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Casey Kilpatrick says farewell to Moffat County High School

Teacher to take position with state education group

Andy Bockelman
Moffat County High School teacher Casey Kilpatrick prepares to say good-bye to the school and the Craig community. Kilpatrick's last day at MCHS is Friday, as he moves on to a job with the Colorado Education Association. Kilpatrick has taught English for the school for seven years, as well as coaching the boys golf team and the speech and debate team.
Andy Bockelman

As someone who’s spent a great deal of time assisting others in perfecting how they read, write and speak, Moffat County High School teacher Casey Kilpatrick often has referred to classic writers. And, in summing up the start of a new chapter of his life, he chose the words of author Mary Ann Evans, better known by the pen name George Eliot: “Only in the agony of parting do we look into the depth of love.”

“While leaving is painful, it reminds me of the deep love I bear for the memories and people who have shaped me into the man I am today,” he said.

Kilpatrick will end his career in Moffat County this week, with his last day of teaching today. He will move on to a position in Denver as director of learning services with Colorado Education Association.



“I’ll be working more with teachers instead of students, and focusing on professional development and what CEA can do to make them better educators in light of all the new initiatives coming down from the state level,” he said.

Kilpatrick was offered the job earlier this month, and because the starting date is in April, he had to give his notice before the end of the school year, finishing his time at MCHS right before spring break.



The English department will undergo a minor shift to accommodate the change in personnel, including bringing in retired MCHS teacher Deb Roberts as a substitute, Principal Thom Schnellinger said.

“Casey brought an awful lot of things to the school with his enthusiasm, his excitement, and he was a great member of the team,” Schnellinger said.

The replacements for Kilpatrick as coach of the boys golf team in the fall and adviser for the speech and debate team, which recently finished its season, will be determined later by Rick Schmitz, athletics and activities director for Moffat County School District.

During his seven years with MCHS, Kilpatrick filled many roles, overseeing the yearbook staff, directing one of the school’s plays and serving as the chairperson of the English department.

He also was a student in the district growing up, which prompted him to teach within the community that taught him.

“Although embattled, MCSD, especially the high school, has never wavered in its dedication and commitment to making young people successful,” he said. “The people in this district who dedicate their lives to other people’s children inspire me daily, and I will truly miss them.”

Contact Andy Bockelman at 970-875-1793 or abockelman@CraigDailyPress.com or follow him on Twitter @CDP_Education.


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