Umatilla High School celebrated an unforgettable evening last Friday, recognizing two of its most accomplished graduates during the school’s annual Senior Night and Legacy Hall Induction Ceremony.

“I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for making last Friday night such a special and memorable evening,” Principal Brent Frazier says. “Our Senior Night celebration and the Legacy Hall Induction Ceremony were both tremendous successes, and it was wonderful to see so many of you there to support our students, alumni, and honorees.”

The ceremony honored Dr. Janette Nesheiwat (Class of 1994) and Dr. Julia Nesheiwat (Class of 1993), two Umatilla High alumnae whose careers have spanned medicine, national security and public service.

“It was also an unexpected treat to have United Nations Ambassador Mike Waltz join us for the celebration and his presence made the evening even more meaningful,” Principal Frazier says.

Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, a board-certified Family Medicine physician, author, and national medical commentator, has served as a trusted voice in public health. Since 2018, she has been a medical contributor for Fox News, addressing national health policy, vaccines, and chronic disease prevention. In 2025, she was nominated for U.S. Surgeon General and continues to serve as Chair of the Make America Fentanyl Free Campaign.

Born in Carmel, New York, and raised in Umatilla, Dr. Nesheiwat is the author of Beyond the Stethoscope: Miracles in Medicine (2024) and host of Family Health Today. She has served on the front lines at CityMD and in underserved communities, turning personal tragedy into a lifelong mission of service and healing.

Dr. Julia Nesheiwat, Class of 1993, is a U.S. Army veteran, Bronze Star recipient, and national security and energy policy expert. Her distinguished career has spanned four presidential administrations, where she has advanced homeland security, energy resilience, and international diplomacy.

From 2020 to 2021, Dr. Nesheiwat served as Deputy Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Resilience and has held senior positions with the U.S. Department of State and the intelligence community. She continues her leadership in global affairs as the spouse of U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Michael Waltz.

“Raised in a family of Jordanian immigrants, and sharing a legacy of service with her sister, Dr. Janette Nesheiwat, Julia’s life embodies resilience and dedication,” Principal Frazier says.

Adding to the night’s excitement, Umatilla High’s football team closed out a remarkable 10–0 regular season and will host Lake Weir in the first round of the playoffs.

“Let’s come out and cheer them on as they continue this outstanding season!” Principal Frazier says. “Your enthusiasm and teamwork continue to make our school community truly exceptional.”