Budoff leaves media class with high expectations, joy

As his students chat and reminisce past shows, media teacher Bryce Budoff stands on the main set of the Stampede Live. He flips the pancakes and exchanges banter with students. Music plays, and the pancakes topped with anything from chocolate chips to powdered sugar are devoured. The pancakes are stacked on a plate, and it is a reminder that this is Budoff’s last day at Sunrise.

Budoff left Sunrise’s Media Production class Oct. 5 to work at Grand Canyon University teaching education. He has switched school mid-semester before when moving from a junior high school to Sunrise.

“It was the exact same feeling as when I was coming to Sunrise,” Budoff said. “I felt like I was leaving them behind and I couldn’t take them with me… and then at the same time I was super excited.”

His students will miss Budoff’s enthusiasm for media projects.

“He basically energizes the entire class,” senior Andrew Reay said.

Budoff says he will look back fondly on his years at SMHS.

“I’ve been teaching for 17 years and this has been my favorite,” Budoff said. “These last seven have been my favorite because I’m teaching what I love now.”

He will be teaching an online class for GCU from Tempe on education, one that all teachers have to take. The media students that remain have high hopes for the program.

“The media program is going to keep doing what it’s doing,” sophomore Jesse Rojas said. “It’s going to be almost the same, but we’re going to make it better.”

Budoff thinks his students can handle the class without him.

“My hope is that [change] is transparent,” Budoff said.

The media students were shocked when they heard the news.

“He told us two weeks ago that he was leaving, so we were surprised and really impressed,” Reay said.

As Budoff leaves for his new job, he advises his students to follow their dreams.

“Live life without any regrets,” Budoff said. “I guess what I mean is if you don’t take the opportunities when they’re presented to you and as they’re presented to you, then you may have to live with some regrets later on.”

Sincerely, from all of the SMHS Publications Staff, goodbye and good luck to you, Mr. Budoff.  

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