Mike Keller shares some words of wisdom upon his retirement:
Each year as I read the life of each retiree from the school district, I wonder what I will say when it is my turn. Well it’s my turn, and I am attempting to put 43 years of working in education in a paragraph. I want to say something profound that people will remember for years to come. However, I am at a loss of coming up with something profound. I was born and raised in Price, my parents Dan and Athlen Keller had just moved to Price in 1953. I enjoyed my childhood years; however, I wasn’t particularly fond of school. My best memories of those years were doing things with family and friends. After graduating from Carbon High School, I attended the College of Eastern Utah and then served a 2 year mission for my church. I attended BYU graduating with a degree in Industrial Education. I still can see the look on the faces of great men like Jim Powell, Beven Young, Loren Bailey, Bill Bate, Paul Dupan, and many others who were my teachers growing up when seeing me at that first teacher meeting in the fall of 1977. I know they were saying to themselves, “What is the world coming to when Mike Keller becomes a teacher?” I met my soon to be wife that first year. It was love at first sight at least for me and Lana Lessing and I were married in 1978. Lana and I have enjoyed raising our family in Price, a great place to live. I have many fond memories of the great educators I have associated with over the past 43 years. The time has passed so quickly when looking back. I have worked with at least 10 superintendents, but I have only had 2 principals, Tonita Crookston and Edna Romano, and I loved them both. I have worked and currently work with the best of the best. I see examples of love and caring every day in my work. Most of all I have to say that I have worked with, taught and given support to the best students and adults with disabilities anywhere. I see unconditional love given each day from our students and our staff. It has truly been a memorable career for me when I look back at all the wonderful people I have associated with in education. I look forward to spending time with Lana, our children, and our grandchildren. I might even spend some time volunteering in the schools just to keep the light shining bright by seeing children learn and progress in life. - Mike Keller
Please join us as we congratulate Mike on a well deserved retirement. His love of all children extend beyond the walls of his school as he has influenced countless young men in Scouting and other programs. We are grateful for Mike sharing his love, support and always offering whatever else is needed. He is the definition of unconditional and that’s what made his community at Castle Valley Center so special.