Waitsburg Alumni Spotlight Monte Pettichord, Class of 2023

When the 8 lb. 9 oz., 21-inch boy arrived, no one guessed that a mighty Cardinal had just entered the world.

Monte Pettichord was born in Walla Walla on February 18, 2005, to Danny and Phoebe. Growing up, Monte enjoyed many outdoor activities, often involving a ball of some sort, other times a fishing pole.

Pettichord attended school in Waitsurg from second grade through high school.

At school, Pettichord's love of sports grew, and by high school, he was an accomplished athlete. He won all-conference honors in football as a quarterback and defensive back. He and the Waitsburg-Dayton basketball team made it to the state tournament in Pettichord's senior year.

Off the football field and the basketball court, Pettichord was a dedicated student with a GPA that approached 3.9.

After graduating from WHS in June 2023, Pettichord is continuing his education and athletic endeavors at Eastern Oregon University in LaGrande, Oregon. There, he plays football while pursuing a degree in accounting.

This fall, Monte will enter the season as a redshirt junior playing safety.

Pettichord works as a delivery driver at a furniture company to help pay for his education.

The Waitsburg Alumni Association awarded Pettichord two scholarships, in 2024 and 2025, which he said helped meet his financial needs at school.

While Pettichord is busy juggling his academic, athletic, and work activities, he occasionally finds time to fish and hunt, a love passed down through his family. He also finds time to keep in close contact with his family, who are great supporters of his journey. He gave a shoutout to his Great- Grama Kay.