Meet the Team
Team Leader
Budd Root
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Biography:
M.S.
Mr. Root has been an educator for nearly twenty years at RTHS. Prior to teaching he spent many years in the military as a flight engineer and inspector. He is a graduate of Illinois State University.
I love
seeing students mature and grow into contributing member of our community.
Agriculture Team
Taylor Marcum
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Biography:
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2022 Graduate from SIU Carbondale with a Bachelor's degree in Production Animal Science and a minor in Agribusiness Economics and Farm Management. ELS Licensed as a teacher with 7 years of Commercial farming experience/farm management, and 3 years of Contract construction work. Currently teaching Home Maintenance and Repair, Agriculture Mechanics, Introduction to Agriculture, and Geometry in Construction.
I love expanding perspectives in Agriculture.
Danielle Sage
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Biography:
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I am one of the Agriculture teachers and FFA advisor. I attended Illinois State University in 2021 and began my teaching journey that fall. I have been at RTHS for 5 years! I teach the agricultural science classes which include introduction to agriculture, horticulture, and vet science.
Being able to teach students about where their food, clothing, and shelter comes from. A lot of times being in my classroom is the first some of my students have even heard of Agriculture. I believe it is important for all of them to know the importance agriculture has on our world!
Family/Consumer Science Team
Rachel Heckel
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Biography:
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I have been at RTHS for almost 14 years now and I teach in the FCS and SPED departments. I graduated in 2012 from EIU with my Bachelor's in FCS and then in 2025 from ONU with my SPED endorsement.
I love teaching students lifelong skills and watching who they turn into in the 4 years that they are here.
Raegan Vaughan
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Biography:
I have started my teaching career here at RTHS teaching Family and Consumer Science classes! I also student taught at RTHS! I graduated from Illinois State University in 2026 with a degree in FCS Teacher Education. I teach Textiles 1, 2, & 3, Fashion Design and Merchandising, Child Development 2 and Hospitality this year!
I love teaching students basic life skills that they can use every day! I also love seeing my students everyday and watching them progress in my classes! I love providing a welcoming and comforting learning environment for all of my students so they can thrive in the classroom!
Anne Walker
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Biography:
Hi! This is my first year at RTHS and my first year as a teacher. I graduated from Illinois State University May 2026 with degree to teach grades 5-12 Family and Consumer Sciences. I teach Parenting, Housing and Interior Design, Child Development 1, Independent Living, and Baking.
I love being able to teach kids life skills that they will get to use for the rest of their lives!
Business
Ana Brukhno
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Biography:
I am in my first year of teaching and new to the RTHS community. I currently teach Intro to Business, Web Design and Accounting.
I love equipping students with the skills and knowledge to lead successful lives after graduating high school. I strive to prepare my students to be well-informed, financially responsible young adults. I want to make sure they know about all of the opportunities and life paths that await them.
James Crites
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Biography:
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Mr. James Crites has been an educator for 22 years and a part of the RTHS CTE team for 9 years. He currently teaches Economics, Accounting, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Business Law, Computer Applications, Introduction to Business, and Keyboarding 1 and 2.
"I love preparing students for success outside of the walls of RTHS. When students come back and talk with me about what they have learned in my classes and how that knowledge has helped them in the real world, that brings a smile to my face."