 Cyrus Shepard became the first teacher of the school in March 1835.The students came from a variety of Native tribes, which over the years included Kalapuyas, Cayuses, Chehalis, Walla Wallas, Iroquois, Shastas, Tillamooks, Klickitats, Umpquas, Chinooks, and even Hawaiians.Additionally there was participation from the children of the French-Canadian settlers and Native wives.