR 4688