In 1997, I moved with my husband and three young daughters to the San Luis Valley to accept a teaching job in the Department of Sociology at Adams State College. We located in Del Norte, and I began looking for a way for us to become integrated into the community. At that time, a small group of three young mothers had formed to discuss building a community center. I became involved by writing grants, and through that effort, the first Summer Arts & Recreation program was launched.

During the past 14 years, the HVCC has provided my kids with opportunities, first as participants in the programs, later as Junior Counselors and Instructors. Our whole family enjoys the Performance Arts Series and the Community Garden.

I continue as the volunteer grant writer, and I am proud of all that High Valley has accomplished in our community. I continue to hold on to the dream that brought the original group together -- to build a community center with a pool -- where our programs can expand, and we can better promote the development of creative minds and active bodies among our citizens.

I am a culinary worker, as well as a substitute teacher for Del Norte Schools.  I have worked with children for many years, holding positions in various boards dealing with children’s activities.  My family has lived in Del Norte off and on for the last 14 years.

Becky was born and raised in Southern Idaho. She moved to Colorado in 1994 and has since stayed in Colorado.  She and her husband and three children moved to Del Norte in the spring of 2004 and she heard about a summer program through High Valley Community Center.  Not knowing many people here, she jumped on the chance to enroll her kids in the program and get to know some people. 

 As a parent, she attended the program with her kindergarten age daughter.  Becky was impressed with the scope of opportunities for her children, and she began involvement with other aspects of HVCC.  Becky was the coordinator for a moms and tots program through HVCC.  She has taken adult classes, attended HVCC performances, and taught an after school class. 

Her husband served on the board for a year, and after he left, she came on board.  Over the past few years, Becky has enjoyed watching the community become increasingly involved in HVCC.

I moved to the area in 1993 with my husband and four-year-old daughter, Hannah.  Moving from a big city to South Fork was quite a culture shock, and I was quick to find a group of like- minded young mothers with children. We talked about creating a place for family resources and family activities. From our research we  were introduced to Lawrence Pacheco from Fort Garland, and that community center became our model for our Center.  Even though we have not achieved as much as we want, there is still a lot of pride in the distance we have come.  
My daughter will be graduating in May of 2011 from Colorado College, and my son is a sophomore at Del Norte High School.  My husband builds in the area, and I currently teach algebra at Del Norte High School.  We continue to live in South Fork. I love the area and truly believe it is a great place to raise a family.  Although I’ve done many jobs for the Center, I am currently working with the After-School Program.  I love hanging out with the younger kids, helping with homework, reading together and just being at the Center on a regular basis.  

Christopher Dahle has been a Del Norte resident since 1996. Currently a science and math teacher, Mr. Dahle has prior experience in construction management, law, and as a board member of community organizations in Denver, and Trinidad, Colorado. He holds degrees from Metropolitan State College (BA 1989) and the University of Denver (JD 1993).
 
Mr. Dahle has been active in the HVCC garden and served as garden coordinator during its inaugural year. He and his wife Christi have 2 children who have eagerly participated in the Center's summer program.
 
In addition to organic gardening, Mr. Dahle's interests include cross-country skiing, camping, natural history, and model aviation.

My name is Theresa Gallegos, I have lived in Del Norte all my life; I am married to Tom Gallegos and have two children: Tammy Lynn Gallegos, my oldest, and my son Tom Gallegos.
 
I worked for the Del Norte Head Start for 23 years and took three years off to help my daughter with my grandson. I returned to the Del Norte Head Start in 2007 and am currently working there. I am attending TSJC and will graduate in December 2010 with my AAS in Early Childhood.

My name is Carla Frequez.  I've lived in Del Norte for 25 years.  I have worked in Special Ed in the Elementary School for 17 years.  I have been and EMT for the Del Norte Ambulance for 20 years. 

Married to Bobby Fresquez Chief of Del Norte PD.  We have 3 sons, Robbie 22 , Denver, Adam and his wife Amy, Aaron and his wife Brandy.  Adam works for Rio Grande Sherriffs Office, Aaron for La Jara PD.  We have a Daughter AJ who is a freshmen at Del Norte High School.  She keeps us busy with volleyball, basketball and track.  We also have 3 grand children, Donnivan 9, Jordan 6 and Maddy 1.