We will be honoring five outstanding retired teachers as part of this year’s “Cavemen Strong” program, which will take place the evening of Dec. 7 at the college. This has been a great way to remind our educators that their contributions have never been forgotten.
One of this year’s educators being honored is now teaching at the Carlsbad Prep Academy, though she previously retired from Carlsbad Municipal Schools. Lindsay Garza began teaching at Monterrey Elementary in 1995. She then moved to the Early Childhood Education Center, where she taught Kindergarten for 18 years. In February of 2019 she was the Principal of Ocotillo Elementary where she remained until her retirement in July 2022.
Janet Cunningham began her teaching career at Hillcrest Elementary School, where she remained until her retirement. She loved teaching and cherished every single one of her students.
Sally Covington was a career educator, who taught both kindergarten and high school. She especially enjoyed being the yearbook sponsor. She was also the first student in CHS history to be elected by the American Field Service for a foreign exchange program.
George Frederick is a name well known to many. During his 42 year career, he taught and coached in both Loving and Carlsbad, and he led both schools to multiple state championships in a variety of sports. Most recently, he coached the CHS softball program to a state title in 2010.
Finally, we are honoring Karen Gentry, who taught math before being a part of the high school’s inaugural computer science program. She taught computer science and math until her retirement in 1997. She also worked to further computer education across the state and nation.
There is a reason that our Hall of Fame holds more educators than any other profession- these men and women make a lifelong difference for all of us. Congratulations to all of these outstanding educators.
Ricky and Bellzora Garcia will also be honoring Carlsbad Police Detective Ryan Kinnikin, Fire Department Engineer Brandon Lee, and Sheriff’s Department Deputy Orlando Moreno at the Cavemen Strong Ceremony. These first responders have all been nominated by their peers. Scholarships will be presented to Audrey Paige Neurmann, Mace Marie Stephens and Gavin York.
Jimmy Fuson was deservedly selected as this year’s “Comeback Kid”, while Judi Waters is being recognized as the Cavemen Strong Outstanding Citizen. We appreciate everything Ricky and Bellzora Garcia have done for our community throughout the years, and we look forward to this year’s event.
Sincerely,
Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway