Cassie Moore, an alumna of Eastern Oregon University, welcomed the university’s choir to Burnt River Charter School in Unity, Oregon, according to an April 29 announcement. Moore serves as superintendent of the school district, which is one of the most rural in the state and has just over 30 students from kindergarten through twelfth grade.
The visit by EOU’s choir was significant for both Moore and her students. “It’s really important because I have a couple of kids who are really interested in music, and we don’t have music programs,” Moore said. “It’s really enlightening to have something they can be inspired by and relate to.” The arrival of the 44-member choir more than doubled the school’s population for the day and provided many students with their first opportunity to experience a live choral performance.
Rural schools like Burnt River often face challenges such as limited access to educational programs and resources. Opportunities like this visit help address those gaps. “This is a first for EOU coming here, so we’re super excited,” Moore said.
Moore studied education at Eastern Oregon University before beginning her teaching career in Ontario, Oregon. She has lived in Burnt River Valley for nearly two decades and previously worked as dean of students at South Baker Intermediate School and principal at Haines Elementary School. Her connection to Eastern Oregon University remains strong; she credits her time there with preparing her well for teaching foundational skills. “I felt really prepared to teach when I left,” she said. “I felt really confident teaching students to read and to be a professional.”
Moore encourages current students interested in education careers to consider attending EOU: “Absolutely, I would recommend it,” she said. “Especially for aspiring teachers.” Her family also maintains ties with the university through various academic programs.
As Moore watched her former university’s choir perform at Burnt River Charter School this spring, she saw it as more than just an event—it was a continuation of support from an institution that played a key role in shaping her own career.
