Longtime Durango High School Student Leadership Adviser Passes the Gavel

Over the past 26 years, Dale Garland has grown the Durango High School Student Council program into one of Colorado’s very best. Whether it was his dedication to the CHSAA Student Leadership Advisory Committee, his commitment to the NatStuCo “Councils of Excellence” program, or his goal of showcasing his community by hosting a CHSAA Fall Conference, Dale Garland gave his all to our Student Leadership community. On February 12, Garland officially announced his retirement. While his retirement is well-deserved, students and advisers across the state should know that we are grateful for who he is and how he impacted schools across the state.

One of the many highlights of working with Dale was when we collaborated with him to host the CHSAA Fall Conference in Durango. It seemed like we were going to be fighting an uphill campaign to get schools from the north to go down to Durango in October. Between bus schedules, hotel nights, and what the agenda might look like, there were questions and concerns from across the state. Dale, as calm as he always is, simply laid out a plan that answered every question. His group had a plan to host and they were not going to be deterred by forgetting even the smallest of details. In the end, Durango High School hosted one of the best Fall Conference events that we have ever had. Their attention to detail, community hospitality, and in-depth agenda left us all with a model for what future site hosts should do.

Dale has always made it a point to have his students attend as many CHSAA Student Leadership events as they possibly could. Knowing that the best way to grow is to share who you are and what you do with others, Dale’s leadership groups were always upbeat, prepared, and more than willing to step up for all opportunities. Dale modeled excellence, so it was no surprise that his students did the same. He is truly a person of character.

Here is the press release from Durango High School:

Durango HS Student Leadership is pleased to announce that Mrs. Michelle Flom has been selected as the new Durango HS Student Leadership advisor. Flom takes over a student leadership program that has been recognized as a National Association of Student Councils Gold Council of Excellence 10 times since 2010.
    Flom, a 2001 graduate of Durango HS, has been teaching at DHS since 2020. Flom replaces Dale Garland, who is retiring after having been Durango

HS’s student leadership advisor since 1996. “I’m so excited and honored to be given the opportunity to carry on the legacy and traditions that Dale has created as well as put my own stamp on the program. I’m inheriting a great group of students and I can’t wait to hit the ground running.”
        “Student Council is a program that has shaped my high school experience greatly.  The dedication and commitment that I have seen from the current Student Council members makes me excited for the future of DHS student government.  The program will continue to flourish with Mrs. Flom’s experience at DHS and the members’ passion for creating a welcoming culture at DHS.” commented Durango HS co-student body president Ellie Clark.
School District 9R Athletics and Activities Director Ryan Knorr added “One thing our administrative team decided early in this process was there’s no replacing Dale Garland, and we knew considering the next chapter of DHS Student Council is a huge challenge. That being said, Michelle Flom is ready to take this program on – her experience as a former student here, her work ethic, and her perspectives on inclusion are going to serve her and our student body well moving forward. We are fortunate to have her step into the role. This amazing group of students and the future of our program is in good hands.”
     For more information on the Durango HS Student Leadership program, contact Mr. Ryan Knorr, School District 9R Director of Athletics and Activities at rknorr@durangoschools.org or Durango HS Student Leadership at dgarland@durangoschools.org.

As a former Student Leadership adviser, I would like to thank Dale for all that he has done for Student Leadership programs across the state. I hope that he will continue to check in on the work that Durango High School is doing and maybe even drop in on a CHSAA Fall Summit. I would also like to take a moment to welcome Michelle Flom. For all of the amazing work that Dale has done over the past 26 years, I look forward to working with Michelle and helping her to continue growing the culture, pride, and active involvement that Durango High School Student Council has had with CHSAA.

Again, thank you Dale Garland for giving Durango High School and CHSAA Student Leadership the very best of you.