Your Poudre School District community newsletter | Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021 | Translate / Traducción / ترجمة

Honoring our own this Veterans Day

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PSD staff reflect on military, post-service life

Looking back, teenage David “Luke” Lefurge didn’t have a lot of confidence in his academics.

He was without a mentor and needed some seasoning, or so said his mother, a single parent and guidance secretary at his smalltown Vermont high school. After meeting with high school recruiters, Lefurge enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in May 1982.

“I looked across the desk at my recruiter, wearing a blue suit and tie, and 18-year-old Luke Lefurge was impressed,” he said.

Years later, with more experience and belief in himself, 25-year-old Lefurge went to the University of Vermont, where he earned a degree in forestry. It was something he never imagined.

The now-educator shared his story of military service on a sunny fall day, seated at a picnic table outside PSD’s administrative building. Beside him was a honey-colored wooden shadow box protecting his carefully folded American flag; military insignia for chief master sergeant, the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force; and a photo of a younger, uniformed Lefurge with a then-full head of hair.

Lefurge, Michael Quijano and Glen Dilldine are three among many Poudre School District employees who had a life and career before PSD. Together, they are our veterans.

Ways to honor Veterans Day and all it signifies

• Veterans and their families alike may appreciate a simple “thank you.”

• Learn about different branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

• Volunteer for organizations that support veterans.

• Bring in a speaker who is a veteran to speak at your school, workplace or community center.

• See a veteran at the local café or restaurant? Buy their coffee or meal.

• If you donate to your alma mater, consider earmarking your contribution specifically to support programs and services that support veterans.

Information: Military.com, Military Spouse, U.S. Department of Defense

Everyone belongs: PSD alumna, exchange students bond through love of music, dogs

How do three people who speak different languages but live in the same house connect?

The answer for one Poudre School District alumni and two exchange students is the universal language of music.

Specifically, host parent Mary Timby, and Poudre High School senior Miguel Cruz, from Brazil, and junior Manex Iturrioz-Zabala, from Spain, have strengthened their relationship through a shared love of dogs and a shared Spotify music playlist.

Becoming a host parent is not without its challenges, but Timby, a Rocky Mountain High School graduate, is already willing to host students again because of what she, Cruz and Iturrioz-Zabala have built together.

Outgoing PSD board president, alumni reflects on his community service

Teenage Christophe Febvre didn’t imagine becoming a member of the Poudre School District Board of Education, but the then-Poudre School District middle schooler went on to do just that.

“I'm not convinced that many of my teachers could have foreseen it either,” said Febvre, who closes out eight years of service to his alma mater on Nov. 12, the last day of his term as board director and president.

“I am deeply appreciative of the civic lessons I have learned through this engagement in our democracy,” said Febvre. “And beyond all else, I feel privileged to have been included in a deep and meaningful way in the governance of this gem of a district.”