Decades of service recognized as Cascade School District honor retirees, volunteers

LEAVENWORTH — Coinciding with the last week of school, the Cascade School District Board meeting on June 8 was a night of celebrating some of its most dedicated community members, including the Cascade Education Foundation and retiring staff.

North Central Educational Service District (NCESD) Board Chair Dr. Michael Musick honored the Cascade Education Foundation (CEF) with a Friend of the Children Award, which recognizes outstanding volunteers in the communities represented by the districts within the NCESD’s four-county region. The award was created in 1992 to honor those making extraordinary contributions to local schools out of a genuine commitment to making a difference, not fame or notoriety.

“As a longtime high school principal and superintendent, there's never enough money to do all the things that we need to do…and so we have a gift,” said Musick. “For 30 years, the Cascade Education Foundation has been making a difference in the classrooms across the Cascade School District.”

Since 1997, the nonprofit has fundraised in support of teacher-developed classroom enrichments, working to enhance the experience of students in the district. In just the past year, Musick highlighted CEF’s impact from the past year alone, which included supporting field trips, college visits, musical performances, and sixth grade outdoor camp.

“We're just so very fortunate to have them partnering with us,” added CSD Superintendent Dr. Tracey Edou.

The CSD Board also celebrated the retirement of two long-time employees: Debbie Guy-Ells and Todd Gilbert.

Operations and Facilities Director Teresa Disher recognized Guy-Ells, an Alpine Lakes Elementary custodian, for nearly 40 years of service. Disher said Guy-Ells was well-known for her friendliness and positive attitude.

“My whole team says she's the most friendly custodian. When they go into a building, they say that she's always very helpful to them, and is always willing to help out, so we’re going to miss her,” said Disher.

Gilbert was recognized for his dedication as an 8th grade Social Studies teacher, as well as his work as a coach across multiple school sports. Edou read a letter from Icicle River Middle School Principal Michael Miller, who commended his passion, accountability and dedication to students both in the classroom and on the field. Like Guy-Ells, Gilbert is closing the chapter on nearly four decades of working in the classroom. Of his 37 years of experience, 30 of those were spent in CSD, according to Miller.

“When kids struggle, he listens, and then gives them sound advice and helpful direction. I will miss this candid and caring way of keeping kids accountable and helping them stretch to become the responsible young adults we all want them to be,” wrote Miller.

Edou added a personal comment, noting that Gilbert’s successor would have big shoes to fill. The superintendent’s remarks were followed by CEF representative and former principal Anne Spratt, who looked back with fondness on her time working with Gilbert.

“Todd was always really good about saying exactly what he thought about stuff, which I really appreciated,” said Spratt. “But the other side of that was, no matter what it was, even if he didn't agree with it, he always put 100 percent behind it, and I always appreciated that.”

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media