Sunset socials studies teacher runner up for OnPoint Educator of the Year

A Sunset High School teacher has been named a runner up in OnPoint Community Credit Union’s Educator of the Year awards.

Andrew Gunsul, who teaches freshmen and sophomore social studies classes at the high school, was one of four teachers in Oregon to become a runner up in the annual awards ceremony held on May 23.

As a finalist in the 9-12th category, he will join three other finalists in receiving a $5,000 cash prize. In addition, OnPoint will make a $1,500 donation to Sunset High to be used for resources and supplies.

Gunsul has spent 12 years at Sunset High.

“He is most proud of running a program called 'Honor by Listening,' a one-day series of face-to-face conversations between students and active military members and veterans,” according to an OnPoint online posting. “Every year he combines units on physical and human geography into the ‘Geography Olympics,’ to challenge students on their inferential reasoning to identify global locations.”

Gunsul also developed an elective course entitled U.S. Issues. At the same time, he is an advisor for the Junior State of America program, the Model United Nations and the Health Occupations Students of America.

Gunsul currently serves as head coach for the Apollo’s freshmen football team.

The four winning OnPoint Educators of the Year will have their mortgage or rent paid for one year and receive $2,500 for each of their schools. Those educators work in Bend, Molalla and Portland.

“Our Educators of the Year Awards recognize the remarkable educators whose dedication impacts their students and community every day,” Rob Stuart, president and chief executive officer of OnPoint Community Credit Union, said in a statement. “This year’s winners and runners-up use their amazing creativity and innovation to inspire students. As we celebrate the 15th year of these awards, we are honored to recognize and support the educators who go above and beyond to teach and lead our youth."