Pictured Left to Right: Makencie, Johannah, Rhys, Sarah, Jase, Kayla

Adair – Casey / Guthrie Center High School has a new face at the helm.

Principal Rhys Pate is now in his second month in the position as the school year approaches. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio what drew him to the position when it opened up after previous Principal Cody Matthewson stepped down.

“The biggest reason I wanted to take on this leadership role was to be part of a school setting that’s more of a family-like atmosphere, a community that is very passionate about the school activities, athletics, everything like that. I think in the bigger schools, you lose a little bit of that community support. Growing up in a community like Madrid, I always felt like there was community support, so when this opportunity arose to take on this leadership role at AC/GC, I jumped on it.”

Pate mentions that having attended and graduated from Madrid, this kind of atmosphere and community is what he grew up with, though he’s been working in the West Des Moines Community School DIstrict for the past 18 years. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio that everyone has been very welcoming and supportive so far, and that he’s looking forward to getting the school year started.