Rededication Honors Lasting Legacy of Educator Jean Lundy

Students, educators, and community members gathered at Oregon Trail Academy to honor a woman whose influence helped shape the school for decades.

On March 27, the western building at the Academy, formerly Cottrell School, was formally rededicated to longtime educator and superintendent Jean Lundy during a ceremony open to the public. It was organized by eighth grader Graysen Gale as part of his senior project.

Gale emceed the event, giving a short talk about Lundy and what she meant to the community and the school, and introducing guest speakers.

Lundy, who died in 1988, served the Cottrell School District for 32 years as superintendent - clerk. At a time when Cottrell operated as its own K–8 district, she filled nearly every role imaginable.

According to a 1983 article in the Sandy Post, Lundy worked in the kitchen, drove buses, coached sports, and handled janitorial duties alongside her teaching and administrative responsibilities. “I haven’t mowed the lawns yet,” she joked at the time, noting it might be the only job she had not taken on.

That grit and dedication echoed throughout the rededication ceremony.

Gale opened the event before presenting a commemorative plaque to Lundy’s son, Craig Lundy, who spoke about his mother’s life and service. The ceremony then shifted to an open sharing period, where former colleagues and students reflected on her impact.

Sharon Jones, who first knew Lundy as an eighth grade student, before being hired by Lundy as a teacher, described the lasting impression Lundy made.

“We had just moved from Iowa, I was in eighth grade, and I was just so shy,” Jones said. “But Jean Lundy made me feel at home from day one.”

Years later, after earning her teaching degree, Jones returned to the school, where she taught for 22 years, crediting Lundy as a powerful role model. “She had a presence about her,” Jones said. “The kids respected her, and we respected her.”

Former teacher Judy Lofstedt recalled Lundy’s determination and hands-on leadership.

“Just to show you how gritty Jean was, the year I started, she finally gave up driving the school bus,” Lofstedt said. “She also gave up coaching girls’ sports. Jean had a hard time letting go of the things she did, probably because she wanted them done her way.”

Lofstedt said the renewed recognition carries deep meaning for those who worked alongside Lundy. “It means so much to have this building re-dedicated to her,” she said. “She meant so much to us.”

The building was originally named in Lundy’s honor in 1983. This ceremony served as a affirmation of her legacy and the values she represented: service, leadership, and a deep commitment to students.

For Gale, the project was both a research effort and a personal mission. A student at the school since kindergarten, he began planning the rededication last November, digging into local history and writing a preview article inviting the community to attend.

“There was a lot of research involved, but it was interesting learning about her. I wanted to make sure people remembered what she did for the school,” Gale said.

His grandmother, Shannon Gale, said the project reflected both hard work and heart. “He worked so hard on this project,” she said. “I’m so proud of him.”

As the ceremony concluded, guests talked, laughed, and enjoyed refreshments. Lundy’s influence continues to resonate decades after her passing, not only in the building that bears her name, but in the generations of students and educators she inspired.