Warden School District

At first glance, Mr. Stanberry might look like the strong, silent type: tall, serious, and all business. But it only takes about five seconds to realize he’s anything but quiet. His voice carries through the hallways, through walls, possibly through dimensions. Whether he’s calling out a math challenge, hyping up students, or throwing out a math-themed one-liner with perfect comedic timing, Mr. Stanberry is a presence.

And in a school like Warden High, presence matters. Students notice the loudest voices, and when that voice is used to build them up, challenge them, and remind them they matter, it sticks.

Mr. Stanberry is more than a math teacher. He’s a National Board-Certified educator, a WA-STELLAR Master Teacher Fellow through Central Washington University, and a go-to mentor for students who need structure, encouragement, or just someone who gets it. He is one of the rare educators who treats every student like they belong in the room, even if they don’t believe it yet themselves.

He is also deeply conscious of equity. Students often recall how he works to build a real relationship between them and the subject, even for those who arrive convinced they are "bad at math." He takes the time to notice individual challenges, whether it’s test anxiety or gaps in understanding, and adapts his approach to help students push past those barriers. As much as they might joke about his "cringe" humor, many quietly value the patience and persistence he shows, revisiting a topic as many times as it takes. That belief has translated into real opportunities: he founded Honors Math classes, built support systems around struggling learners, and has consistently advocated for access regardless of background or label.

His lessons don’t just happen in the classroom. He often takes students outside to work out problems in chalk on the sidewalks, not for show, but because math is everywhere and he wants them to see it. He led the charge to create a practical math course to help students meet graduation requirements in a way that felt achievable and real. He has coached football, supported STEM and STEAM fairs at both elementary and secondary levels, and championed programs for students who don’t always fit the traditional mold.

And then there’s Buddy the Elf. Every year, Mr. Stanberry suits up in green and gold to help seniors organize a donation drive for kids in need. With the seniors dressed as Santa, elves, and reindeer, it’s Buddy (a.k.a. Stanberry) who leads the charge with laughter, generosity, and just the right amount of holiday chaos. Through this tradition, students see that service can be joyful, giving back can be fun, and the best memories are the ones built around community.

He has also been a driving force behind Thanksgiving food drives for local families, often working quietly behind the scenes to ensure no one goes without, managing logistics, and doing outreach to generous local businesses. And through it all, he remains the loud, witty, relentless teacher in Room 304, who refuses to give up on any student who walks through his door.

All of this, he has done year after year with impressive consistency and care, regardless of the changes in leadership over the years. Through it all, Mr. Stanberry has remained a rock: consistent, focused, and always putting students first.

Despite the rolling eyes, students appreciate him for his humor, his energy, and his refusal to phone it in. Colleagues admire him for his depth of knowledge, his team-first mindset, and his ability to say what others are thinking, often with a perfectly timed dad joke. He makes math loud. He makes leadership loud. And more than anything, he makes caring loud.

And if you need proof of impact, just ask the students. One former student shared how Mr. Stanberry’s energy and early morning music made school feel fun and welcoming. More importantly, they described how his belief in them, especially during moments of self-doubt, helped them push through and succeed. It’s a story that reflects what many students feel: that Mr. Stanberry’s influence reaches far beyond the classroom, shaping confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging.

Educators like Mr. Stanberry remind us that impact doesn’t have to be quiet to be meaningful. Sometimes, the most powerful thing a teacher can do is show up, speak up, and make sure every student knows they matter.

If there’s ever a moment to honor him publicly, let it be now, and let it be said clearly and proudly: Mr. Stanberry is the kind of educator who changes lives, not by accident, but by design. And though he may never ask for the spotlight, he’s more than earned it.

Thank you for every loud laugh, every chalk-covered sidewalk, and every moment of belief poured into the students who needed it most.