News: Top Honors For Terita Walker
East High School Leader Named Colorado Principal Of The Year
By Cara DeGette
GPHN Editor
East High School Principal Terita Walker has been named Colorado High School Principal of the Year by the state’s largest association for school leaders.
The Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE) announced the award in March. Walker has been principal at East for four years, and spent 18 years before that as a teacher, school counselor, assistant principal, athletic director and athletic coach. East is the largest and oldest high school in Denver, and the destination for a majority of Park Hill students.
“Throughout her time as a school leader, Walker has transformed the school into a model of inclusivity, academic excellence, and student empowerment,” according to the CASE announcement. “Through intentional leadership and a deep commitment to equity, she has fostered a culture where students and staff thrive emotionally, physically, and academically.”
The award comes after a turbulent two years at East. In February, 2023, junior Luis Garcia was shot outside the school and died from his injuries. No arrests have been made; his family has since filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the school district. Shortly after Garcia’s death, a student shot two school deans before committing suicide. Both East administrators survived, and last month filed lawsuits against Denver Public Schools for failing to prevent the violent attack.
Melissa Gibson, deputy executive director of CASE, declined to say how many other principals were nominated this year, but that the selection process is “very competitive with applicants from across the state.” It’s the first time in many years that a Denver Public Schools principal has received the honor, Gibson said.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition, but I must emphasize that greatness at East High School is never achieved alone,” Walker was quoted as saying in a press announcement. “This award belongs to the incredible students, dedicated leadership team, committed staff, supportive parents, engaged alumni, district partners and the greater East community—all of whom pour their passion and energy into making East exceptional.”
The Greater Park Hill News sat down with Walker in 2021, shortly after she became East principal, to talk about the challenges and her hopes and plans for leadership. Read the interview at greaterparkhill.org/surrounded-by-angels.