MEEKER | The Meeker High School Cowboys wrappThe Meeker School District kicked off the 2024-2025 school year with several changes, including the addition of seven new teachers to the district.
Among the new hires is fifth-grade teacher Megan Shelton, the younger sister of four-time Colorado High School Wrestling State Champion TJ Shelton. Megan Shelton shared her reasons for returning to teach in the district where she grew up.
“I grew up in Meeker and attended the same school I will be teaching in,” Shelton said. “I decided to come back to Meeker to be in the community that supported me through my academic career and to be closer to my family.”
Sam Richter, another new fifth-grade teacher, hails from Wyoming. He discussed what drew him to the Meeker School District.
“When I interviewed in Meeker last April, I was impressed with how established and connected the community is,” Richter said. “It seemed like a great fit for me to grow professionally, make meaningful contributions, and see someplace new.”
Sarah Wilson, a new third-grade teacher, comes to the district from Hotchkiss, Colorado. She previously taught first and fourth grades in Wiggins, Colorado, for 15 years. Wilson expressed her excitement about the upcoming school year.
“I am most excited to build new relationships with a new set of students and also have the opportunity to learn new things,” Wilson said. “This district is filled with professionals that have so much to offer, and not just to students.”
Melany Neton, who will be teaching fourth grade, is from Ordway, Colorado, and has lived in Craig, Colorado, with her husband since 1998. She has taught in the Moffat County School District for the past 15 years. Neton outlined her goals for the school year.
“My goal for the year is to help each child in my class have a great school year and learn new and exciting concepts,” Neton said.
At the middle school level, the district welcomed 7th and 8th grade math teacher Krista Benner. Raised in Meeker, Benner returned seven years ago after raising her three children in Littleton, Colorado. Before becoming a teacher, she worked as a substitute teacher and SPED paraprofessional at Barone Middle School for the past two years.
“I am an alternate licensure teacher. I am enjoying the challenge of not only learning all the nuances of my curriculum but also fulfilling the licensing requirements,” Benner said. She added that her goal for the year is “to have fun learning with my students and to help each student perform at their best level in a positive, encouraging environment.”
Marci Kirkpatrick, a new counselor at the middle school on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and at the high school on Wednesdays, is from Denver, on the west side of Golden, Colorado. She shared what inspired her to join the Meeker School District.
“My parents both grew up and graduated from Meeker. I have spent my life visiting here. After teaching in Denver for 27 years, it was finally possible to take a position in Meeker. I couldn’t be more excited. It feels like I am coming home, even though I have never lived here permanently before,” Kirkpatrick said.
Kirkpatrick is particularly excited to work in the same district where her great-grandmother once taught.
“I love the focus on kids across the district,” she said. “You can feel in every meeting or event you attend that kids are a priority and growing great people is the goal. I can’t wait to be a part of it.”
The high school also welcomed a new science teacher, Sarah Powell, who is from Salt Lake City, Utah, and studied science at the University of Utah. Powell discussed her decision to work in the Meeker School District.
“For the last two years, I worked as a substitute in the Meeker School District. I love all that this town has to offer, and I adore the students that we have in our school district,” Powell said.
Powell also shared some of her hobbies, which include rowing, skiing, birdwatching, gardening, hiking, and spending time with her family.
Superintendent Chris Selle expressed enthusiasm about the new additions to the staff.
“We are excited about the new staff that we have here. They come from various backgrounds and areas of expertise, and they’re going to be a great addition to our instructional staff,” Selle said.
The new school year began Monday, Aug. 19, for both teachers and students. The Meeker School District is excited to welcome these new educators to the community.
By JARED HENDERSON
The Meeker School District welcomed seven new employees from left to right: Sarah Wilson, Marci Kirkpatrick, Sam Richter, Melany Neton, Krista Benner, Megan Shelton, and Sarah Powell. JARED HENDERSON PHOTO
