PRHS celebrates coaches, volunteers and community champions

By Camille DeVaul · Thu Jun 11 2026

Wilshusen earns a second straight Coach of the Year award while Thompson is named Community Bearcat of the Year

PASO ROBLES — Paso Robles High School coaches, volunteers, and supporters were recognized during the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees meeting on June 9.

Paso Robles High School Principal Mike Susank presented several annual recognitions, including the school's Coach of the Year award, which is selected each year through a vote of fellow coaches.

This year's honor went to Codie Wilshusen, who was recognized as the 2026 Coach of the Year. Wilshusen serves as coach of the school's sideline cheer, stunt, and track and field programs.

"Codie is a tremendous coach of three different sports at Paso Robles," Susank said. "She has given countless hours over many years."

The recognition marks the second consecutive year Wilshusen has been selected by her peers as Coach of the Year.

The meeting also included the presentation of the Community Bearcat of the Year award to Calvin Thompson for his ongoing volunteer efforts and support of school programs.

"So many of our programs run on volunteers," Susank said. "They run on community and the support of people in the community."

Susank noted that Thompson is a familiar face at Bearcat events, including Friday night football games where he regularly assists with barbecue fundraising efforts. Thompson also serves as president of the Paso Robles Lions Club and contributes to numerous community initiatives throughout the city.

In addition to the major awards, coaches recognized several individuals through the school's Bearcat Pride program, which highlights community members and supporters who have contributed to the success of student-athletes and extracurricular programs.

Those recognized included Cynthia and Ted Fletcher, Ken Hammond, Jamee Freitas, Natalie Hermanson, Erin Colegrove, Ken Cox, Katy Smith, Magoo Cook, Al Bowman, Jennifer Brown, and Charleen Borla.

"Thank you so much for everything you've done to contribute to the success of our programs," Susank said.

Trustees also took action to begin the process for the November governing board elections. The board approved Resolution 26-31, ordering the election for trustee seats whose terms are set to expire in November 2026. The resolution passed on a 6-0 vote, with Trustee Sondra Williams absent.

Seats up for election include Trustee Area 1, currently represented by Jim Cogan; Trustee Area 2, represented by Joel Peterson; and Trustee Area 4, represented by Sondra Williams.

The filing period for declarations of candidacy will run from July 13 through Aug. 7. Residents interested in determining their trustee area can view the district's trustee area map through the district's online mapping system at woolpertinc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=18de55a3f4a14e52a675f5abc64dd2b2

Trustees also approved the purchase of four replacement vehicles for the district's Maintenance, Operations and Transportation (M.O.T.) and Information Technology departments, due to the age and condition of the existing fleet.

District staff reported that the vehicles being replaced have become increasingly unreliable due to age and high mileage. Two M.O.T. support vehicles — a 2000 Mercury Mountaineer with approximately 155,000 miles and a 2002 Toyota Tundra with roughly 210,000 miles — are both more than 20 years old and have a combined 365,000 miles. The vehicles are used to transport supplies, custodial equipment, students, and emergency response materials throughout the district.

The district is also replacing a 2009 Ford Escape used by the Information Technology Department. The vehicle, which has nearly 100,000 miles, recently developed powertrain issues with repair costs estimated to exceed its market value. District officials noted that six I.T. technicians currently rely on their personal vehicles to travel between school sites.

Approved purchases include one Ford Explorer for $39,777.79, one Ford F-250 truck for $50,389.75, and two Ford Maverick trucks for a combined cost of $69,070. The older vehicles will be auctioned off.

According to staff, the replacement vehicles will provide improved fuel economy, enhanced safety features such as backup cameras, reverse sensors, side-curtain airbags and post-collision braking systems, and manufacturer warranties covering five years or 60,000 miles on powertrain components and three years or 36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper.

Officials said the purchase supports the district's Goal 6.2 objective of maintaining safe, welcoming and well-maintained school environments. Funding for the M.O.T. vehicles will come from Fund 15, while the I.T. vehicles will be purchased using department funds.

The vehicles were approved with a 6-0 vote.

The next Paso Robles Joint Unified School District meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 23 at 6 p.m.