Gayla’s friends explain why we miss her so much.
“Some things about Gayla have never changed. Gayla is kind. Gayla is positive. Gayla doesn’t hold herself above others. Gayla is happy when you’re happy.”
–Barb Timon
“Gayla and I met the first week of college. She was amazing—funny, friendly, smart, and obviously very comfortable in her own skin. She was a star at CU, as she had been at South High. A math major tapped for all the academic honoraries, a cheerleader, president of her sorority, an amazing athlete, and a great friend. She led as busy a life as one could possibly have—yet when you were with her, a stranger or not, you felt welcomed into her circle and you felt important. She was never ‘too busy’ to be with you.”
– Shari (Richmond) Ulrich
“I was one of the lucky high school kids whose lives were touched by Gayla. She became more than a counselor: a human who morphed into a mom on campus, mentor, fan and most importantly a friend. She was one of those special people that could impact your soul for life. I can’t put into words the magic spirit Gayla carried around as she roamed the halls of Fairview or the calming presence that oozed out of her while sitting the counselor’s office. No one likes to be called to the counselor’s office, but with Gayla, I somehow knew things would turn out all right despite the stupid decision(s) I made along the way. I am so grateful to have had someone like Gayla in my life, especially during those crazy high school years when it truly did (still does) take a village to help find success. She was my high school MVP!”
– Becky (Callan) Gamble
“Seeing Gayla in action at Centennial was completely contrary to my perception of what a middle school administrator looked and acted like. I pictured the Trunchbull from Matilda by Roald Dahl. But instead, what I saw was so much joy and fun and laughter and smiling in the office, being led by Gayla. The office was clearly a hub for staff. They wanted to be a part of Gayla’s energy and enthusiasm. They wanted to hear her approval and encouragement, which flowed from her without hesitation and with complete sincerity.
“It was clear that not only the staff loved and admired her, but so did the students. Yes, middle school students loved their principal! She spoke to them in a way that showed she respected them as the young adults they were trying to be. She started with trust and belief, not accusation or skepticism. And just in case someone wonders to what extent the emphasis on fun negatively impacted the academics, the answer was the opposite. Though Gayla was never one to judge a child’s or a teacher’s or a school’s success based on test scores, sometimes those at the Ed Center did. And what they observed was some of the highest achievement scores in the state of Colorado.”
– Kent Cruger
“Gayla was an extremely successful principal at Centennial, where she developed deep friendships with administrators, teachers and students before moving over to help get Monarch K-8 up and running. I say “help” because I don’t think Gayla would want to take sole credit and because, while she was a natural leader, she led by example and understood how to create an effective culture where others could shine. I taught an accelerated English course at Centennial for a couple of years after Gayla left, and I remember asking when I started whether there was some kind of book of behavioral guidelines or rules. I was told “no.” Gayla had one rule: respect. And that applied to everything.
Maybe pure genius is the ability to distill something complex down to its simplest elements. I think Gayla’s “respect rule” does just that. It’s so simple, and it works. She exemplifies it, and it is one of the many reasons she has been so successful as a principal, a friend, a competitor, and in so many other ways.”
– Pam Prescott
“Gayla is the most positive, loving, kind person I know. She sees no stranger… The overriding themes of my memories/time spent with Gayla are ones of laughter, humor and her compassion for animals, pets, little kids and those affected by tragic events. The most selfless person, Gayla has given me two books that epitomize everything about her –Oh, The Places You’ll Go (when I started with USA Basketball) and The Diary of a Mindful Dog (just because I am her friend) – giving, caring, loving, laughing and so much more.”
– Carol Callan
“I was lucky enough to help open Monarch K-8 with you. You were a whirlwind principal with a positive attitude that attracted a very talented staff. Monarch K-8 was the first K-8 to open in Boulder Valley School District, so there were no blueprints to follow. Instead, you searched nationwide for successful K-8 models. That research along with your great insights and depth of experience allowed Monarch K-8 to become a school that provided students, parents, and staff an inviting and rich environment in which to learn and teach, thanks to you.
You, my friend, have walked many roads with me. Some fun, some sad, some life changing. I am so appreciative of who you are: your kindness, your clarity, your honesty, your big picture thinking, and, of course, your big heart. Thank you for being my friend.”
– Judy Davis
Gayla
By Greg Peters
She is Boulder
She is the mountains
Bold and strong
Beautiful from every angle
Always reminding us of all that’s good in the world
She is one of Boulder
One of those
Who loves a challenge
…whether
it’s running a race
hitting a tennis ball
or starting a new school
She thrives on them all
She is the changeability of Boulder
Thunderstorm followed by sunshine
Wind followed by calm
Snowstorm followed by warmth
Tough when she needs to be
Knowing that toughness strengthens
But should forever be followed by goodness, warmth and generosity
She endures
Like the mountains and the trees
Those she touches remember
And that which she changes
Remains and continues
She is the best of Boulder