RANGELY | We all can recall a time when someone helped us, and the relief we felt lingered in our hearts long after the experience. Uplifting others is often poignantly described as one of the most important things a person can do.
Kimber Waller is a Rangely resident who works at Parkview Elementary as a custodian. She puts those poignant descriptions of helping into action through her work and free time. Her hours start at 2-3 a.m., depending on the day, and end with greeting and encouraging students as they arrive in their classrooms. Through camaraderie, compassion and connection, Waller teaches the students respect and proper manners in maintaining their classrooms and how they treat their teachers. By offering the students incentives such as a movie day or scavenger hunt, she includes them in the responsibility and privilege of caring for their school.
The students adore her and enthusiastically seek her out to show her their latest accomplishments. Several students are participating in a book club she started. Waller is an avid reader, averaging three books a day. The book club is currently reading “The Fairest,” by Gail Caron Levine.
Waller hopes to be the change she wishes to see, be a kind influence to all the people she meets throughout her life, and help others when the opportunity arises. Her work isn’t limited to the duties in a description. The first day she began as a custodian was when the sprinkler system flooded the first level at the Jr/ Sr High School — a challenge to her commitment to success. Waller said she felt strengthened by this experience.
Originally from Wyoming, she relocated here almost two years ago during Covid with her mom and brothers. Their relationship is close — Waller shares her realization of her mother’s dedication to her and her siblings. She credits her drama teacher Eric Kay for teaching her to respect people on the principle that everyone deserves respect and dignity. He offered her experiences of advocacy and set an example to follow. Waller shared how he advocated for her academically to ensure her ability to pass a challenging math course and watched him advocate for other students who had difficult circumstances outside of school.
Her hobbies include serving others, cleaning, studying and reading. She is currently reading “A Discovery of Witches,” a novel by Deborah Harkness. She is also a dental hygiene student at Colorado Northwestern Community College. Waller’s motto is “somehow, everything falls into place.”
BY KATIE KING | Special to the Herald Times
