Celebrating a Remarkable Year in Garfield Re-2

As another school year comes to a close across Garfield Re-2, it is time to pause and reflect on just how much there is to celebrate.

This time of year always carries a special energy in our schools. Hallways are filled with countdowns, classrooms are wrapping up final projects, and campuses are alive with field days, concerts, art displays, awards ceremonies, and the excitement that comes with finishing another chapter and preparing for the next. It is a season of transition, reflection, and pride.

As I finish my first year in Garfield Re-2, I have learned so much about this amazing District.

I have had the opportunity to visit classrooms, attend performances and competitions, celebrate student accomplishments, meet with staff and families, and experience firsthand the pride that exists across our schools and communities. What stood out to me most is the deep level of care people have for one another and for our students.

Our schools are filled with people who believe in kids, who show up consistently for one another, and who work every day to create opportunities for students to succeed. From classrooms to cafeterias, from athletic fields to school buses, there is a shared commitment to helping students grow into confident and capable young adults, exemplifying our graduate profile.

This year has reinforced for me that the strength of Garfield Re-2 lies not in a single program or initiative, but in the people who make this district such a special place to learn and work, and I am honored to be part of Garfield Re-2.

This year, we are especially proud to celebrate nearly 300 graduates from Rifle High School and Coal Ridge High School as they prepare to step into their next opportunities. For Coal Ridge High School, this graduating class is believed to be the largest in school history,  a milestone worth celebrating not only for students and families, but for the entire community that has supported them along the way.

Whether they are heading to college, the workforce, the military, trade programs, or pursuing other dreams, these graduates carry with them the experiences, relationships, and lessons built throughout their years in Re-2.

But graduation is not the only important transition happening in Garfield Re-2.

Our kindergarten students are finishing their very first year of school. Fifth graders are preparing to enter middle school. Eighth graders are preparing for high school. Across every building, students are taking important next steps in their educational journeys, supported by caring adults who encourage, nurture, and challenge them every day.

And while we celebrate students, we also take time to honor the extraordinary people who make Garfield Re-2 such a special place to learn and grow.

This year, we will recognize 21 retirees who have dedicated their careers to serving students, families, and colleagues across our district. Together, these retirees represent an incredible 424 years of service to the students, families, and communities of Garfield Re-2. These individuals have shaped lives in classrooms, cafeterias, offices, buses, and countless other spaces where relationships and learning happen every day.

Among those retirees is Helen Hagerty, the longtime Kitchen Manager at Rifle High School, who has served Garfield Re-2 for 38 years. Since 1988, Helen has been a familiar and caring presence for generations of students and staff. Her dedication reflects the deep commitment that defines so many people in this district.

We also recognize Dr. Jackie Davis, principal of Coal Ridge High School, who is retiring after 24 years with Garfield Re-2. Dr. Davis has impacted countless students, staff members, and families through her leadership, passion, and unwavering commitment to students. Her influence on Coal Ridge High School and our district will continue long after her retirement.

At the same time, we are reminded that the strength of Garfield Re-2 is built not only on years of service behind us, but also on the commitment that lies ahead. This year, we will also honor 17 employees for 20 years of service, 12 for 25 years, and 3 for 30 years. Their dedication speaks to the culture, relationships, and sense of purpose that make this district such a meaningful place to work and serve.

Public education is ultimately about people coming together to invest in the future of a community. In Garfield Re-2, I have seen that commitment everywhere I go.

As we head into summer, I hope our students, staff, and families take time to rest, recharge, and celebrate all that has been accomplished this year. There is so much to be proud of, and even more to look forward to.

Congratulations to all of our graduates across the District.