By Kristine Thomas
Kindness. Curiosity. Responsibility. Initiative. While the definition of each word can be found in a dictionary, the words have a different meaning for the students at Silver Crest Elementary School. The words are how their Principal Mark Recker hopes they will conduct their lives.
Last fall, Recker announced he had been diagnosed with an inoperable malignant brain tumor. One of his goals was to have a new school sign created. Since last fall, parents, students, staff and community members have worked together to bring Recker’s vision to a reality.
On Thursday, April 24, more than 170 people including Recker and his wife, Kelley, their three sons, daughter-in-law and grandson gathered to see the sign unveiled.
Not one to garner the limelight, Recker was grateful but quiet during the event. He greeted people with a smile, a handshake and kind words.
The event, for him, was really about his students, who sang a song and had their artwork displayed.
For many parents, students and staff members, the evening was bittersweet as Recker announced in April he was retiring as the principal of Silver Crest and Pratum. A search has begun to select a new principal for Silver Crest and Victor Point, as Victor Point Principal Linda Myers is going to be director of curriculum of the district. Dustin Hoehne will be the principal at Pratum and Central Howell.
Silver Crest Interim Principal Heidi Ostrom welcomed guests to the unveiling of the sign, dedicated to Recker. It is a “legacy to a family member who means so much to all of us,” she said.
Parent Eric Anderson spearheaded the project. He thanked many business owners and families for their generosity. He told students that the sign is a reminder of how they should represent and conduct themselves at Silver Crest, Silverton High and when they graduate. Kindness means helping each other. Curiosity means wanting to learn new things. Responsibility means admitting when you have made a mistake, trying to do a better job and being honest. Initiative means doing what’s right without being told and taking pride in your work.
Elk are designed into the metal work. And to Recker’s surprise, a herd of elk was nearby – not something seen often.
A freshman at Silverton High, Christian Epping attended to say thank you to Recker.
“He was a role model and he knew how to bring out the best in a person,” Epping said. “This school is like a family. He is a part of our family and our amazing school.”
“I hope when people see the sign they know that Mr. Recker was caring and he loves children and wants the best for them,” eighth grader Cassi Sattler said.
