The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

It is hard for me to believe that this is the last day of school for the Pioneer staff and students. It seems odd to me for the school to be this quiet and devoid of the laughter that we shared throughout the 2022-2023 school year. Odd as that may be, I am so very appreciative and happy for all of those who gave so much of themselves and their time and those who have grown so very much throughout this past school year. I want to wish all of you my best wishes for a safe and memorable summer under the Big Sky with family and friends.

I’d also like to say thank you to the Big Sandy community and the parents of our students for your continued support for our students, staff, and administration. Time and time again many individuals and civic organizations in our small and supportive community stepped up to lend a helping hand of support that in all honesty enabled us to have the successful year that we were fortunate to experience together. Simply put, I do not know that we would have achieved so very much without the support of so many in our community.

As I looked out at the crowd at our graduation ceremony this past Sunday, I was overcome by the tremendous turnout and the genuine honor that it was for myself to present such a fine group of young men and ladies to the community that has been so instrumental in the success of the Class of 2023. It struck me then and there, the totality of our accomplishments and the growth that I have been fortunate to witness in our students and staff this past year. What we accomplished together was special and so too were the many happy memories that we made together.

Graduates, thank you for the example that you have set and for raising the bar and the expectation of what it means to be a Pioneer… in the classroom, in the hallways, and in representing us within our region and state. You helped define what it means to be a Pioneer going forward and you positively influenced our Little Pioneers along the way. I wish you every success in your respective futures.

We have much to be proud of and to be thankful for in Big Sandy and I encourage those reading this to share in our success and in our appreciation for the Big Sandy staff that work so very hard, investing so much of themselves in support of one another, our school district, and most importantly, in working tirelessly in paying it forward to our students. I am humbled to be here and I look forward to another successful year next year.

Until Next Time, Daniel Schrock