Latest news with #Gilreath
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Gilreath appointed as new principal at Parkway Intermediate
Apr. 21—EPHRATA — The Ephrata School District has announced Kim Gilreath's appointment as the next principal of Parkway Intermediate School, effective July 1, 2025. Gilreath will succeed current principal Jeremy Vasquez, who plans to return to the classroom. With over 25 years of experience in various educational capacities, Gilreath said she brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to this role. Gilreath's career spans diverse positions, including preschool director and middle school assistant principal. Currently serving as the assistant principal at Sultan Middle School, she has demonstrated a robust commitment to behavior management, social-emotional learning, and Career and Technical Education programming. Her appointment is poised to foster growth and innovation within Parkway Intermediate. "Kim is a high-energy, thoughtful leader who puts students at the center of everything she does," said Ken Murray, Superintendent of the Ephrata School District, in a statement. "She's passionate about building strong relationships, thinking creatively, and working collaboratively to do what's best for kids. Kim is deeply committed to effective teaching and holding students to high academic and behavioral expectations, believing that all students can grow when appropriately supported and challenged." Gilreath holds a master's degree in school administration from Central Washington University and a bachelor of science in biology from the University of Washington, along with multiple endorsements, including CTE certification. She said her educational background equips her with the skills necessary to lead Parkway Intermediate as it navigates the complexities of middle school education. "I'm thrilled to be joining the Parkway Intermediate team," she said. "One of the things that really drew me to this school is its strong commitment to character development in students. I love building connections, thinking outside the box, and working collaboratively with staff and families to do what's best for kids." Gilreath said that fifth and sixth grades are her favorite group of students to be around because they are young enough that they are still full of energy and they still think she is "cool," but old enough to begin making decisions for their futures. "This is such a unique and important time — it's where elementary students begin to discover who they're becoming as young adults," she said. "I'm honored to be part of that journey and can't wait to get started." With the ongoing challenges faced by schools nationwide, including learning loss due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Gilreath anticipates addressing these issues head-on. "I think schools across the country are still seeing challenges with learning loss," she said. "It's essential that we acknowledge and address this for the benefit of our students." As Parkway Intermediate has seen enrollment growth, Gilreath believes that while this is a positive indicator of the school's reputation, it also presents challenges. "Ephrata is growing, which is a good problem, but we must ensure that we plan for the future. Parkway is an older building facility, and we're using lots of portables. We need to thoughtfully plan for the future to provide students with all the opportunities we want for them," she said. Engaging with students is a fundamental aspect of Gilreath's vision for her leadership. "I just love kids, so I plan on talking to them, spending time with them, and getting to know them. I want to find out what they think is important and what gets them excited to show up every day," she said. Her strategies include establishing student committees and conducting regular temperature checks, allowing students to voice their opinions and needs. Outside her professional duties, Gilreath said she holds a strong belief in community involvement. Growing up in Billings, Mont., and educated at the University of Washington, she said she has a personal connection to Ephrata and regards it as a strong community supportive of educational initiatives. She also said she frequently visited Ephrata while her children competed in sporting events and to visit her family members who live nearby. "I love that it's a small enough town that you have a really strong sense of community. Everyone truly has a heart for seeing kids do well," she said. As her inaugural year approaches, Gilreath aims to foster a positive school culture where both students and staff feel valued. "I think we can be stronger together," she said. "I'm really excited for the opportunity to join a strong team in reaching our kids."
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Evening workouts on garage wrestling mat helps Gilreath to 2nd state title
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — Just a junior, Evangel 150 lbs. wrestler Joe Gilreath is already a two time state champion, but just days after pinning his way through the 2025 LHSAA State Tournament, his eyes are set on a three peat. Total domination, that's the only way to describe Joe Gilreath's performance in the state tournament. A normal wrestling match is six minutes long, Gilreath won four matches at state and spent just 5:42 on the mat, for the entire tournament. History Made; Girls compete for state wrestling title for first time 'I walked over to my coaches and just gave them a big hug and then it kind of hit me right after that, I was like I won state twice,' said Gilreath. It's his 2nd state title, and also the 2nd time he was able to jump into his dad arms in celebration, a tradition for the Gilreath family that started with Joe's older brother Mike. 'That moment of lifting them is recognition for all of the hard work. Of course if they happen to come up short the hug after would be no less special, a little more painful, maybe bittersweet,' said Joe's dad Todd. 'It's euphoric to lift them after such a big moment.' The moment never seems to be too big for Joe but 184 career wins doesn't happen by accident. The Gilreath's have a wrestling mat in their garage and it's all the extra work in that home wrestling room that's led to the high level of success. 'All of it. I wrestled my dad and with my brother, a three time state champion,' said Gilreath. 'Iron sharpens iron, it's one of those things you cherish it, it's frustrating at times. There are times we've both gotten frustrated with each other but it's all worth it in the end.' 'This is where we really bond,' said Todd. 'These moments though, being on the mat, it's sacred it's not time that I'd give up for anything.' Kershaw looking for 1st state title after 2 runner up finishes Joe is a junior so it's not something Todd is going to have to give up just yet. They've got another year of hard work in that garage, and they'll get lots of time together as Joe has even bigger goals for his senior season. 'I've been getting what I wanted but I want more than that,' Gilreath said. 'I want to go for three, maybe even a national championship.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
