SANFORD- “The outstanding staff at Sanford Schools did their best to hide the secret from Kristie Duran. The students and staff were called into the auxiliary gym Tuesday for an after-lunch assembly and the school counselor dutifully marched in with the rest, unsuspicious of what was to come. 

Until she spotted her mom.  

Her children Huntley and Avery in the assembly, no problem. They go to school at Sanford. But there was her mom in the gymnasium, trying to stay undetected on the other end with flowers in hand. That was the giveaway. 

Duran, who arrived at Sanford in 2014, was presented with the Adams State University Educator Highlight Award and judging from the response of the gathered student body and teachers and staff at the school, it’s a well-deserved recognition for her. 

The award is presented each month by Adams State School of Education Director Curtis Garcia, Ph.D., based on nominations the school receives.  

“She is so deserving of this,” said Secondary Principal Mandy Mortensen, who brought the students into the assembly and asked Duran to talk about the things that have changed in her time at the school. 

“We went from the Indians to the Mustangs, that was a big change,” she responded.  

It was an emotional school assembly as she talked to the students about the essence of being the school counselor.  

“I always get sad every year. I grow closer and closer to the seniors and then by the time I love you like my own kids, you guys leave me. That’s really sad. So every year I feel like we go through that, like you guys go to college and I’m still stuck here. Sometimes I speak, sometimes you go off in your mind. The kids change. My office hasn’t changed.”  

Students were asked to shout out a word associated with Duran. 

 “Greatness. Kindness,” the words rang down. 

“What's one of your secret powers to do the job you do,” she asked. 

“Patience. I don't know. I’m very patient with you guys for sure. Patience, just the love that I have for these kids, I guess, is my superpower. Just knowing that they’re going to go off and be wonderful people and be successful in the world, that just makes me feel good.” 

Her mother sat in the stands and listened.  

“When I saw my mom sitting in the corner, I was suspicious. I told the seniors we had a presentation after lunch to talk about rules. I had no idea. But I love you all. I hope you guys know that,” she said. 

Mom gave her the flowers and photographs were taken. In the end, the school counselor realized the school assembly was for her to show how much Sanford cares. 

“Just really surprised and thank you guys for doing this. It makes me feel really special and honored. Sometimes we feel like you’re not making a difference. Kids don’t really care what you’re doing. This makes me feel special.” 

If you know an educator like Kristie Duran doing exceptional work in the San Luis Valley, make a nomination for the Adams State Educator Highlight Award, email Paul Clark at pclark@adams.edu. 

This monthly award recognizes Adams State University School of Education alumni, prominent local teachers, and other educators working within or hailing from the San Luis Valley.