By Kayce Fluckey
I am proud to be a graduate from Green River High School. We had 13 students in our senior class. I was Student Body President and had big dreams about my future. I received a leadership scholarship to the University of Utah, I was ready to take on the world. However, the University of Utah was 26 times the size of Green River. I was a bit overwhelmed with the size of classes, the amount of work, and living in the “big” city. I completed two years and chose to get married. As a result, I did not to complete my degree until 20 years later.
I was very fortunate to be hired by Emery County School District in 1992 as a Special Education educational assistant. I worked in this position until I was hired at the high school as the high school secretary. I worked as the GRHS secretary for 11 years. I loved my job as the secretary, as the position afforded me the opportunity to work closely with students, faculty, and administration. As secretary, I was able to certify as a volleyball, cheer, and track coach. These positions provided me much enjoyment, along with some angst as well. In the 2008 school year, my family decided to relocate to Elko, Nevada. While in Nevada, I realized it was very difficult to land a decent job without a degree. I made the decision to return to college and pursue my degree in Special Education.
In 2011, I was able to return to Green River. Luckily, Emery County School District employed me again at Book Cliff Elementary as a Title I educational assistant as I was completing my degree. Shortly after I was hired at Green River High School as the Special Education teacher, the principalship at the high school came available, I was asked to fill the opening. The district was confident in my ability to lead, and it has been a great opportunity for me. I am passionate about making GRHS and the students here successful. I am the first alum to be principal of this school – to me, this is a privilege and honor. Together, our faculty and staff are working diligently to help our students become college and career ready. I am grateful for the many opportunities that this district has provided to me.
My advice to students as they search for their career path – don’t stop learning, take a piece of our school with you (not literally). Take the experiences that you have had here and use them to make a difference in the world. Never imagine that you are too small or insignificant to make a difference. Let your voice be heard.