09/16/2026
Washburn Rural High School students in Brad LeDuc’s AP Studio Art class continued a special tradition with this year’s Unsung Heroes portraits – larger-than-life works inspired by contemporary artist Chuck Close.
Over the past three weeks, students conducted interviews, wrote essays, and brought each design to life before unveiling the finished works during a special ceremony last Friday.
This year’s honorees included Primo Josef Arbon, a teacher described as so much more than that. Through humor, conversation, and genuine connection, Mr. Arbon takes the time to know his students as individuals and to encourage them to become the best versions of themselves. In their essay describing the reasons for Mr. Arbon's selection, students wrote, “Mr. Arbon not only teaches math, but he teaches students how to be better human beings. He deeply cares about every soul that enters his classroom, and he strives to help every student reach their full potential.” They continued, "We hope that he will always remember how much he has impacted our lives and how special he is to us."
Students also honored former classmate Miles Timberlake, who passed away in July after a courageous 16-month battle with cancer. Miles is only the second student to be honored in the 17-year history of Unsung Heroes. Remembered as "a bundle of joy and energy," Miles faced cancer with remarkable strength while continuing to care deeply for those around them. "The cancer never stopped Miles from being a loving and caring person to the teachers, friends, and family who surrounded them," shared Ren Beard-Alvarado. "Miles was a really good person. They lifted everyone around them and advocated for the rights and freedom of others."
Congratulations to this year’s Unsung Heroes – and to the talented students who used their art to celebrate these two deserving individuals!
